This 5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek takes you to the peak of Kilimanjaro known as Uhuru Peak, using the Marangu route.
This route for this Tanzanian tour is also called the Coca-Cola route because you enjoy a bottle of coke at each hut/camp.
It’s the original route for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro and is known to be the cheapest as it takes fewer days, only 5 days.
It’s about a 70km hike to reach the summit, passing through montane forest, alpine, moorland vegetation, and finally the glaciers with ice.
Accommodation is in the form of huts with good conditions such as dormitories and rooms sleeping four people, among others.
Detailed 5-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Head to Marangu Gate from Arusha and Hike to Mandara Hut
Be picked up from Arusha by a driver guide on this first day of your 5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek, receive a briefing about the tour, and then transfer to Marangu Gate to begin the hike to one of the tallest mountains in Africa.
Acquire some Maasai porters who will carry your extra luggage, sign the book at the gate, and then start the hike, which will last for about 6 hours.
Enjoy the scenery, including forests with inhabitants like birds and many more.
Arrive at Mandara Hut where you will spend the night.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Start this day of your 5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek with breakfast and then proceed with a hike to Horombo Hut.
This time, you will pass through moorland-type vegetation as you enjoy a picnic lunch, and the journey will take about 6 hours.
You will have a view of Kibo Crater after hiking to Maundi Crater.
Additionally, you’ll have a great view of different and unique plants such as giant lobelia plants.
Temperatures at Horombo tend to decrease, reaching the freezing point.
Day 3: Horombo to Kibo
Enjoy breakfast and ascend further to Kibo Hut, which stands at 4700m above sea level.
This will be a more challenging experience and will take about 6 hours to hike.
As the trail becomes tougher to climb, make sure to carry enough drinking water, energy-giving snacks, and a packed lunch.
You will take about 6 hours to reach this high altitude.
Upon arriving at Kibo, you will sleep as early as 7 pm to gain more energy for the next hike to the summit; a highlight of this 5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek.
Day 4: Kibo to Uhuru and then Descend to Horombo Hut
Wake up as early as midnight or before for your hike.
This will be after a small breakfast, and you are advised to carry your headlight and a hiking stick.
You will enjoy walking in the snow for 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5896m above sea level.
The freezing conditions may be challenging, so be prepared.
Take photos at the peak and then descend to Horombo Hut, where you will spend this fourth night of your 5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek.
Day 5: Descend to Marangu Gate and Transfer Back to Arusha
The last day will begin in the morning with breakfast, and then you will descend to Marangu Gate for signing out, returning all the rented equipment, and receiving your certificate.
Afterward, you will transfer back to Arusha, where you will be dropped off, marking the end of the 5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek.
