5 Days Marangu Route Trek

5 Days Marangu Route Trek

The Marangu Route is also known as the "Coca Cola" or "Tourist" route as it is considered the easiest route to the summit, and it is generally less physically demanding. 70% of all climbers choose this route, because most of it consists easy hiking. However, the final part of the route is still a difficult challenge to overcome. It also has a huge failure rate due to lack of preparation and underestimating it. We strongly advise climbers who wish to climb via this route to take it just as seriously as the other routes and prepare themselves physically and mentally before taking this route head on.

This route can be done in 5 days but it is advised to take an extra day for acclimatization at the Horombo Hut.

DAY 0: Arrival in Arusha

You will be picked up from the airport by Kibokoland Adventures' driver and be transferred to the hotel where you will spend the night.

DAY 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 1,980m - 2,700m

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

We drive to Marangu gate where you will complete the registration procedures and all necessary formalities at the gate. We then start the climb through  tropical rain forest. After the hike we reach the first camp, Mandara.

DAY 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 2700m - 3,720m

Distance: 15 km

Time: 4-6 hours

We climb in the morning through the rain forest, but the path soon opens out into moorland and, in clear weather, you can see great views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We arrive at Horombo Hut mid-afternoon.

DAY 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 3,720m - 4,700m

Distance: 15 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

we climb gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.These 6-7 hours of walking will be taken at a slow pace until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700m). We wake up around 12:00 am for summit preparation. We will have a hot meal to warm ourselves up then start the hike.

DAY 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4,700m - 5895m - 3,720m

Distance: 6km ascend, 21 km descend

Hiking Time: 13-15 hours

wake up in the midnight to have a hot cup of coffee to warm our bodies and prepare for the summit. We begin with a steep climb over loose volcanic scree and some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Gillman’s 5,685m. We will rest  to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. From here we then continue slowly to Uhuru peak 5,895m.

We then descend until Horombo Hut to spend the night. 5,895m, the highest point in Africa. After some minutes at the peak the descent to Kibo Hut is amazingly fast.

DAY 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 3720m - 1980m

Distance: 27 km

Time: 6-7hours

We descend past Mandara hut to Marangu National Park Gate, we will receive our summit certificates. From here you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha.

DAY 6:  Departure

Today we drive you to the airport where we will wave you goodbye.