5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Expedition

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

Arusha to Marangu Gate (1970m) to Mandara Hut (2720m)

After breakfast, you will be met by your Maasailand Adventure guides and crew at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha for a briefing, followed by a scenic drive to Marangu Gate on the southeastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you will complete registration formalities, followed by a picnic lunch at the gate.

Our first day trek to Mandara Hut offers a gentle introduction to the climb. We begin through lush rainforest filled with towering trees and wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The trail is gradual and well-defined, making for a comfortable first day. As you ascend gradually, the trail can be damp or muddy, so steady pacing is important.

We will arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon, where you can relax, have dinner and enjoy your first night on the mountain. Throughout the Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts which is a gret alternative for those who do not want to sleep in tents.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount 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 (2720m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

After breakfast, you will depart Mandara Hut and start your hike towards Horombo Hut. You will continue your ascent, leaving the rainforest behind as the landscape gradually opens into heath and moorland. The trail winds through rolling hills of giant heather and volcanic terrain, offering a striking contrast to the dense forest of the previous day.

As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and drier, and on clear days you will be rewarded with your first impressive views of Kibo Peak and, looking back, Mount Meru rising above the plains near Arusha.

We will arrive at Horombo Hut, a larger and more open camp set within a scenic valley, where you will rest, enjoy dinner and take in the expansive mountain views.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Horombo Hut (3720m) to Kibo Hut (4720m)

Today we will continue our ascent across the open moorland to Kibo Hut. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with sparse vegetation and wide, sweeping views of the mountain’s vast terrain.

The trail gradually climbs toward the saddle between Mawnezi and Kibo peaks, offering striking views of Mawenzi’s jagged ridges and the towering summit of Kibo ahead. The environment becomes drier and more rugged, giving a true sense of high-altitude trekking. The actual trekking is not very difficult, just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to preserve your strength for the summit climb.

Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you will have lunch and time to rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt. After an early dinner, we will gather you for a pre-summit briefing before preparing our gear for the night ascent, before retiring to your tent for a few hours’ sleep.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours.

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 (4720m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

We will start our summit push at around midnight. The summit climb begins in darkness, ascending steep scree toward Gilman’s Point (5685m) and Stella Point (5756m). From here, you will continue along the crater rim to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. While the trek itself is fairly simple, the high altitude makes even regular physical exercise feel strenuous.

Arriving at sunrise, you will witness breathtaking views above the clouds, with glaciers and vast plains stretching below. This is a truly unforgettable moment and the highlight of your journey. After celebrating and taking photos, you will begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, before continuing down to Horombo Hut. The descent is long but rewarding, as you pass back through different ecological zones. You will arrive at Horombo Hut in the late afternoon or early evening for dinner and a well-earned rest after your summit success.

Trekking time: 10-14 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1970m) to Arusha

We will enjoy our breakfast in the morning before beginning your final descent from Horombo Hut through the moorland zone, gradually re-entering the lush rainforest. The trail winds steadily downhill, offering a chance to reflect on your summit achievement while enjoying the changing scenery and warmer temperatures.

Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you will complete park formalities before heading for a well-deserved lunch with the team, where you will receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement. After lunch, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. We hope you enjoyed your journey and wish you safe travels ahead.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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