Kilimanjaro Climb - 5-Days Marangu Route
Marangu 5 Days Trek Overview
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro.
Although the 5-day trek is challenging, climbers appreciate staying overnight in huts, instead of camping. Climbers also experience the diverse climates of Kilimanjaro, including rainforest, montane forests and the arctic peak.
DETAILS:
No. of Days to Peak: 4
Altitude Start: 1800m
Overnight in: Huts
Number of days to Descend: 1.5
(We advise climbers be in good physical condition to attempt the 5-day trek)
Day by Day Itinerary
Pre-Trip Briefing
Before the official start of your trek, we will meet for a quick briefing and to ensure you have all the equipment needed for your trek. This briefing day could be a few days before your trek, if you are going on a safari or game drive, or the day before you start.
Please provide accommodation information so we can meet you at your hotel, or reach out and we can assist in planning your Moshi or Arusha accommodations.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut 1800 m - 2700 m
Start off with a hearty breakfast, then transfer from your Arusha or Moshi hotel to the Marangu Gate (1800m). After registration, begin the 8 km trek (approximately 4 hrs of hiking).
The trek will be within a rainforest and you may see black and white Colobus monkeys. If you arrive early you can visit the Maundi Crater.
Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
Lunch and Dinner Provided.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut 2700 m - 3700 m
After breakfast, begin climbing out of the rainforest and enter moorland. The air will be cooler and lighter. If you didn’t see Maundi Crater the day before, you will get a chance to on this day.
Trekking 1000 meters in elevation will take approximately 7 hours, and you will enjoy a packed lunch mid-hike. Upon arrival at Horombo Hut, enjoy a snack and rest. The scenery, including views of Mawenzi are particularly excellent at this camp.
Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut. All meals provided.
**Many climbers begin to feel the rise in elevation here. Consider taking Diamox to help relieve these symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable climb.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut 3700 m - 4700 m
After breakfast, begin climbing through healthland, where vegetation becomes increasingly more sparse, until it becomes alpine desert. The 9 km trek takes approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, it is advised to rest as much as possible, because the summit attempt begins around midnight.
Stay at Kibo Hut. All Meals provided.
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, descend to Horombo Hut 4700 m - 5895 m, descend to 3700 m
Just after midnight, your group will meet for a hot drink and a light snack before setting for the final ascent. With the aid of headlamps, you will trek in the dark toward the highest point in Africa: Uhuru Peak. The quick 6 km trek takes a grueling 6-8 hrs to reach the summit, due to the intense elevation.
Take photos are the peak, cheer yourself for this amazing achievement, and head back to Kibo Hut for a rest.
After a large meal, continue descending to Horombo Hut. You will overnight here, and give your legs a much-deserved rest.
All meals provided.
DAY 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate 3700 m - 1700 m
The final trekking day begins at Horombo Hut, and continues the descent to Marangu Gate. Marangu Route follows the same trail up and down, so you may find the landscape familiar as you return to the rainforest and approach Marangu Gate.
Upon reaching the end of your climb, you will be awarded official park certificates, have another chance to celebrate with the entire climbing crew, including the cooks or porters who accompanied your trek. Then, you will transfer to your Moshi or Arusha-area hotel for overnight.
Breakfast and Lunch provided.
Please reach out if you would like us to arrange your accommodations before or after the trek.
