5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha | Moshi town. Here, you will meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek. An equipment check will be conducted to ensure you have all the necessary gear. Any missing items can be rented on this day.

• Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

After an early breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your lodge in Moshi and driven to the Marangu Gate, where your climb officially begins. Following registration and a briefing, you’ll start your trek through lush rainforest, home to various bird species and playful primates. The trail ascends steadily as you make your way to Mandara Hut. After settling in and resting, your guide can take you on a short walk to Maundi Crater, offering panoramic views of northern Tanzania and the Kenyan interior.

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

After an early breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent, soon passing through the last of the rainforest before entering the heath and moorland zone. The landscape becomes more open, with giant lobelias and groundsel plants dotting the trail. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner, and the pace slows. After approximately 4–6 hours of hiking, you'll reach Horombo Hut at 3,700m. From here, enjoy stunning views of the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, as well as the vast Masai Steppe stretching into the distance.

• Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8 miles
• Approx. time taken: 6–8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today’s trek is both challenging and critical as you gain significant altitude. The trail leads you past the “Last Water Point,” after which the path crosses the vast, barren saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This high-altitude desert landscape is striking in its desolation.

You’ll steadily ascend to Kibo Hut, located at the base of Kibo summit. The trek takes about 5–7 hours. Once at the hut, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for your summit attempt, which begins just after midnight.

• Distance covered: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi
• Approx. time taken: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today is the most demanding yet most rewarding day of your Kilimanjaro trek — summit day!

You’ll begin the final ascent just after midnight under the starlit sky. The trail takes you past Hans Meyer Cave (5220m), and slowly winds its way up to Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim — where you'll be greeted by a spectacular sunrise. After a short rest, you’ll push on for another 1–2 hours along the crater rim to reach the summit: Uhuru Peak (5895m) — the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating your achievement and taking photos at the top, you will begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and a hot meal. You’ll then continue down to Horombo Hut (3700m) where you’ll spend the night.

• Distance covered: 22 km / 13.7 mi
• Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Your final day on the mountain begins after breakfast with a steady descent through the heath and moorland zone, arriving once again at Mandara Hut (2700m) for a hot lunch break. Afterward, you'll continue your descent through the lush rainforest, listening to the sounds of the jungle and possibly spotting monkeys or exotic birds along the way.

After approximately 6–8 hours of trekking, you’ll reach the Marangu Gate (1860m), where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where a well-earned hot shower, rest, and celebration await.

• Distance covered: 20.8 km / 12.9 mi
• Approx. time taken: 8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. The day is kept free for you to relax and reflect on your achievement. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Moshi town, enjoy a local meal, or shop for souvenirs before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.