5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Marangu Route

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

Trek from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and a trek briefing, you will drive for approximately one hour to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, where you will complete registration before beginning your ascent. The trail winds through lush montane rainforest, home to towering eucalyptus trees, colorful birdlife, and playful colobus monkeys, as you make your way to Mandara Hut.

Along the route, you may take an optional excursion to Maundi Crater, which offers spectacular views of northern Tanzania and neighboring Kenya. Upon arrival at Mandara Hut, you can relax and enjoy your first evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 1,860 meters (6,100 feet) to 2,700 meters (8,875 feet)
Distance: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Climb from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leaving the lush rainforest behind, you will continue your ascent through open moorland toward Horombo Hut. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi and the towering Kibo peak, while passing unique vegetation such as giant lobelias and groundsels.

As you gain altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of the thinner air, marking an important stage in your acclimatization.

Elevation: 2,700 meters (8,875 feet) to 3,700 meters (12,200 feet)
Distance: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Ascending from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

You will continue your ascent, leaving the last watering point behind as you cross the saddle of Mount Kilimanjaro between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The landscape gradually shifts from upper heathland into a vast alpine desert, often described as a “moonscape.”

Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, you will have dinner, rest, and prepare for the final summit push.

Elevation: 3,700 meters (12,200 feet) to 4,700 meters (15,500 feet)
Distance: 9 kilometers (5.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Horombo Hut

Your summit attempt begins in the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and 2:00 am. You will start the ascent on steep scree or snow terrain, making your way up to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From here, the climb continues to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

At the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and the opportunity to take photos at the “Roof of Africa” before beginning your descent.

After the summit, you will descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.

Elevation: 4,700 meters (15,500 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), then down to 3,700 meters (12,200 feet)
Distance: 6 kilometers (4 miles) ascent and 15 kilometers (9 miles) descent
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up and approximately 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Horombo to Arusha

After breakfast, you will begin a gradual descent through the moorland, heading back to Mandara Hut. The trail then continues through lush rainforest as you make your way to Marangu Gate.

Lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so trekking poles and gaiters are recommended for added stability. Upon arrival at the gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha, approximately a one-hour drive away.

Elevation: 3,700 meters (12,200 feet) to 1,700 meters (5,500 feet)
Distance: 20 kilometers (12.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

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.