5 Days Marangu Route
OVERVIEW
The 5-Day Marangu Route is a shortened variation of the standard itinerary. It does not include the acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, resulting in a faster ascent schedule.
DAY 1 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
DAY 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Heath
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
DAY 3 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
DAY 4 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Arctic
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Distance: 16 km | 10 miles
Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 5 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km | 12 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Why book with us?
- Unbeatable support
- World Class Guides
- Expert Advice 24/7
- Specialized Safari Vehicles
- Price Included
- Two nights accommodation in Hotel
- Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees and services
- All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
- Transport
- Rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
- Pulse oximeter
- First aid kit
- Emergence oxygen
- Katady filtered water through the trek
- Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authorit
- Price Included
- Flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Personal Items
- Laundry services (available at the hotel for cost)
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Real experiences, small moments, and thoughtful insights gathered from our Tanzania Safari Tours are written to help travellers understand this place with a little more honesty.