5 Days Marangu Route

After breakfast and a briefing, we’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, a journey of 45-60 minutes. Here, you’ll register and start your ascent. The hike takes you through the lush rainforest to the Mandara encampment, and a side trip to Maundi Crater offers breathtaking views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Keep an eye out for towering Eucalyptus trees, diverse birdlife, and playful Colobus monkeys.

— Elevation Gain: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Budget)

 

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi or Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our driver will be ready to greet you after
immigration and customs. The journey to Moshi takes approximately 45 minutes, while
the drive to Arusha city takes about an hour without traffic. You’ll have a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and an opportunity to rent any necessary equipment for your trek. Any excess luggage not needed for the trek can be securely stored at your hotel.

If time permits, we recommend an extra rest day before beginning your trek.

Meals Included: None

Accommodation: Hotel, as discussed

 

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and a briefing, we’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, a
journey of 45-60 minutes. Here, you’ll register and start your ascent. The hike takes you through the lush rainforest to the Mandara encampment, and a side trip to Maundi Crater offers breathtaking views of Northern Tanzania. Keep an eye out for towering Eucalyptus trees, diverse birdlife, and playful Colobus monkeys.

— Elevation Gain: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Budget)

 

Day 3: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leaving the rainforest behind, you’ll ascend through open moorlands to reach the
Horombo encampment. Marvel at the stunning views of Mawenzi and the Kibo summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter giant lobelias and groundsels. As you gain altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

— Elevation Gain: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 12km/7.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Heathland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget)

 

Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Continuing your ascent, you’ll pass the last watering point and make your way to the
saddle of Kilimanjaro between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation transitions
to upper heathland before disappearing into a surreal “moonscape.” This evening,
prepare for your summit climb.

— Elevation Gain: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
— Distance: 9km/5.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Budget)

 

Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and Descend to Horombo Hut

In the early hours (midnight to 2am), commence your climb to the summit, navigating
steep and challenging scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point, situated on the crater rim.
Continue to ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and revel in the
breathtaking views at every turn. Descend, pause for lunch and rest at Kibo before
heading to the Horombo encampment. The initial part of the climb is undertaken in
darkness and requires headlamps or flashlights. The ascent begins when it’s still cold,
so be prepared with warm layers. This is the most demanding part of the trek, with numerous switchbacks. Going slowly, “pole pole,” and maintaining a positive attitude will lead you to success!

— Elevation Gain: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Descent to: 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
— Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget)

 

Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to Trailhead, Drive to Moshi or Arusha

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you through moorland to Mandara Hut and then through lush forest paths to the Marangu National Park gate. At lower elevations, it may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Shorts and t-shirts bare usually sufficient attire (keep rain gear and warmer clothing on hand). A vehicle will meet you in Marangu village and transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, which takes approximately 1 hour. Don’t forget to express your appreciation to your guides and porters—it’s time to celebrate your achievement!

— Elevation Loss: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
— Distance: 20km/12.5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, as discussed

 

Day 7: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure or continue to your safari adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Included:

• All accommodations per itinerary
• All meals per itinerary
• All tours and entrance fees per itinerary
•  All transportation and transfers per itinerary
•  National Park gate fees
•  Transport from / to Moshi or Arusha
• Certified Mountain guides for all routes
• Salaries for all crew members
• Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
• Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
• Emergency Oxygen (2L Canister)

 

Exclude:

• International and domestic flights
• Beverages and Alcohol
• Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
• Single room supplement
• Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $350-500/person)
• Optional tours
• Sleeping bags and personal gear
• Low season discount in April/May

 

2026 & 2027 prices
NO. of PAX in one group 1 -2      PAX 3 -4 5-6 7+
Price pr. person $2,474   $1,925   $1,885   $1,790