5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking - Marangu Route
Experience Africa's highest peak on this classic 5-day ascent via Kilimanjaro's famous Marangu Route, affectionately called the "Coca-Cola" route. This is the only route offering comfortable hut accommodations as you climb through diverse ecosystems to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Our group joining trek includes professional guides, all meals on the mountain, quality equipment, and hut fees. Perfect for trekkers who prefer more comfort than camping, with shared dormitory-style huts at each altitude level.
Day 1: Arusha to Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Morning pickup from your Arusha hotel (around 8:00 AM) for the scenic drive to Marangu Gate (1,860m). After registration and lunch, begin your trek through lush rainforest.
The 4-5 hour hike covers 8km to Mandara Hut (2,700m), where you might spot blue monkeys and colorful birdlife. Enjoy dinner in the cozy dining hut before settling into your shared dormitory (4-8 people per room).
Evening temperatures remain mild at this altitude - the perfect introduction to mountain trekking with your new group members.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
After breakfast (around 8:00 AM), trek through thinning forest into the heather and moorland zone. Today's 12km hike (5-7 hours) reveals stunning views of Mawenzi Peak.
Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m) where you'll notice the effects of altitude. Rest, hydrate, and enjoy meals in the dining hut while watching spectacular sunsets over the plains below.
Our guides monitor everyone for altitude symptoms, ensuring proper acclimatization before tomorrow's higher ascent. Night temperatures drop significantly at this elevation.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Today's challenging 10km hike (5-7 hours) takes you through the alpine desert to Kibo Hut (4,703m) at the base of the summit cone. The landscape becomes increasingly lunar-like with sparse vegetation.
Arrive by early afternoon for rest and early dinner. Prepare your summit gear as you'll wake at midnight for the final ascent. Drink plenty of water and try to sleep despite the altitude.
Temperatures plummet after sunset - layer up with all your warm clothing for the coming summit attempt. Most trekkers experience mild altitude symptoms at this height.
Day 4: Summit Day - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut
Begin the grueling midnight ascent (6-7 hours) under headlamps, navigating steep scree slopes to Gilman's Point (5,681m) at dawn. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Africa's highest point.
After celebrating at the summit, descend carefully to Kibo Hut for short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m). Total trekking time 12-16 hours covering about 22km roundtrip.
The sense of achievement carries you through the exhaustion as you enjoy your final night on the mountain with your trekking team.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha
The final descent (20km, 5-7 hours) takes you back through changing ecosystems to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificates before transferring back to Arusha.
Arrive by late afternoon (around 4-5 PM) for hotel drop-off. Celebrate your achievement with fellow trekkers - you've just conquered Kilimanjaro via its most historic route!