5 day Marangu Route itinerary without acclimatization day

The 5-day Marangu Route itinerary without acclimatization day is a challenging trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. This route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. The trek begins at Marangu Gate and ascends through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert ecosystems before reaching the summit. The descent is made along the same path. This itinerary is quite demanding as it does not include an acclimatization day, which can make it more difficult for climbers to adjust to the high altitude.

How long is each day of hiking on the 5-day Marangu Route?

On the 5-day Marangu Route, each day of hiking varies in length. The first day typically involves 3-4 hours of hiking, covering approximately 8 kilometers. The second day is usually longer, with 5-7 hours of hiking and around 12 kilometers covered. The third day involves 4-5 hours of hiking, covering about 9 kilometers. The fourth day is the most challenging, with 11-13 hours of hiking and covering approximately 21 kilometers. The final day typically involves 5-7 hours of hiking, covering around 15 kilometers.

What is the difficulty level of the 5-day Marangu Route trek?

The Marangu Route trek, also known as the “Coca Cola” route, is considered the easiest path to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite being the simplest route, it still presents a moderate to high difficulty level due to the high altitude and rapid ascent, which can lead to altitude sickness. The trek typically takes five days, but an extra acclimatization day is often recommended to increase the success rate. The route is well-developed with comfortable huts for accommodation, making it less physically demanding compared to other routes.

What is the success rate of completing the 5-day Marangu Route itinerary?

The success rate of completing the 5-day Marangu Route itinerary on Mount Kilimanjaro varies, but it is generally considered to be lower than other routes, with estimates ranging from 50% to 70%. This is primarily due to the relatively fast ascent, which doesn’t allow climbers enough time to acclimatize to the altitude. Many tour operators recommend a 6-day itinerary for the Marangu Route to increase the chances of reaching the summit successfully.

What are the risks associated with altitude sickness during the 5-day Marangu Route trek?

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a significant risk during the 5-day Marangu Route trek to Mount Kilimanjaro. This is due to the rapid gain in altitude without sufficient time for acclimatization. Symptoms can range from mild headaches, fatigue, and nausea, to severe conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The risk is higher for those who ascend quickly, have previously had altitude sickness, or have certain pre-existing health conditions.

Are there any age or fitness requirements for a 5-day Marangu Route trek?

The Marangu Route trek, also known as the “Coca Cola” route, is one of the most popular routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. There are no specific age or fitness requirements for this trek. However, it is recommended that trekkers be in good physical condition due to the strenuous nature of the climb. Children under the age of 10 are generally not permitted, and older climbers may need a medical clearance. It’s also advised that all climbers, regardless of age or fitness level, spend time acclimatizing to the high altitude.

What is the best time of year to embark on a 5-day Marangu Route itinerary?

The best time to embark on a 5-day Marangu Route itinerary is during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from late December to early March. These periods offer the most favorable weather for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, it’s important to note that the Marangu Route can be trekked year-round, and the choice of when to go often depends on personal preference and flexibility.

5 day Marangu Route vs 6 day Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca Cola” route, is the oldest, most established route on Mount Kilimanjaro. The 5-day Marangu Route is the shortest and cheapest route, but it also has the lowest success rate due to the fast ascent to high altitude. It offers less time for acclimatization and can be more challenging for those prone to altitude sickness. The 6-day Marangu Route, on the other hand, includes an extra day for acclimatization at Horombo Hut, which increases the chance of a successful summit. Both routes offer hut accommodations and are considered less scenic compared to other routes.

5 day Marangu Route itinerary

The 5-day Marangu Route itinerary is a popular trekking path to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it is considered the easiest path to the summit with a gradual slope and direct path. The trek begins in the Marangu Gate and includes overnight stays in huts along the route. Despite its relative ease, the 5-day itinerary is the shortest and thus provides less time for acclimatization, which can lead to altitude sickness. Therefore, it has the lowest success rate of all the routes to the summit.

Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Meet your guide and review your equipment in the evening in preparation for the trek the following day. 

Day 2  Altitude: (2700m/8860 ft) Walking Distance: 8kms/5miles (4-5 hours) 

After breakfast and a short tour briefing from the guide, we will depart to Marangu gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (it is a 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate). Upon registering with park authorities, our climb will officially commence with a four-hour walk to the Mandara encampment. We will pass through a thick rainforest zone, where there is a high chance of rain in the afternoon. We will spend the night at Mandara Hut (2,750m). Rooms in the huts are on quad sharing and bathrooms are available with running water. 

Day 3 Altitude: (3700 m/12140 ft) Walking Distance: 12 km/7.2 miles (5-7 hours) 

Today we will continue our ascent through the forest for a short time, before reaching the heather and moorland zone at roughly 3,000m (approximately a six-hour walk). Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. We will spend the night at Horombo Hut (3,720m), which lies in a valley surrounded by giant lobelia and groundsel, flora which are characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Day 4 Altitude: (4700 m/15420 ft) Walking Distance: 9.5 km/5.7 miles (5-7 hours) 

Our trek continues past the final watering point, and ascends onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro, between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation thins out as we enter the desert-like alpine zone (approximately 4,000m) and, once we cross the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. We will reach Kibo hut around 1pm and the rest of the day will be given to rest and refuel before the summit push. Your guide will wake you at 11pm so you can get your gear ready and prepare for the summit push which will start at midnight.

Day 5 Altitude: (5895 m/19340 ft) Walking Distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles ascent + 15 km/9.5 miles descent (10-16 hours) 

Shortly after midnight, we will commence our climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, since it is easier to climb the scree slope to Gillman’s Point (5,861m) on the crater rim when it is frozen and an early start for the six-hour hike improves our chances of reaching the summit in time for sunrise. From Gilman’s Point, it is a further two-hour round trip along the crater’s edge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From the summit, it is downhill all the way to Horombo Hut where we will spend our last night on the mountain.

Day 6 Altitude: (3700 m/12140 ft) Walking Distance: 20 kms/12 miles (5-7 hours)

Today’s descent continues past the Mandara encampment to the bottom of the mountain, where each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. You will enjoy a farewell dinner with your guides. 

Day 7 After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town or Kilimanjaro airport as per your requirement.

what is  5 Day Marangu included in the package

• Kilimanjaro Climb: The cost includes the fees for the Kilimanjaro National Park, which covers permits, park entrance fees, and camping fees.
• Guides and Support Staff: The price typically includes the services of experienced guides, porters, and cooks who will assist you during the climb.
• Accommodation: The package includes accommodation in mountain huts along the Marangu Route during the trek and accommodation at a lodge in the village of Marangu before and after the climb.
• Meals: The cost usually covers meals during the climb, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Special dietary requirements may be available upon request.
• Transfers: The package may include transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the lodge in Marangu.

5 Days – Marangu  Route Park Fees

Our  5 Day Marangu route itinerary cost?

• Starting from: USD $1800 (Budget

• Accommodation) | USD $2100 (Mid-range

• Accommodation) | USD $2900 (Luxury Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing.

Keep in mind that the cost of the climb Kilimanjaro may vary based on the number of days, group size, and the level of service provided. It’s also a good idea to inquire about any optional extras or add-ons that you may want during the climb.