5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Kilimanjaro Climbing

Price From

$1330.00

Tour Type

Kilimanjaro Climbing

Tour Duration

5 days

Language

English

Tour Overview

5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

The 5-day Kilimanjaro climbing Marangu route is a popular trekking option for those looking to summit Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is known for its scenic beauty and gradual ascent, making it a more manageable climb for those who are less experienced or have less time to spare. The Marangu route starts at the Marangu Gate and winds through forests, moorlands, and alpine deserts before reaching the summit. Along the way, trekkers will stay in huts instead of tents, making the journey more comfortable. Despite its popularity, the climb is still a challenging and rewarding experience that requires physical fitness and mental toughness.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi/Marangu – Mandara Hut

Elevation Gain: 915 meters, 3,000 feet

Leave Moshi at 8am for Marangu Gate. The drive to Marangu takes approximately 1 hour, and you will meet your Ascend Tanzania guides, cooks and porters when you arrive at the gate. After completing gate registration, begin your Kilimanjaro trek. Walk along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, day one’s halfway point. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort. The A-frame Mandara Huts can accommodate up to seventy people and consist of several sleeping huts and a dining area. All of Marangu’s huts have beds with mattresses.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Meters, 3,200 feet

After breakfast, leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro’s forests for Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro’s moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Eat a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3pm and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Although extremely busy, the Horombo Huts are considered to be the nicest on Kilimanjaro. The small, A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending and acclimatizing. Horombo can accommodate up to one hundred hikers and many more porters, cooks and guides.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters, 3,380 feet

Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit then Horombo Hut

Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet

Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hours hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hours hike Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters)

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Ascend Tanzania vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters