5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025 which is also known as the Coca Cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic. All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025 (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
The 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025 on Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular and straightforward routes, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route due to its well-established path and hut accommodations. It’s faster than other routes, but the shorter time may increase the risk of altitude sickness, so proper acclimatization is crucial. Here’s a detailed itinerary for a 5-day Marangu Route climb:
Detailed Day by day 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025 itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After registering at Marangu Gate, the hike begins with a walk through lush rainforest. The trail is relatively gentle, with several stream crossings along the way. The goal is to reach Mandara Hut at an elevation of 2,700 meters. This first night is spent in a cozy hut, allowing you to get some rest and prepare for the following days.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut, 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The second day involves a steady ascent from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters. As you climb, you’ll pass through different vegetation zones, transitioning from rainforest to heath and moorland. The path is well-defined, with expansive views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. Horombo Hut is one of the largest huts on the Marangu route, and it serves as a base for the next day’s acclimatization trek.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut, 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,700m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This day is a significant elevation gain, as you ascend from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the terrain turns into alpine desert with few plants and a rocky landscape. The hike is challenging due to the increasing altitude, but the spectacular views and expansive landscapes are rewarding. Once at Kibo Hut, take some time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut, 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,720m (Horombo Hut)
Distance: 6 km ascent, 15 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 6-7 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
This is the most demanding day of the trek, starting very early in the morning (around midnight or 1:00 AM). You’ll ascend the steep Gilman’s Point on the crater rim and then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After reaching the summit, you’ll have a brief moment to enjoy the view and take photos before descending to Horombo Hut. The descent is long but less physically taxing. By the time you arrive back at Horombo, you will have completed the most challenging part of the climb.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
On the final day, you’ll descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate. The hike is downhill, so it’s less strenuous, though still tiring. The rainforest zone greets you again as you make your way back to the starting point. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate (if you successfully reached Uhuru Peak). Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Key Points to Note for the 5-Day Marangu Route, 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025
Altitude: The rapid ascent increases the risk of altitude sickness. It is important to stay hydrated, take it slow, and consider using Diamox (under a doctor’s recommendation).
Acclimatization: This route doesn’t have much time for acclimatization beyond the 2 nights at Horombo Hut, which makes it slightly more challenging than other routes. Proper rest, hydration, and pacing are essential.
Accommodation: The Marangu Route offers hut accommodations, which makes it a more comfortable option, especially compared to tented camps.
Trekking: The path is well-maintained, with clear signage, and the trekking itself is less technical than other routes like Machame or Lemosho.
This 5-day Marangu Route itinerary is designed for those looking for a relatively quick but still challenging climb. The route’s popularity and the comfort of hut accommodations make it a great choice for many climbers, but keep in mind that the fast ascent requires careful attention to altitude symptoms.
Inclusions, 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Quality Mess tents Day 1
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions, 5-days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 2025
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Tanzania Visa
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)