5-Day The Ultimate Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Hiking

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

Moshi to

On the first day, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to Marangu Gate to begin your journey. After completing registration and other formalities, you will start your trek towards Mandara Hut. The trail begins in a rainforest, with lush greenery surrounding you and a variety of birds and wildlife along the way. As you hike, you’ll pass through streams and dense vegetation, with your first real opportunity to immerse in the serene environment of the mountain.

The walk is relatively gentle, allowing your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude. After approximately 4–5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, where you will settle in and enjoy a hot meal. If time and energy permit, you can take a short optional walk to Maundi Crater, which offers panoramic views of the Kenyan border and the surrounding countryside. In the evening, you’ll relax and prepare for the next day’s trek.

Main Destination:

Marangu Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After a hearty breakfast at Mandara Hut, you’ll continue the journey towards Horombo Hut. The path begins to climb gradually, leaving the rainforest behind and transitioning into the moorland zone. The vegetation becomes sparser, with giant lobelias and other hardy alpine plants dotting the landscape. The hike takes you across open moorlands, offering clear views of the surrounding peaks—Mawenzi and Kibo.

During the 6–7 hour hike, you’ll notice the air growing thinner, so it’s important to take regular breaks and stay hydrated. You will pass the Last Water Point, which marks the final point where you can refill your water bottles. Upon arrival at Horombo Hut, you’ll be greeted with a warm meal and have time to rest. The hut is located in an area with magnificent views of the peaks, making it a great place to enjoy the stunning landscape before the final summit push.

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)

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today’s trek is a bit more challenging as you move further up the mountain towards Kibo Hut. The landscape transitions into an alpine desert. The terrain becomes increasingly barren, and the flora disappears. The trail is rocky, with the occasional shrub and hardy plants. During the 5–6 hours of hiking, you’ll pass through the Saddle, a large, flat area between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak.

The ascent to Kibo Hut is gradual but steady, and as you get higher, the altitude starts to have a noticeable effect. Kibo Hut is your base camp for the summit attempt, and you’ll need to rest and prepare for the midnight climb. At Kibo Hut, you’ll have a hot meal, and the staff will go over the final summit details with you.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak – Descend to Horombo Hut

Today is the most challenging day of the trek, beginning the summit attempt at midnight. After a light breakfast, you’ll start your hike from Kibo Hut towards Gilman’s Point. The steep trail with loose scree can be exhausting, but regular breaks will help you adjust to the high altitude. After several hours of climbing, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point, marking the edge of the crater. From here, the path continues along the rim, offering stunning views of glaciers and the crater. The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) takes another hour, and you’ll arrive just in time for a breathtaking sunrise. The sense of accomplishment is overwhelming. After celebrating your achievement and taking in the views, you’ll begin your descent to Kibo Hut for rest. Later, continue the descent to Horombo Hut, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest after the intense climb.

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 Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi

On the final day of your trek, you’ll begin the descent from Horombo Hut back through the moorland and into the rainforest. The 6–7 hour hike down will be easier on your body, but it still requires careful attention due to the varying terrain. As you descend, the scenery changes dramatically, and you’ll get a chance to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.

When you reach Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure. The memories of the journey, the challenges, and the ultimate summit experience will stay with you for a lifetime.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals 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.