5 days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking
Overview
The 5 days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodations, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more comfortable trek. This moderately challenging route takes you through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, culminating at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
Tour Plan
Morning:
After breakfast in Moshi, meet your trekking guide for a pre-climb briefing. Transfer to Marangu Gate, where park registration and formalities are completed.
Trek Details:
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Terrain: Lush montane rainforest
Hike Highlights:
- Trek through dense rainforest with towering trees and ferns.
- Look for wildlife, including blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Lunch:
Stop along the trail for a picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Mandara Hut in the early evening. Optional: Take a short walk to Maundi Crater for stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding landscape.
Dinner & Accommodation:
Dinner will be served at Mandara Hut. Spend the night in dormitory-style mountain huts.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Morning:
After breakfast, set out on the trail towards Horombo Hut. The scenery shifts from rainforest to open moorland, dotted with giant lobelias and groundsel plants.
Trek Details:
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Terrain: Moorland
Hike Highlights:
- See views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
- Spot unique flora such as giant lobelias.
Lunch:
Enjoy a packed lunch along the trail.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Horombo Hut, where you’ll be greeted by expansive views of the plains below.
Dinner & Accommodation:
Dinner will be served at Horombo Hut. Rest and acclimatize for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning:
After breakfast, continue your trek toward Kibo Hut. The trail crosses the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a vast, arid expanse with little vegetation.
Trek Details:
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Terrain: Alpine desert
Hike Highlights:
- The landscape becomes barren and moon-like as you ascend.
- Enjoy panoramic views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Lunch:
Stop for a picnic lunch along the saddle.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Kibo Hut and rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt. Your guide will brief you on the summit push.
Dinner & Accommodation:
Dinner will be served at Kibo Hut. Rest as much as possible before the final ascent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Summit Attempt:
Depart Kibo Hut around midnight for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trail is steep and challenging, with a mix of rocky paths and loose scree.
Summit Trek Details:
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Duration: 6–8 hours to Uhuru Peak
- Terrain: Steep scree and rocky paths
Hike Highlights:
- Reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim at sunrise.
- Continue to Uhuru Peak, passing Stella Point along the way.
- Witness breathtaking views of the crater and glaciers.
Celebration:
Celebrate your achievement at the summit with photos at the iconic Uhuru Peak sign.
Descent to Kibo Hut:
Descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and refreshments.
Descent to Horombo Hut:
Continue descending to Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night.
Descent Details:
- Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
- Duration: 6–8 hours
Dinner & Accommodation:
Dinner will be served at Horombo Hut. Rest and recover from the long summit day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning:
After breakfast, begin your final descent to Marangu Gate. The trail winds back through the moorland and rainforest.
Trek Details:
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Duration: 6 hours
Lunch:
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the gate.
Certificate Ceremony:
Receive your summit certificate (green for Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak) and take a group photo to commemorate the climb.
Afternoon:
Transfer back to Moshi for a celebratory meal and well-deserved relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
This 5-day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing/Trekking Tour is ideal for those seeking a comfortable and scenic adventure to the summit.
Prices
| Qty. | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 – ABOVE | EXTRA DAY |
| Price | $1680 | $1600 | $1580 | $1550 | $1530 | $1470 | $1400 | $250 |
Included/Excluded
- Professional mountain guide and porters
- Park fees and permits
- Mountain hut accommodation for 4 nights
- Meals as specified (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Group camping equipment (cooking gear, sleeping mats)
- Transfers to and from Marangu Gate
- Climbing gear (available for rental)
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal expenses and snacks
