
5-Day Marangu Trek
The Coca-Cola Route: A 5-Day Marangu Trek with Tazama Africa
Price starting from
$1,788
5-Day Marangu Trek
The Marangu route, affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is the oldest and one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. It follows the same historic trail used by the first successful summit in 1889. What sets this route apart is the unique accommodation it offers: climbers stay in communal A-frame huts, providing a welcome shelter from the elements, especially during the rainy season.
However, it is important to understand the challenge of the shorter itinerary. The 5-day Marangu trek is a swift and demanding ascent with a particularly steep acclimatization profile. While we offer this option for experienced climbers, Tazama Africa strongly recommends the 6-day itinerary for beginners. The extra day is a crucial investment in your safety and success, allowing your body to adapt more gradually to the altitude and making the climb significantly more manageable and enjoyable.
Detailed itinerary for 5-Day Marangu Trek
Arrival & Briefing
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Tazama Africa representative will welcome you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Arusha. In the evening, our head guide will conduct a thorough pre-climb briefing, ensuring your gear is suitable and answering any questions you may have.
⭐Highlights: A seamless arrival and a comprehensive pre-trek briefing.
Accommodation
Accomodation in Arusha/Moshi
Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Your adventure begins with a drive to Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After completing park formalities, you will begin your ascent through the lush, misty rainforest. As you trek, you will feel the sense of history as you walk the same path as countless climbers before you. A raincoat is recommended, as tropical showers are common.
Upon arrival at Mandara Hut (2,720 m), you will be settled into your unique dormitory-style hut, providing a cozy shelter for the night.
Trek time
5-6 hours
Distance
11 km (6.8 miles)
⭐Highlights: The historic trek through the rainforest and the unique experience of staying in mountain huts.
Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Today's trek leads you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The path is well-defined and climbs steadily towards the next camp. As you trek, you will be rewarded with your first clear views of both Kibo and Mawenzi volcanos.
Upon reaching Horombo Hut (3,720 m), our guides will lead a crucial acclimatization hike towards Kibo Hut before returning to Horombo for a hot dinner. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is essential for preparing your body for the altitude.
Trek time
6 hours
Distance
11 km (6.8 miles)
⭐Highlights: First views of Kibo and Mawenzi, and a vital acclimatization hike.
Trekking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

After a warm breakfast, the group will begin the steady ascent to Kibo Hut (4,720 m). The trekking is not overly difficult, but you must focus on maintaining a slow and steady pace to conserve energy for the summit push.
Upon arrival, our crew will serve lunch, after which we highly recommend you rest, sleep as much as you can, and drink plenty of water. Your guide will provide a final briefing before you attempt the summit later tonight.
Trek time
4-8 hours
Distance
10 km (6.2 miles)
⭐Highlights: Reaching the final high camp before the summit.
Summit Day and Descent to Horombo Hut

The final ascent begins just after midnight. With your headlamps lighting the way, you will begin the long, slow, and challenging push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our WFR-certified guides will be with you every step of the way, monitoring your health and ensuring your safety.
After celebrating your achievement, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing the long, challenging descent all the way to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for the night.
Trek time
9-12 hours
Distance
16 km (9.9 miles)
⭐Highlights: Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the long descent.
Final Descent to Marangu Gate

After a final breakfast on the mountain, you will begin your final descent to Marangu Gate (1,860 m). The trail winds back through the familiar rainforest. At the gate, the whole crew will gather to celebrate your success. You will receive your official summit certificate and be transferred back to your hotel for a much-needed hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Trek time
5-6 hours
Distance
18 km (11.1 miles)
⭐Highlights: A triumphant final descent and the certificate ceremony.
Departure
Enjoy a final relaxing morning at your hotel before we provide a comfortable transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure.
5-Day Marangu Trek
Price per person
SOLO | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX | 8 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$2,801 | $2,222 | $2,058 | $1,985 | $1,943 | $1,858 | $1,829 | $1,788 |
Cost Includes
- All transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Hotel accommodations before and after the climb.
- All park fees, camping fees, and taxes.
- All meals and bottled drinking water on the hike.
- Professional WFR-certified guides.
- A generous porter-to-guest ratio of 3:1.
- A professional and experienced mountain crew.
- Daily medical checks.
- Oxygen tanks and medical kits.
- Portable private toilets.
- A no-single-use plastics policy and sustainable operations.
- Emergency Air Evacuation.
- A seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.
Cost Excludes
- International flights.
- Tips to the climbing crew.
- Visa fees.
- Personal gear rentals.
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