5 Days Marangu Route
The classic Marangu Route with hut accommodation - the shortest route to Uhuru Peak.
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Route Details
Route Highlights
The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route", is the oldest and most established route on Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodation instead of camping. This 5-day option is the shortest route to the summit, making it popular but also challenging due to less acclimatization time.
Why Choose This Route?
Hut accommodation - no camping required
Elevation Profile
| Day | Location | Start Elevation | End Elevation | Gain | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut | 1800m | 2700m | +800m | - |
| Day 2 | Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut | 2700m | 3700m | +1000m | - |
| Day 3 | Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut | 3700m | 4700m | +1000m | - |
| Day 4 | Summit Day - Kibo to Uhuru Peak to Horombo | 4700m | 3700m | +1195m | - |
| Day 5 | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate | 3700m | 1800m | +1900m | - |
Difficulty Breakdown
Moderate
Good fitness and some hiking experience recommended
Physical Requirements
- ✓Good fitness level
- ✓Ability to walk 6-8 hours per day
- ✓Some hiking experience preferred
- ✓Regular exercise routine
Challenges to Expect
- !Steeper sections
- !Longer days
- !Altitude effects
Training Recommendations
Cardiovascular Training
- • 3-4 times per week
- • 30-60 minutes per session
- • Hiking, running, or cycling
- • Include hill training
Strength Training
- • 2-3 times per week
- • Focus on legs and core
- • Squats, lunges, step-ups
- • Build endurance
Note: Altitude affects everyone differently. Even with excellent fitness, proper acclimatization is essential. Our 5-day itinerary is designed to maximize your chances of success through gradual altitude gain.
Acclimatization Schedule
Our 5-day itinerary follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle for optimal acclimatization.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate. Begin trek through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Continue through moorland zone to Horombo Hut with views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Ascend through alpine desert to Kibo Hut, your base camp for summit attempt.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Midnight start for summit. Reach Uhuru Peak at dawn, then descend to Horombo Hut.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Summit Day Tips
- Start very early (midnight to 2 AM)
- Dress in warm layers
- Bring headlamp with extra batteries
- Stay hydrated and maintain slow, steady pace
Final descent to Marangu Gate. Collect certificate and transfer to hotel.
Professional Mountain Guides
Nature Diplomats DMC employs the finest talent for Kilimanjaro expeditions. Our guides and their mountain crews are true professionals who have led hundreds of successful climbs.
Seasoned mountain professionals
Wilderness First Responders
What's Included
- ✓All meals and accommodation during the trek
- ✓Professional mountain guides and porters
- ✓National park fees and climbing permits
- ✓Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kit
- ✓High-quality camping equipment
- ✓Two medical check-ups daily for altitude monitoring
Route Map
Loading map...Why This Route
Hut accommodation - no camping required
Choose Your Perfect Duration
We offer three different itineraries for this route. Compare them below to find the best option for your fitness level and schedule.
5-Day Itinerary Details
Why Choose 5 Days?
Considerations
Ready to book the 5-day itinerary?
Expert Tip
For first-time climbers, we strongly recommend the 7 or 8-day itinerary. The extra acclimatization time significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit and makes the experience more enjoyable. The 6-day option is better suited for experienced high-altitude trekkers.
5 Route - Summit Success Rate
We've gathered detailed statistics on all Kilimanjaro routes over the years. Here are the success rates for reaching the Crater Rim and Uhuru Peak on the 5 route.
Crater Rim
of our climbers reach the Crater Rim (5,685m / 18,652ft)
Uhuru Peak
of our climbers reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
Total Climbers
successful summits with Nature Diplomats DMC since 2015
Success Rates by Itinerary Duration
Based on data from thousands of our climbers
| Itinerary | Crater Rim Success | Uhuru Peak Success |
|---|---|---|
Lemosho 6-day | 85.5% | 84.1% |
Lemosho 7-dayBEST | 96.5% | 94.9% |
Lemosho 8-day | 95% | 93.8% |
Why Our Success Rates Are Higher
Optimal Acclimatization
Our itineraries are designed for maximum acclimatization, with gradual altitude gain and strategic rest days.
Experienced Guides
All our guides have 7+ years of experience and undergo regular training in wilderness first aid and high-altitude medicine.
Superior Equipment
We provide high-quality camping equipment, emergency oxygen, and comprehensive medical kits on every climb.
Twice-Daily Health Checks
Our guides monitor oxygen saturation and vital signs twice daily to catch altitude issues early.
Nutritious Meals
Our mountain cooks prepare fresh, high-calorie meals to keep your energy levels up and support acclimatization.
Flexible Pacing
We maintain the "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) philosophy, allowing your body time to adapt to the altitude.
⚠️Important Note
Why the 8-day option has a slightly lower success rate: The reason lies in the type of climbers it attracts. Many trained hikers choose the 6-day trek and, thanks to their skills, reach the summit despite the greater difficulty. In contrast, the 8-day trek is popular among beginners with no trekking experience at high altitudes. This lack of experience makes the climb more challenging for them, even on the route option that offers a better acclimatization profile.
Kilimanjaro Packing List
Get your gear ready! Here's a comprehensive checklist of everything you'll need for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Important Packing Tips
- • Weight limit: Porter duffel bags are limited to 15kg (33 lbs)
- • Layering is key: Weather changes dramatically from base to summit
- • Break in boots: Wear your hiking boots for at least 50 miles before the trek
- • Test your gear: Make sure everything works before you arrive in Tanzania
Don't Have All the Gear?
No worries! We offer high-quality gear rental services for all essential items including sleeping bags, trekking poles, and clothing.
- ✓High-quality, well-maintained equipment
- ✓Competitive rental prices
- ✓Reserve in advance or rent on arrival
Popular Rental Items
Join Our Group Departures
Choose from our scheduled group climbs and join fellow adventurers on your journey to the summit
| Start Date | End Date | Duration | Price | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec 13, 2025 | Dec 17, 2025 | 5 days | $1,840 | Available 9 seats left | |
Dec 20, 2025 | Dec 24, 2025 | 5 days | $1,840 | Filling Fast 1 seats left | |
Dec 27, 2025 | Dec 31, 2025 | 5 days | $1,840 | Available 9 seats left |
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers! Here are the most common questions about climbing Kilimanjaro.
Still Have Questions?
Our expert team is here to help! Reach out and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
What Our Travelers Say
Hear from adventurers who have experienced this amazing journey with Nature Diplomats
"Outstanding experience! The guides were professional and the organization was flawless."
"Best decision ever! Nature Diplomats DMC made our dream adventure come true."
"Incredible journey with amazing guides. Highly recommend Nature Diplomats DMC!"
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Get in touch with our expert team. We're here to help you plan the perfect Tanzanian experience.