5-Day Kilimanjaro Mountain Trekking via Marangu Route

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

Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After a hearty breakfast and a briefing, you'll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, which takes approximately 1 hour. Here, you'll complete the necessary registration and kickstart your ascent. Your initial path will lead you through the enchanting rainforest, guiding you to the Mandara encampment.

Along the way, consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater, an excellent vantage point for observing the surrounding landscapes, including northern Tanzania and Kenya. Within the rainforest, look for majestic eucalyptus trees, vibrant birdlife, and playful colobus monkeys.

Elevation change: From 1,860 meters (6,100 feet) to 2,700 meters (8,875 feet)
Distance covered: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Hiking duration: 3 to 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)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leaving the lush rainforest behind, your journey continues as you ascend through the open moorlands towards the Horombo encampment.

Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Mawenzi and the towering Kibo summit. Keep an eye out for the impressive giant lobelias and groundsels that adorn the landscape. It's worth noting that you might start to feel the effects of higher altitude during this portion of the trek.

Elevation change: From 2,700 meters (8,875 feet) to 3,700 meters (12,200 feet)
Distance covered: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Hiking duration: 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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)

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
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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 to your hotel 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)
• 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.