5-Day Marangu Route Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

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

Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After enjoying breakfast and a detailed briefing, you will embark on a one-hour drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Upon arrival, you will complete registration formalities before beginning your trek. The journey starts with a scenic hike through the lush rainforest, leading to the Mandara Hut. Along the way, you may take a short detour to Maundi Crater, offering breathtaking views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. As you move through the dense forest, keep an eye out for towering eucalyptus trees, diverse bird species, and the distinctive black-and-white Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 1,860m (6,100ft) → 2,700m (8,875ft).

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

Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

As you leave the lush rainforest behind, the trail gradually ascends into the vast, open moorlands, leading toward the Horombo Hut. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of Mawenzi and the towering peak of Kibo. The landscape transforms, showcasing unique plant species such as giant lobelias and groundsels. At this altitude, you may start to experience mild effects of the increasing elevation, so it’s essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated.

Elevation: 2,700m (8,875ft) → 3,700m (12,200ft).

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

Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hike Kibo Hut to Summit and down to Horombo Hut

In the early hours of the morning (between midnight and 2 AM), we begin the challenging ascent to the summit. The steep trail, covered in loose scree or snow, leads us up to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, we push onward to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa where breathtaking views stretch in every direction. Take a moment to capture the achievement with a summit photo to share with friends and family.

After celebrating at the top, we start our descent, pausing at Kibo for lunch and a well-earned rest before continuing to Horombo encampment. The climb begins in complete darkness, requiring headlamps or flashlights. Temperatures are extremely cold until the descent begins, so wearing multiple warm layers is essential. This is the toughest part of the trek, with numerous switchbacks, but taking it slowly (“pole pole”) and maintaining a positive mindset will help you reach the summit.

Elevation: 4,700m (15,500ft) → 5,895m (19,340ft).

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hike Horombo Hut to the trailhead, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, we begin a steady descent, making our way through the moorland towards Mandara Hut. From there, the trail continues down through a lush forest path, leading us to the Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. As we descend to lower elevations, the terrain can become wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be useful. Lightweight clothing like shorts and t-shirts should be comfortable, but it's best to keep rain gear and warmer layers handy.

Upon reaching Marangu Gate, a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi, a journey of about an hour.

Elevation: 3,700m (12,200ft) → 1,700m (5,500ft).

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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