5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing - Serengeti African Tours

The itinerary

1. 1

   Overview

   • 5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
   • Moshi Town · Arusha City · Kilimanjaro Mountain
   • 5 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route
   • The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the most popular and straightforward path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route offering hut accommodation at every stage, making it ideal for climbers seeking more comfort.
   • Huts are communal, equipped with beds, mattresses, pillows, and solar lighting. Lower camps provide basic running water, while higher camps have simple facilities.
   • This route can be completed in 5 days, though adding an extra day improves acclimatization and summit success rates.
   • Kilimanjaro Adventure
   • 5 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route
   • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
   • Later, meet your mountain guide for a full trek briefing, gear check, and final preparations. Optional equipment rental is available, and excess luggage can be safely stored at the hotel.
   • Accommodation: Mid-range LodgeMeals: Not included
   • Distance: 8 km
2. 2

   Part 1

   • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
   • Habitat: Montane Forest
   • After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate and complete park formalities before beginning your trek.
   • Walk through lush rainforest filled with towering trees, birdlife, and colobus monkeys. Optional visit to Maundi Crater offers stunning views across Northern Tanzania and Kenya.
   • Accommodation: Mandara HutMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   • Distance: 12 km
   • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
   • Habitat: Moorland
3. 3

   Part 2

   • Leave the forest behind and ascend into open moorland. Enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Summit.
   • Watch for unique vegetation such as giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of altitude.
   • Accommodation: Horombo HutMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   • Distance: 9 km
   • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert
   • Today you cross the Kilimanjaro Saddle, a vast high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo.
   • Arrive at Kibo Hut, your base for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight ascent.
4. 4

   Part 3

   • Accommodation: Kibo HutMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   • Distance: 6 km ascent / 15 km descent
   • Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up / 5–6 hours down
   • Habitat: Arctic / Alpine
   • Around midnight, begin your summit push toward Gilman’s Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
   • Celebrate your achievement and enjoy breathtaking sunrise views before descending back to Horombo Hut.
   • ⚠️ This is the most physically demanding day—steady pacing (“pole pole”) is essential.
   • Accommodation: Horombo HutMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5. 5

   Part 4

   • Distance: 20 km
   • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
   • Habitat: Forest
   • After breakfast, descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate before transferring back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
   • Celebrate your successful climb with your team.
   • Accommodation: Mid-range lodgeMeals: Breakfast & Lunch
   • After breakfast, transfer to the airport or continue with your safari adventure.
   • All prices are per person, valid year-round. Group discounts apply — the more trekkers, the lower your per-person cost. Children and youth rates available upon request.
6. 6

   Part 5

   • Note: Prices are Per Person in US Dollar
   • Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
   • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
   • All Park fees, Rescue fees
   • All meals while on the Mountain
   • Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
   • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
   • Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
7. 7

   Part 6

   • Clean, purified drinking water
   • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
   • Accommodation in Arusha
   • Airport transfers
   • Tips for guides, cook, and porters
   • International and domestic flights
   • Tanzania Visa fee
   • Mountain gear
8. 8

   Part 7

   • Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
   • What to Pack for Kilimanjaro
   • Clothing
   • Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton. Layers work best! You will want active wear for daily activities and casual dressy clothes for the evening.
   • Long pants
   • Shorts
   • Short-sleeved shirts
   • Long-sleeved shirts
9. 9

   Part 8

   • Undergarments, sports bra
   • Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
   • Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
   • Pajamas
   • Swimsuit and cover
   • Belt
   • Sun hat with brim and chin strap
   • Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
10. 10

    Part 9

    • Footwear
    • Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.
    • Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed-toe, preferably waterproof
    • Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip-flops
    • Comfortable, breathable socks
    • Baggage
    • Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
    • Day pack for daily activities and easy access + rain cover
11. 11

    Part 10

    • Waterproof/plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (Ziplocs and garbage bags work)
    • Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, toiletry bag, foldable shopping bag
    • Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
    • NOTE: A carry-on bag on most flights is limited to 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
    • Electronics
    • Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time on your cameras.
    • Cell phone, cord, plug, headphones (check on international charges)
    • Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
12. 12

    Part 11

    • GoPro, camera, video camera, SD cards, batteries, charger/power cord
    • Tripod (travel size), selfie-stick
    • Air Tags
    • Lens cleaning cloth
    • Electrical adapter
    • Day Pack
    • Take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack:
    • Binoculars
13. 13

    Part 12

    • Camera + disks, batteries, lenses, tripod, cleaning cloth
    • Video camera, cell phone, Go Pro, etc.
    • Water
    • Snacks + to share with guides, other travelers, etc.
    • Wet wipes
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Passports
    • Money
14. 14

    Part 13

    • Sunscreen
    • Bug repellent
    • Hat
    • Bandana
    • Hair binder
    • Jackknife
    • Magazines/books/headphones/kite/frisbee
    • Safari notebook + pen
15. 15

    Part 14

    • Safari wildlife book
    • Toiletries
    • Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
    • Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
    • Shaving supplies
    • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
    • Deodorant
    • Lotion
16. 16

    Part 15

    • Sunscreen
    • Lip balm with sunscreen
    • Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
    • Facial tissue, Toilet paper
    • Moist towelettes
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Q-tips
    • Sewing kit
17. 17

    Part 16

    • Insect repellent
    • Small travel towel
    • Cosmetics, feminine products, travel jewelry
    • First Aid
    • You only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
    • Prescription drugs
    • Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
    • Band-aids/blister tape
18. 18

    Part 17

    • Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
    • Throat lozenges
    • Vitamins
    • Antihistamines
    • Melatonin or other sleep aid
    • Gauze bandages and tape
    • Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar), Ginger, and Ginkgo can be helpful for stomach problems
    • Antibiotics (talk to a doctor)
19. 19

    Part 18

    • Documents
    • Passport (make sure it is valid > 6 months after the end of your trip)
    • Visas for all countries as necessary
    • Airline e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
    • Copy of AWR travel itinerary
    • Travel insurance information + Medical insurance card
    • Document organizer
    • Make copies of passports, visas, driver’s licenses, airline tickets/schedules, travel itineraries, credit cards (front and back), frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and email it to yourself (or store it in the Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.
20. 20

    Part 19

    • Pool/Beach
    • Swimsuit and cover-up
    • Beach sandals
    • Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
    • Scuba card
    • Waterproof camera
    • Other
    • Cash (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be new with no tears)
21. 21

    Part 20

    • Credit cards (check for international fees)
    • Water bottle and Camelbak
    • Sunglasses, strap
    • Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
    • Binoculars
    • Pocket knife (put in checked luggage)
    • Notebook, lots of pens
    • Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
22. 22

    Part 21

    • Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
    • Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
    • Packing for the flight
    • Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
    • Books, magazines, e-readers, cards, games
    • Cell phone, headphones
    • Toiletries
    • Snacks
23. 23

    Part 22

    • Water bottle (empty through security)
    • U-shaped neck pillow
    • Eye shades, ear plugs
    • Kleenex, wet wipes
    • Melatonin or other sleep aid
    • Compression socks
    • "We summited Kilimanjaro! The guides were incredibly knowledgeable about altitude sickness prevention. We felt supported every step of the way. The porters treated us like family."
    • "The Lemosho route was perfect. Less crowded than other routes, stunning views, and our guide Mwajuma's stories made the trek unforgettable. Would 100% trek again."
24. 24

    Part 23

    • "At 60 and 58, we weren't sure we could do it. But the team believed in us. Summit day sunrise at 19,341 feet was the most moving moment of our lives. Thank you."
    • "Everything was perfectly organized. The food at the camps exceeded expectations. Most importantly, the guides genuinely cared about our safety and well-being."
    • More Kilimanjaro Routes
    • 6 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
    • 6 Days Striking Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route
    • 7-Day Lemosho Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking
    • BOOKING INQUIRY
    • We are true experts when it comes to Tanzania. We live, work and travel here. Serengeti African Tours arranges lodge and camping safaris, trekking and hiking tours and beach holidays. We carefully select our well-trained guides, drivers, cooks and porters.
25. 25

    Part 24

    • Address
    • Phone
    • +255 762 468 213
    • Email
    • info@serengetiafricantours.com