5 Days Marangu Route

Hut Accommodation

Unlike other routes, trekkers stay in cozy huts instead of tents, offering better protection from the elements.

Gentle Gradient:

The trail has a more gradual incline, making it accessible to hikers with moderate fitness levels.

Day 2: Arusha to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,700m)

Morning:

• Transfer to Marangu Gate: After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Marangu Gate, which is the starting point of your trek (about 1.5-hour drive from Arusha).
• Registration: At the gate, you’ll complete registration and get your gear checked. You’ll also be introduced to the porters and your climbing team.

Trek to Mandara Hut: Begin your ascent through the rainforest. The path is well-maintained, and the trek to Mandara Hut will be fairly easy. You’ll pass through lush tropical forest, with chances of spotting monkeys and various bird species.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Mandara Hut: This is a scenic and comfortable camp where you’ll have your first night on the mountain.

Distance: 8 km
Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Overnight: Stay at Mandara Hut.

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Morning:

• Trek to Horombo Hut: After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent toward Horombo Hut. The trail leads you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The scenery opens up with fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll start feeling the higher altitude, so it’s important to take it slow and hydrate.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Horombo Hut: Horombo Hut is a larger hut complex and is one of the most popular spots on the Marangu Route. You’ll have time to relax and prepare for the summit attempt. Acclimatization hikes around the camp are recommended in the afternoon.

Distance: 12 km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Overnight: Stay at Horombo Hut.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Morning:

• Trek to Kibo Hut: After breakfast, you’ll begin your trek to Kibo Hut, located at the base of the summit. The terrain becomes more arid, with fewer plants, and you will feel the effects of higher altitudes. The air becomes thinner, so take it slow and ensure you stay hydrated.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Kibo Hut: This is the final camp before your summit attempt. It’s an early night for all climbers, as you’ll need to rest before your summit attempt, which will start in the early morning hours.

Distance: 10 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Overnight: Stay at Kibo Hut.

Day 5: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descent to Marangu Gate

Midnight (Early Morning):

• Summit Attempt: You’ll begin your summit attempt from Kibo Hut around midnight. The climb will take several hours as you ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. The summit trek involves a long, steep climb over scree slopes, and the higher altitude will make it difficult to breathe. It’s essential to maintain a slow, steady pace.

Early Morning:

• Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m): After hours of climbing, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. This is the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. You’ll have a few moments to enjoy the views and celebrate before beginning your descent.

Morning:

• Descend to Kibo Hut: After spending time at the summit, you’ll begin descending back to Kibo Hut for a rest and a meal.

Afternoon:

• Descend to Horombo Hut: After resting at Kibo, you’ll continue your descent to Horombo Hut.

Evening:

• Final Descent to Marangu Gate: From Horombo, you will continue the descent all the way down to Marangu Gate. At the gate, you will receive your summit certificate (green for reaching Kibo Hut, gold for reaching Uhuru Peak).

Distance: 6 km ascent to the summit, 14 km descent
Trekking time: 7-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent

Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Arusha or transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure.