5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek through the rainforest and take in views across Northern Tanzania
• 02 Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views at Horombo Hut
• 03 Make the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa
• 04 Descend through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest for a beautiful finish

Experience an exhilarating 5-day trek on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. Walk through rainforest and open moorland landscapes, enjoy panoramic views from Horombo Hut, and prepare for the demanding summit push to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Along the way, take in views of Kibo Summit and Mawenzi before descending through Kilimanjaro's beautiful cloud forest to complete your journey.

The hike begins with a demanding five-hour climb to Gillman's Point on the crater rim.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through the Rainforest

• After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Marangu village and continue to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes). Register at the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority offices and commence the climb.
• Walk through the rainforest to Mandara Hut at 9,000 ft / 2,740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania.

2

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across the Moorlands

• In the morning, around 8:30 AM, trek to Horombo Hut after breakfast.
• After about 1 hour, you will leave the rainforest glades and follow an ascending path across the open moorlands to Horombo Hut.
• The views of Kibo Summit and Mawenzi are stunning and shining on clear days.
• In most cases, giant lobelias and groundsels can be found along the way. Horombo Hut is a point that most climbers use for acclimatization, where they spend an extra day.
• Spending an extra day gives a greater chance of a successful summit on the roof of Africa.

3

Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut via the Saddle

• In the morning, after breakfast, the trek takes you to the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins in the upper heathland and then disappears into a desert-like landscape.
• At Kibo, you will have dinner, take a nap, and prepare for the summit climb in the middle of the night, around 23:30.

4

Day 04

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Back to Horombo Hut

• Around midnight, start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five-hour climb to Gillman's Point on the crater rim.
• Although this is considered the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still tough. The first major rest stop, William's Point, lies at 5,000 meters and is approximately a two-hour hike from Kibo Hut.
• Continue for thirty minutes before the rocky switchbacks to Gillman's Point (5,681 meters).

5

Day 05

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Descent

• 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.
• Our vehicles will wait at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• Hotel accommodation in Moshi - Kilimanjaro for 2 nights with meals
• 3 meals while on the mountain - breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Professional Kilimanjaro guide, safari guide, porters, and cook
• Transportation to the gate and back
• Park fees
• Oxygen cylinder, first aid kit, and exameter while climbing
• 18% government VAT
• 3 - 4 litres of mineral/treated water per climber, provided daily during the climb
• 3 - 4 porters per climber

What's Not Included

• Other personal expenses such as shopping in gift shops, laundry, binoculars, telephone, and beverages
• Tips and gratuities for your crew
• Personal mountain equipment
• Visa

What to bring

• Visa
• Passport
• Cash

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Mandara Huts, Tanzania

Tour start

Mandara Huts, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.