5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
Marangu Route
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well-established route. Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations.
The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route.
However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favoured only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred
Price per person sharing
Guests
Green season
2 Pax
$1,660 per person
4 Pax
$1,505 per person
6 Pax
$1,450 per person
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Nature Pulse Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Relax and recover from your journey while preparing for the incredible safari adventure ahead.
- Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
- Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
- Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi
- Approx. time taken: 9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
- Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
- Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
- Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
End of Tour.
Inclusions
All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel in Arusha
- Transfer from Airport and to the Airport
- Two nights hotel accommodation
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusions
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Our Promise to You
From the moment you begin planning your itinerary with our travel specialists to the final celebratory toast at the end of your journey, Nature Pulse Expeditions promises flawless logistical execution, uncompromising safety, and an authentic, high-end experience. We handle the details so you can immerse yourself completely in the extraordinary.
Step off the beaten path. Feel the pulse of the wild.
Ready to Begin Your Adventure?
Unique Safari Experiences with Nature Pulse Expeditions
Immerse yourself in exclusive, thoughtfully curated safari journeys that transcend the ordinary. From witnessing the raw drama of thousands of wildebeest braving the currents of the Mara River to tracking the elusive, prehistoric Shoebill stork in flight, our itineraries are designed for the discerning traveler.
With Nature Pulse Expeditions, you will experience the visceral beauty of the Serengeti, traverse vast savannahs deeply rooted in human history, and connect authentically with local communities whose quiet dignity and rich heritage offer a profound perspective on the continent. We don't just show you Africa; we connect you to its soul.
