5 Days Marangu Route

All trekkers are responsible for organizing their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival at JRO, we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That evening or early the next morning, you will meet your local Kilimanjaro & Safari Treks representative for a full pre-climb briefing.

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and transferred to the Marangu Gate. Once the necessary paperwork is completed, your trek will begin, and you'll soon find yourself hiking through the lush rainforest. As you walk through the vibrant vegetation, keep an eye out for primates and other wildlife on your way to the Mandara Hut. After a well-deserved rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Kenyan interior.

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after departing from Mandara Hut, you'll reach the timberline and enter the heath and moor zone. After approximately 4 to 6 hours of hiking, the Horombo Hut will come into view, standing at an altitude of 3,700m. From the hut, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Mawenzi, Kibo, and the expansive Masai steppe below.

Today's stage is challenging and long. The well-constructed trail takes you past the "Last Water Point" before leading you to the "Saddle," a nearly barren plateau that connects Kibo's main summit with Mawenzi. The day's destination is the Kibo Hut, typically reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Once there, you'll have an early evening meal, followed by an early night, as you'll need rest before the short and demanding night ahead.

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. The final ascent begins around midnight, marking a long and strenuous journey. As you pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb steadily continues upward. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m), the crater rim of Kilimanjaro, where the sun gradually warms the land. The cold of the night will soon be forgotten, and after another 1 to 2 hours of hiking, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. After taking in the breathtaking views, you will return to Kibo Hut for a warm meal, followed by a short 1 to 2-hour break before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut.

On our last day, we embark on a long trek, mostly downhill, through the lush tropical rainforest. Upon reaching the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, we will collect our summit certificates, celebrating the incredible achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to take us back to the hotel in Moshi, where we can relax and reflect on our unforgettable journey.

After a much-needed night’s rest, we will bid you farewell. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari/Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition to your next adventure.