5-Day Kilimanjaro Classic Trek Marangu Route

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

Arusha to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, you’ll set off from Arusha for a 3-hour and half drive to the Marangu Gate. At the gate, you’ll complete the necessary registration formalities before beginning your trek through the verdant rainforest. The trail to Mandara Hut, your first camp, involves a steady uphill hike, where you might spot monkeys and other wildlife. Upon arrival at Mandara, you’ll be greeted with a warm meal and stay in comfortable A-frame huts. In the evening, you have the option to take a short acclimatization hike to Maundi Crater, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

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

Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Mandara Hut before continuing your trek through the lush rainforest and transitioning into the moorland zone. As you ascend, the vegetation gradually changes, giving way to a more rugged and open landscape. The 6-hour trek to Horombo Hut offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Upon arrival at Horombo, you’ll be greeted with a warm meal and the opportunity to relax and acclimate to the higher altitude. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing for the next day’s trek, ensuring you are well-prepared for the
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

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

Trekking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

You'll continue your ascent, leaving the final watering point behind as you traverse the saddle of Kilimanjaro, nestled between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Initially, you'll encounter upper heathland vegetation, but as you progress, it gradually transforms into what resembles a "moonscape." Following this segment of the climb, you'll enjoy dinner, take some rest, and make preparations for the impending summit ascent.

Elevation change: From 3,700 meters (12,200 feet) to 4,700 meters (15,500 feet)
Distance covered: 9 kilometers (5.5 miles)
Hiking duration: 5 to 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

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Trekking from Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

In the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and 2:00 am, your journey to the summit begins. You'll start the climb on steep and challenging scree or snow terrain, ascending to Gilman's Point, situated on the rim of the crater. From there, your ascent continues to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

At every turn, you'll be greeted with awe-inspiring views that defy imagination. Don't forget to capture a summit photo to share with your friends and family. Following your summit achievement, you'll begin your descent, making a stop for lunch and rest at Kibo before proceeding to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation change: From 4,700 meters (15,500 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), then descending to 3,700 meters (12,200 feet)
Distance covered: 6 kilometers (4 miles) uphill and 15 kilometers (9 miles) downhill
Hiking duration: 6 to 8 hours uphill, with a 15-kilometer (9-mile) descent
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 Hut to Arusha

Following breakfast, you'll embark on a gradual descent. First, you'll traverse the moorland, making your way to the Mandara Hut. From there, you'll continue descending through a lush forested path until you reach the Marangu National Park gate. Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations, and consider wearing gaiters and using trekking poles to help navigate.

Upon reaching the Marangu Gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transport you back in Arusha which is approximately a 1-hour drive away.

Elevation change: From 3,700 meters (12,200 feet) to 1,700 meters (5,500 feet)
Distance covered: 20 kilometers (12.5 miles)
Hiking duration: 4 to 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)
• Drinks not included

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