Joining5 days

5-Day Marangu Route Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – The Coca-Cola Route

Kilimanjaro

Overview

5-day journey

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route). The classic hut-based climb for first-time trekkers, ascending through rainforest, moorland, and alpine zones to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Scenic, well-paced, and the most comfortable route on Africa’s highest mountain.

5 days

Duration

Easy

Physical rating

Private

Group type

All ages

Minimum age

Day by day

The itinerary

Tap a day to expand it.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut – Upon reaching Marangu Gate (1,843m), meet your crew, complete park registration, and begin your 5-day adventure. Trek through a dense, mist-covered forest where you can spot blue monkeys, black and white colobus, and bushbabies. Stop at Kisambioni for a picnic lunch before arriving at Mandara Hut (2,700m), featuring wooden 'A' shaped huts with bunk beds. Bring your own sleeping bag. Distance: Variable | Accommodation: Mountain hut

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Trek around the base of Maundi Crater, a beautiful volcanic vent remnant with views of lush Tussock grasses. Head northwest through alpine meadows, cross streams, and enter moorland terrain. Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m) nestled in a rocky valley. On clear days, enjoy views of Moshi below and a typically magnificent sunset. Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 12km | Altitude Gain: 1,020m | Accommodation: Mountain hut

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

The route becomes gradually steeper and rockier as you ascend. Pass 'Last Water' and head up the stark landscape to 'The Saddle'—the broad lava-stone ridge between Mawenzi and Kibo. Witness stunning views of Kilimanjaro's upper reaches before arriving at Kibo Hut (4,703m). Enjoy a hot meal, relax in the evening, and get an early night's rest before your midnight summit push. Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 10km | Altitude Gain: 983m | Accommodation: Mountain hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Set off at midnight for the longest and most demanding day. Follow a long scree slope past Hans Meyer Cave, then navigate a single-file zigzag to Gillmans Point (5,685m) on the crater rim—the most challenging section requiring scrambling. From Gillmans Point, it's another two hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa's highest point. Be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over ice fields and Mawenzi peaks. Rest at Kibo Hut before descending to Horombo Hut. Time: 6-8 hours to summit, 4-5 hours to Horombo | Distance: 6km to summit, 16km to Horombo | Altitude Gain: 1,192m | Altitude Loss: 2,175m | Accommodation: Mountain hut

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

After breakfast, descend to Marangu Gate, retracing your steps past Mandara Hut and back through the magnificent rainforest. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, receive your summit certificate and celebrate with your porters. Transfer back to your hotel for a hot shower, rest, and well-deserved relaxation. Time: 5-7 hours | Distance: 20km | Altitude Loss: 1,877m | End of tour

Included

Park fees (For non-residents)
Every park entry permit and conservation fee for the parks on your itinerary is paid in advance — nothing to arrange or pay at the gate.
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
Every activity named in your day-by-day itinerary — anything marked optional is priced separately.
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A room or tent for every night on the itinerary, at the tier described — any upgrade is priced separately.
Camping equipment
Tents, sleeping mats and full camp setup, handled by our crew at each stop.
A professional driver/guide
An experienced local driver-guide who handles navigation, wildlife spotting, and park logistics throughout the trip, and speaks fluent English.
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
Transport between every stop on your itinerary — anything marked optional is priced separately.
All Taxes/VAT
Government taxes, VAT and standard service charges are already built into your quoted price.
Roundtrip airport transfer
Pickup and drop-off between Kilimanjaro International Airport (or Arusha) and your safari start/end point is included.
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Every meal named in your day-by-day itinerary — which ones vary by day, so check your specific schedule.
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Soft drinks and water named in your day-by-day itinerary — check your specific schedule for which days.
Sleeping bag
A sleeping bag is provided for the trip — no need to bring your own.

Not included

International flights (From/to home)
Flights to and from Tanzania are not included — we can recommend routes and airlines on request.
Roundtrip airport transfer
Airport pickup and drop-off isn't included on this trip — let us know if you'd like it arranged.
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Any hotel nights before your trip starts or after it ends aren't included — we're happy to arrange these on request.
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Tipping your driver-guide and camp staff is customary but discretionary, and not included in the trip price.
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Souvenirs, personal shopping and other individual spending money aren't included.
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
If the Tanzanian government raises taxes or park fees after booking, that increase is passed on rather than absorbed into your quoted price.

Travel documents

Do you need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Select your citizenship

Citizenship*

Visa required:

—

Visa type:

—

Visa cost:

—

Approval time:—

Website for application: visa.immigration.go.tzApply for a visa now

Traveller stories

The proof should come from people who went.

Dorine M11 months ago

Grateful experience

As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time.

Dagmar P1 month ago

Private Safari 6 days

I can only highly recommend the young company Tanzalux for organizing a private safari.

Sylvanus T9 months ago

An unforgettable vegetarian journey with Tanzalux Safaris

I highly recommend Tanzalux for anyone wanting a special, personalized safari.

Lucas G2 months ago

Our 3-day camping safari with Tanzalux was simply fantastic! Everything was perfectly organized.

Victoria Goodluck3 months ago

★★★★★

Posted on Google

Back in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…

Danai Vicha5 months ago

★★★★★

Posted on Google

I've had an amazing experience with Tanzalux Safaris, would 1000% recommend! Thank you for making my trip so special🫶

ikigo simbila5 months ago

★★★★★

Posted on Google

I recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.

Hadija Shebe5 months ago

★★★★★

Posted on Google

Our guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.

Tumain Hope4 months ago

★★★★★

Posted on Google

Our tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.

Linnah Kimaro4 months ago

★★★★★

Posted on Google

As a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…