Reach Kilimanjaro’s peak in just 5 days via the Marangu Route, the only path on the mountain that offers hut accommodations for a comfortable trekking experience. This route features scenic trails that wind through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky landscapes, providing breathtaking views at every turn. While the trek is shorter, the well-structured itinerary ensures a rewarding journey to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Enjoy the thrill of summiting in a quick yet fulfilling adventure, surrounded by stunning vistas and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers!
5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek | Shortest Summit Path
- 5 Days
Adult
Child
From
$1,530.00
Per Adult
From
$1,530.00
Per Child
Description
Duration
5 Days
Group Size
100
Language
English
Introduction
Kwesa Tours guides treks up the Marangu Route, which is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro's summit and is known as the "Coca Cola" or "tourist" route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with the comforts of solar-powered sleeping huts and comfortable beds at every camp. The huts are communal, and each bunk has a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Basic men's and ladies' latrines are available at the last camp. All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation). This route is usually done in 5 days, but you can do it in 6 days for better acclimatization. You can spend your extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a basecamp below Kibo's sub peak Mawenzi.
Included
- Professional, experienced mountain guides and porters
- All park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Accommodation before and after the climb (if applicable)
- High-quality camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, and dining tents
- Nutritious meals prepared by experienced mountain chefs
- Clean drinking water throughout the trek
- Comprehensive medical kit and emergency oxygen
- Portable toilet facilities
- All government taxes and VAT
Excluded
- Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Tanzania are not included
- Visa Fees: Entry visa fees for Tanzania are the responsibility of the traveller
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, and evacuation is not included but highly recommended
- Personal Gear: Climbing equipment such as hiking boots, warm clothing, sleeping bags, and trekking poles are not provided
- Tips: Gratuity for guides, porters, and other staff is not included but appreciated
- Additional Meals: Meals not specified in the itinerary, including snacks and beverages, are excluded
- Personal Expenses: Any expenses of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, laundry, or phone calls, are not covered
- Optional Activities: Optional excursions or activities outside of the planned itinerary are not included
- Medical Expenses: Any medical expenses incurred during the climb, including medications and treatment, are the responsibility of the traveller
- Airport Transfers: Airport transfers outside of the designated meeting points are not included
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Marangu
After breakfast and a briefing from your guide, leave Moshi at 9 AM, drive for 45 minutes to the Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro, register with the national park, and begin hiking at 10:30 AM. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys. At these lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts should be sufficient, but keep your rain gear and warmer clothing handy. Stop halfway for lunch, and reach the Mandara Huts at 2 or 3 PM. Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee. A 15-minute side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Dinner is served during the early evening at 7 PM. Bathrooms with running water are available
Day 2 - Marangu
Wake to a 7:30 AM breakfast, and pack for your next trek. Break camp by 8:30 AM, hike for an hour through rainforest glades, then follow an ascending path through heathland where you can look for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, where you can enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts by 3 PM, where you can see Kibo’s summit. Rest, unpack, and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms with running water are available. You may start to feel the effects of altitude here, and to aid your acclimatization, you can choose to spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a basecamp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi.
Day 3 - Marangu
Wake to breakfast as usual, but if you wake early you can get some great photos of the sunrise. The first part of the day’s hike climbs through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. When you stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours. Be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness. There is no running water at the Kibo Huts
Day 4 - Marangu
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast, then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. Leave at 1 AM, switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 5 and 7 AM. Here, views of the fabled crater and its icecaps greet you. Another 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim near the celebrated snows take you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 9 AM. This is Africa’s highest point, and you would have to travel more than 3,000 miles toward the Himalayas to find a higher peak! Be sure to have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends.
After your summit stays, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your things, and recross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep!
Day 5 - Marangu
Barranco to Karanga Valley - Barafu camp (4550m), Hiking time: 7 hours Distance: About 13 km's - Habitat: Alpine desert Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep for not more than 5 Hours
WHY TRAVEL WITH KWESA TOURS?
With our own office, highly experienced team and a fleet of robust luxury safari vehicles, we are never dependent on external factors. We arrange and oversee your entire holiday from A to Z, making sure it’s a smooth journey on the way!
Our customized private safaris allow you to explore the best of Africa at your own pace in exactly the style you desire. With your personal safari guide and private safari vehicle, your trip to Tanzania is about as flexible as it can be.
Our Safari and Kilimanjaro mountain guide including Kilimanjaro mountain Senior Guide Edward AKA Teacher..
Our professional travel consultants are experts in everything Tanzania: luxury safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or even Zanzibar beach holidays. From planning the perfect highlights for your trip to advising on local rules and customs. Our clients benefit from our wealth of Tanzania expertise.
We offer high-quality private safaris at affordable prices. By cutting out the middle man and stepping away from the traditional commission system, we manage to keep our prices for Tanzania travel experiences as reasonable as possible. Savings we pass on to our customers.
From
$1,530.00 $1,699.00
Book This Tour
From
$1,530.00 $1,699.00
Book This Tour
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