Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb with Uhuru Peak Summit

5 Days Round trip from W99Q+CJF Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek the classic Marangu Route on iconic Mount Kilimanjaro
  • 02 Stay in dormitory-style sleeping huts, unique to the Marangu Route
  • 03 Experience diverse ecosystems from rainforest to alpine desert
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m for sunrise from Kilimanjaro's summit

Embark on a classic 5-day trek on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, one of the oldest and most well-established paths on the mountain. Many favour this route because it is considered one of the easiest on Kilimanjaro thanks to its gradual slope, and it is also the only route that offers dormitory-style sleeping huts. Along the way, experience diverse ecosystems ranging from dense rainforest to alpine desert before making your summit push to Uhuru Peak. While the minimum duration for this route is five days, the probability of successfully reaching the top within that time is relatively low.

Along the way, experience diverse ecosystems ranging from dense rainforest to alpine desert before making your summit push to Uhuru Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through the Rainforest

  • After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to Marangu Gate.
  • Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest.
  • Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to Mandara Hut.
  • After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior.

Distance covered: 8.3 km / 5.2 mi Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

2
Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across Heath and Moorland

  • The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone.
  • Approximately 4 - 6 hours later, Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700 m.
  • From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Distance covered: 12.5 km / 7.8 mi Approx.

Time taken: 9 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

3
Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut via the Saddle

  • 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 Kibo Hut, which is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours.
  • Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Distance covered: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi Approx.

Time taken: 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

4
Day 04

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

  • Today is "The Big Day" - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, and it will be long and strenuous. Passing Hans Meyer Cave at 5220 m, the climb slowly but surely continues upwards.
  • At sunrise, you will reach Gillman's Point (5681 m) - the crater rim of Kilimanjaro - where the sun will slowly start to warm the land.
  • You will soon have forgotten the cold of the night, and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m.
  • On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you, followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered: 22 km / 13.7 mi Approx.

Time taken: 12 - 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

5
Day 05

Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

  • The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to Mandara Hut (2700 m), where a warm lunch is waiting for you.
  • Soon, you will once again pass through the tropical rainforest, and after a total trekking time of 6 hours, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860 m).
  • After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
  • Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8 km / 12.9 mi Approx.

Time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included.

dense rainforest, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

dense rainforest, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from W99Q+CJF 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Porterage
  • Rescue fee
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (on all days)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

  • Climbing gear
  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$20.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

  • Clothing
  • Base Layers: Thermal tops and bottoms (moisture-wicking material)
  • Mid Layers: Fleece or insulated jacket
  • Outer Layers: Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Warm Layers: Down jacket or equivalent for summit night
  • Hiking Pants and Shorts: Comfortable and lightweight
  • Trekking Shirts: Long-sleeved and short-sleeved (quick-drying)
  • Underwear: Moisture-wicking and comfortable
  • Gloves: Lightweight inner gloves and insulated, waterproof outer gloves
  • Hats: Sun hat and warm beanie
  • Gaiters: To protect against mud and snow
  • Footwear
  • Hiking Boots: Waterproof, sturdy, and well-broken-in
  • Camp Shoes: Lightweight for evening comfort
  • Socks: Wool or synthetic (3-5 pairs)
  • Gear
  • Daypack: 25-35 liters for essentials
  • Duffle Bag: For porters to carry (up to 15 kg limit)
  • Sleeping Bag: Rated for -20°C or lower
  • Trekking Poles: Adjustable and lightweight
  • Headlamp: With extra batteries
  • Water Bottles and Hydration System: 3-4 liters total capacity
  • Sunglasses: UV-protected and wrap-around
  • Personal Items
  • Travel Documents: Passport, insurance, and permits
  • First Aid Kit: Include altitude sickness medication, pain relievers, and blister care
  • Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and wet wipes
  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, and lotion
  • Snacks: High-energy bars and electrolyte powder
  • Optional Items
  • Camera: Lightweight with extra memory cards
  • Notebook: For journaling
  • Hand Warmers: For summit night
  • Earplugs: For noisy campsites
  • Cash: For tipping guides and porters

Know before you go

  • Explain the route and daily itineraries: You'll get a clear understanding of what to expect each day, including distances, terrain, and altitudes.
  • Review safety measures: The guide will go over safety protocols, how to use climbing equipment, and how to monitor and manage altitude-related symptoms.
  • Check your gear: They will ensure that you have all the necessary equipment and clothing, and advise on any last-minute adjustments.
  • Share climbing tips: Learn about pacing, hydration, and techniques to conserve energy during the climb.
  • Answer your questions: This is your chance to ask about any concerns or clarifications regarding the climb.
  • Our guides are experienced, friendly, and committed to ensuring your safety and success on the mountain. You'll be in excellent hands from start to finish!

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour start
W99Q+CJF, Gilmans Point, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in W99Q+CJF.

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Starting from

USD 1,300 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,300.00 — $1,495.00
Double Sharing $1,300.00 — $1,495.00

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