5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route – the Classic Path

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Start Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (via Rainforest)

Clients will be picked up from their hotel in Moshi after breakfast and driven to Marangu Gate (1,860m), the official starting point of the trek. After registration and a quick briefing with the mountain crew, the journey begins through the lush rainforest zone. Along the trail, you may spot blue monkeys, colorful birds, and towering fig trees. The hike to Mandara Hut (2,700m) takes about 4–5 hours and offers a gentle but steady ascent.

Upon arrival, clients can rest, explore the nearby Maundi Crater for panoramic views (optional), and enjoy dinner at the hut. Accommodation is in shared mountain huts provided by the national park.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek from Mandara Hut through Moorland to Horombo Hut

After an early breakfast at Mandara Hut, the trek continues through the last stretch of rainforest before transitioning into the moorland zone. This scenic part of the trail offers views of giant lobelias, groundsel, and open heath terrain. As you gain altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of thinner air, so a slow and steady pace is encouraged. Along the way, you’ll pass the striking Maundi Crater (optional short detour) and catch your first clear views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, weather permitting.

The hike to Horombo Hut (3,720m) takes approximately 5-7 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy a hot dinner in preparation for the next day’s climb. Accommodation is provided in shared huts.

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)

Acclimatization – Hike to Zebra Rocks and Return to Horombo Hut

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, an important step in increasing your chances of successfully reaching the summit. After breakfast at Horombo Hut, you'll take a guided hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980m), a popular landmark named after its distinctive black-and-white striped formations. The trail gradually ascends through the alpine moorland, offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape and both peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi on a clear day.

The hike takes about 3-4 hours round trip and helps your body adapt to the higher altitude. Upon returning to Horombo Hut, you'll have the afternoon to relax, hydrate, and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment. Dinner and overnight stay are again at Horombo Hut.

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)

Trek from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Across the Alpine Desert

After an early breakfast at Horombo Hut, the trek resumes with a gradual but steady ascent through the stark beauty of the alpine desert zone. The trail passes the last water point at 4,130 meters, where climbers are advised to fill their bottles before continuing. As vegetation becomes sparse, the landscape opens up with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the vast Saddle a wide, barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo. The air becomes thinner, and the pace slows, emphasizing the importance of acclimatization.

After 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut (4,720m), located at the base of the final summit push. Here, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare your gear for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

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)

Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Horombo, and Return to Moshi

The final day of the trek begins around midnight with the ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After a long, challenging climb in the dark, you’ll reach the summit at sunrise, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys. The sense of achievement at the top is indescribable, but time is limited to enjoy it due to the altitude. After a brief celebration, the descent begins, first returning to Kibo Hut for a quick rest, then continuing down to Horombo Hut.

The descent takes about 7-8 hours. After a short rest at Horombo Hut, continue the final stretch down to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your transport and driven back to Moshi, where the trek ends. Clients will be dropped off at their hotel in Moshi, marking the conclusion of this unforgettable journey.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

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.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.