5-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking to Summit via Marangu Route

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

Kilimanjaro National park to Mandara Hut

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,980 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
Hiking time: Approx. 5 hours
Distance: About 12 km
Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast, you’ll be driven from Arusha to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Marangu Gate. The scenic journey passes through the charming village of Marangu. Upon arrival at the park gate, all hikers will register at the Park Office and make final preparations for the trek.

Ensure you have all essential items in your daypack—including drinking water, a packed lunch, and extra clothing—as porters will ascend faster than most hikers. Your guides will be on hand to provide assistance and answer any questions before you begin your climb.

The trail leads through a lush montane forest, where you may spot wildlife such as blue monkeys and colorful birds. Upon arrival at Mandara Hut (2,700 m), enjoy a well-earned rest, followed by dinner and overnight accommodation.
(Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner, and overnight stay at Mandara Hut – Full Board).

Main Destination:

Marangu Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Hiking time: Approx. 6 hours
Distance: About 15 km
Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, the climb continues through a short stretch of forest before skirting the base of Maundi Crater. From here, the trail transitions from the lush rainforest into the open moorland zone, offering a noticeable change in vegetation and scenery.

It’s well worth taking a brief detour to ascend the rim of Maundi Crater for your first panoramic view of Kibo Crater, one of Kilimanjaro’s iconic peaks. The trail then winds gently upward through heather and moorland, with spectacular views of both Mawenzi and Kibo on clear days.

Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) in the afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
(Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight stay at Horombo Hut – Full Board).

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Hiking time: Approx. 6 hours
Distance: About 15 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, continue your ascent into the stark and beautiful Alpine Desert zone, where vegetation becomes sparse and the landscape more rugged. From Horombo Hut, there are two well-established trails leading to the Saddle—a broad, barren plain situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

You may take either the upper route (right fork) or lower route (left fork), both offering unique views of the mountain’s contrasting features. As you gain altitude, you’ll notice the air becoming thinner and cooler.

Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m) by afternoon, where you’ll enjoy an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
(Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, and overnight rest at Kibo Hut – Full Board).

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kibo Hut - Summit then Horombo Hut

Day 4: Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut (4,700 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Hiking time: 8 hrs to Uhuru, 6 hrs to Horombo
Distance: 6 km ascent, 21 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree, ice-capped summit

Wake up at 23:30 for tea and snacks before starting the final ascent under starlight. Follow the rocky trail to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m), then continue the steep zigzag climb up loose scree to Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. This is the toughest part of the trek—move slowly and steadily. From Gillman’s, snow often covers the final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point. Enjoy the sunrise and breathtaking views before descending to Kibo Hut for rest and brunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for dinner and overnight.
(Meals: Early tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner – Full Board).

Main Destination:

Mt Kilimanjaro Summit

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut then to Moshi/Arusha/JRO

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) → Marangu Gate (1,980 m) → Moshi/Arusha
Hiking time: Approx. 6 hours
Distance: About 20 km
Habitat: Moorland and Montane Forest

After breakfast, begin your final descent down the mountain. The trail passes through Mandara Hut (2,700 m) and continues through the lush montane forest to Marangu Gate (1,980 m). At the gate, you’ll sign out in the park register and receive your summit certificate—green for reaching Gillman’s Point and gold for Uhuru Peak.

Your driver will be waiting at the gate for your transfer back to Moshi, Arusha, or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Enjoy the scenic drive and reflect on your incredible achievement of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.
(Meals: Breakfast and lunch).

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)

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