5-Day Climb Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

8.3 km / 5 mi | 4-5 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 1905m (6250ft) to 2723m (8934ft)
Altitude gained: 818m

Departing from Moshi, a 1-hour drive takes you through the village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. You will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while observing the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for their journey ahead. You enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails as your guide introduces you to the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

12.5 km / 7.8 mi | 6-8 hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2723m (8934ft) to 3721m (12,208ft)
Altitude gained: 998m

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and continue on an ascending path through heathland, where you might spot giant lobelias and groundsels. As you move into the open moorlands, small shrubs become the predominant vegetation. You stop for lunch along the way, with amazing views of Mawenzi. You reach Horombo Huts in the late afternoon, with a spectacular view of Kibo Summit in the distance. The temperature begins to drop as you settle in for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

10.5 km / 6 mi | 6-8 hrs | Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3721m (12,208ft) to 4714m (15,466ft)
Altitude gained: 993m

After breakfast, you continue through dwindling heathland that transitions into a moonscape as you approach the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. You stop for lunch along the way, and later cross this large saddle, with Kibo Summit looming ahead, marking the starting point for our summit climb in just a few hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Kibo Huts-Summit to Horombo Huts

Excitement builds as you begin your summit attempt with an early start between midnight and 2 am. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. You ascend in switchbacks through heavy scree and possibly snow, heading towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Here, you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a short rest. Faster hikers may reach the summit in time to enjoy the sunrise at Uhuru Peak.

The final hour to Uhuru Peak is likely to involve walking through snow, but the reward is worth it: the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. After photos, celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy, we take a moment to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. You then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Loose gravel and volcanic ash make the descent tricky, so gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended.

A well-deserved rest awaits you at Mweka Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Horombo Huts-Marangu Gate to Moshi

20 km / 12.5 mi | 6-7 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3721m (12,208ft) to 1905m (6250ft)
Altitude lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, you begin your descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Be sure to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you will be leaving them here. You continue down to the Marangu Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates.

The weather becomes much warmer as we descend, and the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Once at the gate, a vehicle will meet you for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). You'll enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and a relaxing evening.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.