5 Days Marangu Route

Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi/Arusha town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

Day 1. Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your Moshi/Arusha lodge and driven to the Marangu gate. Once all of the required documents is completed, you can start your trek and soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. As you make your way to the Mandara Hut, you may see some primates in addition to the impressive vegetation. After a well-deserved rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater, where you can gaze out over Kenya's interior.

Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2km
Approx. time taken: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2. Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have amazing views of Mawenzi, Kibo, and the vast Masai steppe plain.

Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi
Approx. time taken: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 3. Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the "Last Water Point" and then the so-called "saddle." This nearly vegetation-free plateau connects Kibo's main summit with Mawenzi. Today's destination is the Kibo Hut, which takes about 5 - 6 hours to reach. Because the night will be short, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night.

Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
Approx. time taken: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4. Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You'll start your final ascent around midnight, which will be long and difficult. The climb gradually but steadily ascends after passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m. At sunrise, you'll arrive at Gillman's Point (5681m), the crater rim of Kilimanjaro, where the sun will gradually begin to warm the land. You will quickly forget the cold of the night, and after another 1 - 2 hour hike, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. A warm meal awaits you upon your return to Kibo Hut, followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before returning to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5. Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

The final stage takes you through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m), where a hot lunch awaits you. Soon, you will pass through the tropical rainforest again, and after 6 hours of trekking, you will arrive at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). Following your farewell to your mountain guides, a short transfer will take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower to commemorate your successful summit of Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Depart Tanzania

The day is free for you to relax after the journey before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you could explore Moshi/Arusha town and pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport.