5 Days – Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek Marangu Route
Overview
5-Days Marangu Route Climb with Blue Monkey Expeditions
Embark on a thrilling 5-day adventure with Blue Monkey Expeditions as you conquer Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. This journey combines excitement, breathtaking scenery, and the expertise of our seasoned guides. Ascend Africa’s highest peak while traversing through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to stark, lunar-like landscapes at higher altitudes. Every step brings you closer to the summit, offering a unique experience that only Blue Monkey Expeditions can provide.
Our carefully designed itinerary balances challenge and enjoyment, ensuring you experience Kilimanjaro’s true beauty. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, our expert guides, intimately familiar with the Marangu Route, will be by your side, providing valuable insights and ensuring your safety. With comfortable accommodations in mountain huts and well-planned rest stops, your comfort is guaranteed as you embark on this unforgettable journey.
Why Choose the Marangu Route with Blue Monkey Expeditions?
Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established path, offering the unique advantage of sleeping huts. This route is also recognized as the easiest and most direct path to the summit, making it a popular choice for climbers. With a success rate of around 80%, it’s ideal for those seeking a less strenuous climb without sacrificing the awe-inspiring beauty of Kilimanjaro
What to Expect on the Marangu Route
Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route is physically demanding, requiring a good level of fitness. Each day involves several hours of trekking, with the increasing altitude adding to the challenge. However, with Blue Monkey Expeditions, you’ll be well-prepared for this incredible journey. Our team provides comprehensive training tips, ensuring that you’re ready to reach the summit.
Essential Gear and Packing Tips
Pack warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and a backpack for your essentials. We recommend hiring a porter to carry your gear so you can fully enjoy the climb. Blue Monkey Expeditions offers a detailed packing list and personalized advice to ensure you’re well-equipped for the adventure.
Pricing and Booking Information
Our 5-day Marangu Route packages start from $1600, inclusive of transport, accommodation, meals, and guide fees. Customize your package with additional services like airport transfers and extra nights in Tanzania. Secure your spot today with Blue Monkey Expeditions and embark on a Kilimanjaro adventure like no other
CLIMBING RATES
* Cost per person in USD
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our dedicated team will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, provided you've opted for airport transfers. We strongly recommend arriving at least one day before your trek begins. On this day, you'll attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel, where we’ll review your gear, discuss the climb, and arrange any necessary equipment rentals.
After a hearty breakfast and a final briefing, we’ll depart for the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, a scenic drive of about 1-2 hours. Once registered, your journey through the lush rainforest begins, leading to the Mandara Hut. A short detour to Maundi Crater offers breathtaking panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. As you trek, keep an eye out for the vibrant birdlife, towering Eucalyptus trees, and the elusive Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1,860m/6,100ft to 2,700m/8,875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Today, you’ll leave the dense rainforest behind, ascending into the open moorlands on your way to Horombo Hut. The views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are awe-inspiring, and you may spot unique flora such as giant lobelias and groundsels. As you climb higher, the effects of altitude may become noticeable.
Elevation: 2,700m/8,875ft to 3,700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Your ascent continues as you pass the last water point, entering the Kilimanjaro saddle between the towering Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The landscape shifts dramatically to a barren "moonscape," where vegetation is sparse. After a nutritious dinner, you'll rest in preparation for the summit push.
Elevation: 3,700m/12,200ft to 4,700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The most challenging and rewarding day of your climb begins in the early hours (midnight to 2 am). You’ll navigate steep scree or snow as you ascend to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and lunch, before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 4,700m/15,500ft to 5,895m/19,340ft
Descent to: 3,700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll begin your descent through the moorland to Mandara Hut and then continue through the lush forest path leading back to the Marangu Gate. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy, so take care. Upon reaching the gate, our vehicle will be ready to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, marking the end of your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure.
Elevation: 3,700m/12,200ft to 1,700m/5,500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Included/Exclude
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips for porters and mountain crew is recommended
- The government imposed an increase in taxes and park fees
- Alcohol drinks
