5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure via Marangu( Coca-Cola) Route
Highlights
Experience the stunning biodiversity of Kilimanjaro's lush rainforest
Enjoy comfortable hut accommodations instead of camping
Challenge yourself with a steady ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point
Marangu, Mount Kilimanjaro
nature, climbing, sightseeing
Private Tour
5 Days
Medium
English, Swahili
Description
Embark on a 5-day journey and conquer Kilimanjaro’s majestic slopes with a steady ascent through its lush, biodiverse rainforest. Relish the comfort of cozy hut accommodations while embarking on the ultimate adventure to Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of Africa!
Itinerary
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Day 1- MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT (2,720M)
- The adventure truly begins on Day 1 with an early breakfast before meeting your Kilimanjaro team at the hotel.
- After all logistics are finalized, you’ll set off for the Marangu Gate, which is about a one-hour drive from Moshi.
- Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll complete registration and gear checks before beginning your trek to Mandara Hut. The first day of your hike takes you through the lush, tropical rainforest that surrounds Kilimanjaro, offering stunning views of vibrant greenery and rich biodiversity.
- Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and tree hyraxes.
- The hike to Mandara Hut is relatively easy, taking about 3-4 hours, with a lunch break at Kisambioni Picnic Site to refuel before continuing to your overnight destination.
- Mandara Hut provides a peaceful setting for your first night on the mountain, with spectacular views to
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Day 2- MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT (3,720M)
- Day 2 is a longer and more challenging hike, covering 11km to Horombo Hut. The journey usually takes 7-8 hours, so it’s important to start early.
- After breakfast, you’ll set out, passing the beautiful Maundi Crater with its stunning panoramic views.
- As you continue your ascent, you’ll leave the dense forest behind and enter the moorland zone, where the landscape changes to more open terrain dotted with alpine plants. The hike is physically demanding, but the scenery along the way is truly rewarding.
- You’ll pause for a delicious hot lunch at a designated rest stop before continuing to Horombo Hut.
- This is your second night on the mountain, and after reaching the hut, you’ll have time to relax, take in the stunning views of Kilimanjaro, and prepare mentally for the next leg of the journey.
- The guides ensure a steady pace that suits everyone, making sure you're well-rested and ready for the summit ahead.
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Day 3- HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT (4,720M)
- Day 3 marks a significant increase in altitude as you leave the moorland zone behind and venture into the alpine desert. This hike covers a distance of 9km and typically takes 5-6 hours.
- The landscape becomes even more dramatic as you ascend, with fewer plants and more rocky terrain. The climb is strenuous, but the views are awe-inspiring.
- You’ll take a break for lunch along the way, enjoying a hot meal before continuing your trek to Kibo Hut. Maintaining a steady pace is essential to conserving energy, as you’ll need to rest and be fully prepared for your summit attempt, which will begin later that night.
- After arriving at Kibo Hut, you’ll have an early dinner, and your guide will go over the details of the summit attempt, emphasizing the importance of proper pacing and mental preparedness.
- This is an important night, and you’ll want to rest as much as possible before the final ascent.
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Day 4- SUMMIT DAY - KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK (5,895M) TO HOROMBO HUT
- Summit day is the ultimate test of determination and endurance.
- You’ll wake up around midnight, have a light snack and a hot drink, and begin your ascent to the summit. The first part of the climb is steep, as you make your way up to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim.
- From there, you’ll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. The journey is physically demanding, and the altitude will test your limits, but the reward is worth every step.
- As you reach Uhuru Peak, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views and the satisfaction of achieving your dream of summiting Kilimanjaro.
- After a moment to celebrate and watch the sunrise, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut.
- This is a long day, covering 21km and taking around 15 hours of hiking, but the expertise of your guides will ensure that you maintain the right pace for
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Day 5- HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE - RETURN TO MOSHI
- On the final day of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you’ll descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, a distance of about 19km.
- The descent is much easier on your body since it’s downhill, but you’ll still want to take your time and enjoy the last leg of the journey.
- Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll be greeted with a sense of accomplishment and celebration, marking the successful completion of your climb.
- You’ll enjoy a celebratory lunch at the gate before being transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.
- The end of your journey will be filled with pride as you reflect on your incredible achievement of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and you'll return home with memories of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
What's Included
Airport transfers
Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro National Park gate
Experienced guides, cooks, and porters
Park fees and permits
Camping/hut accommodation during the climb
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Boiled drinking water
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)
Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue)
Portable oxygen cylinder and first-aid kit
Fair wages for crew (KPAP standards)
Summit certificates for successful climbers
Government taxes and VAT
Optional:
Pre/post-climb accommodation in Moshi or Arusha
Gear rental (e.g., sleeping bags, trekking poles)
Private portable toilet tent
What's Excluded
International flights
Visa fees
Travel Insurance
Tips for the crew
Personal expenses (e.g., snacks, drinks, laundry)
Personal climbing gear (rentals available)
Accommodation/meals not in the itinerary
Optional activities before/after the climb
Know Before You Go
On Arrival
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward - English is widely spoken and used for signs/directions.
Arusha airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you are arriving in Kilimanjaro on an
International flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.
Money
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shillings. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills (anything printed before 2006).
Credit Cards
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM you may try Visa and Maestro cards are best.
We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
ATM’s
These are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency
Flight Information
We would advise that you arrive in Arusha at least 1 day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon/evening of the final day of your Safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Visa & Passports
Please check with the relevant Embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Make sure your passport is not going to expire within six months of your trip (i.e., if your trip is in September make sure your passport is valid until at least March of the following year) and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your own country’s government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
Vaccinations & Health
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania:
Tetanus
Polio
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Rabies
Yellow Fever*
Malaria **
Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has Yellow Fever.
Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list. http://www.who.int/ith/ITH_Annex_I.pdf
Malaria. In some of the areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation coverage.
Tipping
There is a well-established culture of tipping in Tanzania. Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).
Climate
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes e.g., Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti Wildlife Safaris offers an incredible 5-day Kilimanjaro adventure through the Marangu Route, one of the most famous and accessible paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it is renowned for its relatively moderate difficulty and the comfort of hut accommodations along the way, making it an ideal choice for climbers seeking a blend of adventure and convenience. The Marangu Route is an excellent option for those who prefer not to camp and want a more relaxed ascent, with a well-structured itinerary that allows for acclimatization and increased chances of summit success. Your adventure will begin with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your Serengeti Wildlife Safaris guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, you’ll receive a thorough briefing and have your gear checked to ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.
What To Bring
Luggage
Choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof and the bag should be lockable. Put anything that is of any value in a separate day pack such as a backpack. Anything of real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home.
Clothes
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day but it is often cool and crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that can keep you cool but protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colors and avoid white or bright colors that may distract the animals and dark colors like black and blue as these can attract tsetse flies. The best colors are the safari classics: olive, green and khaki. For evenings at lodges, you can stay in your casual gear as even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothing that is warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever the season.
Shoes
As you want to be careful not to over-pack, you need to think carefully about what shoes to take. As long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with some light hiking boots and some sports sandals (sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night). You may also like to take flip-flops for the showers.
Sun Protection
The African sun can be brutal so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses so you can protect your eyes. You’ll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun cream and lip salve.
First aid
This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
Antiseptic ointment
Antihistamine cream & tablets
Nurofen or equivalent painkiller
Eye-drops
Anti-diarrhea treatment
A couple of bandages
Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc.
Insect repellent containing Deet
Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets
Assorted plasters
Photography & Electrical Equipment
We recommend you bring:
Strong bag/carry case to protect the camera - zip lock/plastic bags are useful for
Dusty/sandy conditions
Spare/extra batteries
Memory/Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
Binoculars. These will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife
Photography etiquette
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts, and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film/camera confiscated. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people - it is always better to ask first before you snap away!
Electrical charging & power supply
All our safari vehicles have power/charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances/devices.
Phones / Wi-Fi
Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi
Some camp-sites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon
The signal strength is variable
It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used. If you want to use it
On your phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. You can also buy a fairly
Cheap phone in Tanzania for this purpose
There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help/advise with this.
Security
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensivelooking jewelry/watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt is more discrete than a bag.
Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, be very careful. At night in towns, it's best to use a taxi, rather than walk around the streets. Single women in particular need to be careful & we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
Meeting Point
Arusha, Tanzania
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.
Price
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| 1 to 3 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 3 | /person |
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This is a private tour |
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