5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Day 0: Arrivals

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport JRO you will meet with me followed by an hour drive to the hotel in Moshi Town for an orientation on your trek. You will spend the remaining day at the Hotel or hang around Moshi town. I will provide you with all the details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears. If you have missed one, I will help you on how to rent those missing gears from the rental shops.

Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast we will depart to Marangu gate. Upon registering with park authorities, our climb will officially begin with a four-hour walk to the Mandara hut. Our guides will frequently repeat the words, "pole pole, hakuna matata", which means "go slowly, no worries" in Swahili. We will pass through a thick rainforest zone and finally spend the night at Mandara Hut. The Mandara Hut has sleeping bunks, running water and flushable toilets.

Elevation: Marangu gate 1700m to Mandara 2720m
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Today we begin with a climb through the forest for a short time, before reaching the moorland zone at roughly 3,000m (a six-hour walk). The magnificent views of the mountain peaks at this altitude are possible. We will get some rest and spend the night at Horombo Hut (3,720m), which lies in a valley surrounded by giant lobelia which grows up to 3m in height and groundsel (Senecio Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m, flora which is characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water. Our team will bring a hot bowl of washing water, while our cook prepares an evening meal.

Elevation: Mandara hut 2720m to Horombo hut 3720m
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

We start with the slow hike through the moorland, the vegetation thins out as we enter the desert-like alpine zone (approximately 4,000m). Because of the increase in elevation, hike is a slow pace today to allow time to get acclimatized but pay attention to any signs of altitude sickness. The climb will take you between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Resting today is vital in order to gain the vitality and energy necessary for the upcoming hike to the summit.

Elevation: Horombo hut 3720m to Kibo hut 4700m
Distance: 9km/5.6mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hours hike to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William's Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hours hike from Kibo hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman's Point (5,681 meters).

The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru peak, take photos and beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

Elevation: Kibo hut 4720m to UHURU PEAK 5895m/19,341ft Down to Horombo hut 3720m
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Ice-capped, Stone scree, Heather and moorland

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

With Uhuru Peak a glorious memory far behind you, you'll begin your hike back to civilization on a full stomach. The steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu.

Arriving at Marangu Gate you'll receive your summit certificates and don't forget to tip your guide, cook and porters. It is time for celebration!

Elevation: Horombo hut 3720m to Marangu gate 1700m
Distance: 20km/12.4mi
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland and Montane Forest