5 Days Marangu Route: Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour

Itinerary for the 5 Days Marangu Route

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in, you’ll meet your guide for a briefing on the upcoming adventure, covering everything from route details to gear checks. This is also your chance to rent any missing equipment. Spend the night in Moshi, preparing for the journey ahead.

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

The adventure begins with a drive to Marangu Gate, located at 1,860 meters. After registration, you will start hiking through the lush rainforest, filled with towering trees, ferns, and a variety of wildlife. The trail is relatively gentle, leading you to Mandara Hut at 2,700 meters after 4-5 hours of hiking. Enjoy the evening in the comfortable hut, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, offering spectacular views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The path is lined with unique vegetation, including giant lobelias and groundsels. After a 5-7 hour hike, you will reach Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters. This hut offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, providing a perfect spot to rest and acclimatize.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today’s trek takes you across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, through the alpine desert. The landscape becomes more barren as you ascend, with fewer plants and more rocky terrain. After 6-8 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Kibo Hut, located at 4,703 meters. This is your base for the summit attempt, so rest well and prepare for the early start the next day.

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit and Back to Horombo Hut

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. You will start the slow and steady ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. The climb is challenging due to the high altitude, but the breathtaking sunrise from the summit makes it all worthwhile. After celebrating your achievement at the peak, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut. The total hiking time is about 10-15 hours, covering a significant distance.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Departure

On the final day, you will descend through the moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. The hike takes about 5-7 hours, and upon arrival at the gate, you will receive your summit certificates. From here, you will be transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest. Depending on your departure time, you may either stay overnight in Moshi or be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

Park fee

Rescue fee 

Mountain Guide

Cook

Porters

Accommodations during hike

Accommodations before and after tour

Airport transfers

Flights (International and Domestic)

Visas

Health Insurance

Tips