Kilimanjaro: 5-Day Marangu Route Trek with Accommodation

Embark on a 5-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. Stay in mountain huts along the way and enjoy the stunning views of the Kenyan interior from Maundi Crater.
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut (2,700m)

After breakfast hotel will drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, begin your trek and soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, have the chance to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys.

Approximately 4 hours later, reach your destination of the day – the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior. Enjoy an evening meal and overnight stay.

Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (3,700m)

Breakfast after leaving Mandara Hut, reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3,700 m. From the hut, have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe. Enjoy an evening dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,700m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation-less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. This begins at night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. The mountain guide will wake you up at 23:00 hrs and an hour later, you will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards.

At sunrise, reach Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. At peak, celebrate your accomplishment of reaching the “Roof of Africa”.

The route back down follows the same path; the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can regain your strength. Following a 1 – 2 hour break, once again be on your way hiking to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) for your stay.

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,700m) – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Back Moshi/Arusha

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1,860 m).

After saying goodbye to your mountain guides and porters, a transfer follows to take you back to Moshi or Arusha.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.