Kilimanjaro Expedition – 5 Days Marangu Route
Overview
Summit Africa's highest peak at 5,895m via the iconic Marangu Route, known as the Coca-Cola Route. This 7-day expedition offers comfortable hut accommodation, traversing five distinct climate zones from lush rainforest to arctic conditions. With a 92% summit success rate, it's ideal for novice high-altitude trekkers seeking both challenge and comfort. The journey covers 64 km round trip, guiding climbers through diverse landscapes to Uhuru Peak. Professional guides, porters, and cooks ensure a well-supported and memorable experience.
Duration
7 Days
Difficulty
Challenging
Group Size
Max None
Schedule
Dec 13 - Dec 19, 2026
Schedule & Availability
Fixed DatesDecember 13, 2026 - December 19, 2026
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Tanzania, meet your guide, and transfer to Keys Hotel in Moshi for a trek briefing and gear check.
Activities:
- Arrival in Tanzania
- Transfer to Moshi
- Trek briefing and gear check
Begin the climb at Marangu Gate, hiking 8km through lush rainforest, spotting Colobus monkeys, to Mandara Hut. Elevation gain: 720m.
Activities:
- Hike from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Rainforest trekking
- Wildlife spotting (Colobus monkeys)
Ascend 12km through heather moorland, passing the scenic Maundi Crater, to Horombo Hut. Elevation gain: 1,020m.
Activities:
- Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Moorland trekking
- View Maundi Crater
Cross the stark alpine desert and the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, covering 10km to Kibo Hut for an early dinner and rest before the summit push. Elevation gain: 980m.
Activities:
- Hike from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Alpine desert trekking
- Rest for summit attempt
The most demanding day begins around midnight with a steep ascent to Gillman’s Point (5,685m), then continues along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Horombo Hut for overnight rest. Elevation gain: 1,195m, Descent: 2,175m.
Activities:
- Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak
- Reach Gillman's Point
- Sunrise at Uhuru Peak
- Descent to Horombo Hut
Continue the descent 20km through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Receive summit certificates, drive to Moshi for a celebration dinner, and overnight at Keys Hotel. Descent: 1,740m.
Activities:
- Descent to Marangu Gate
- Receive summit certificates
- Celebration dinner in Moshi
The adventure concludes with transfer to your departure point after breakfast.
Activities:
- Breakfast
- Transfer to departure point
What's Included
- Transport to/from Moshi
- Accommodation in Moshi (Keys Hotel)
- All park entrance and camping fees
- Ground mountain rescue fees
- All meals on mountain
- Hut accommodation (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
- Professional guides, porters, and cooks
- First aid kit and oximeter
- English-speaking guide
- All taxes
What's Not Included
- Hotel extras and non-water drinks
- Tips for guides/porters/cooks
- Meals in Moshi (Day 1 and Day 7)
- Personal hiking gear
- International/domestic flights
- Travel/Evacuation insurance
- Visa fees
Requirements
Age Limit: 15 years
Fitness Level Required: Moderate to good fitness required, with regular cardio training recommended.
What to Bring:- Layered clothing suitable for cold mountain conditions
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Comfortable trekking attire for daytime hikes
- Brimmed hat (sun protection)
- Knit hat (warmth)
- Balaclava or buff (optional)
- 4-season sleeping bag (warm)
- Sleeping mat (usually provided)
- Duffle bag 50-90L (for porters, max 15kg)
- Waterproof daypack 30-35L with rain cover
- Kit storage bag for hotel
- Camp shoes or sandals (optional)
- 5 pairs hiking socks (wool/synthetic)
- Thick wool socks for nights (optional)
- Gaiters (optional)
- Hand/foot warmers (optional)
- Warm waterproof gloves/mittens
- Thin windproof gloves
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses with UV filter or ski goggles
- 2x 1L water bottles or 3L hydration bladder
- Pee bottle 1.5L (optional, for night)
- 2 long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirts
- 1 short-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt
- Fleece top for camp
- Soft shell or softshell jacket
- Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood
- Down/insulated jacket
- Thermal base layer/long johns
- 3 sport bras (women)
- Lightweight poncho
- Waterproof breathable pants (side zipper recommended)
- Hiking pants
- Fleece pants for camp
- Shorts (optional)
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Washcloth
- Soap
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- First aid kit (zinc oxide tape, scissors, blister pads)
- Prescriptions & personal medication
- Pain killers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol)
- Diamox/acetazolamide (for altitude)
- Anti-malaria tablets
- Loperamide/Immodium
- Dioralyte rehydration sachets
- Throat lozenges
- Snacks (lightweight, high-calorie, optional)
- Electrolyte powder/tablets (optional)
- Camera with extra batteries (optional)
- Portable solar chargers (optional)
- Power banks (optional)
- Mobile phone (unlocked, optional)
- Kindle/tablet (optional)
- Device with alarm (optional)
- Valid passport
- Debit/credit card (for emergencies)
- Travel insurance documents
- Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever if applicable)
- Cash for tips and personal items
- Emergency contacts
- Train with regular hikes and cardio exercises to build stamina
- Acclimatize by spending time at higher altitudes before the trek if possible
- Ensure proper gear and clothing for mountain conditions
- Inform Cushy Adventures of any dietary preferences in advance
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself during the trek
Location
Country: Tanzania
Destinations: Horombo Hut Kibo Hut Mandara Hut Marangu Gate Moshi Mount Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak
Enquire to Book
Pricing Options
Kenyan & EAC Citizen
Pricing for Kenyan and East African Community citizens.
Non-Resident Foreigners
Pricing for non-resident foreigners.
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