5 Days Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Hiking Marangu Route

After breakfast and a briefing, you will drive to Marangu village and then proceed to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Register at the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority offices and begin the hike. The first day's hike will take you through the rainforest to Mandara Hut, located at 2740m (9000ft). If time allows, you can take a side trip to Maundi Crater for stunning views of the northern part of Tanzania.

After breakfast, start your hike to Horombo Hut. You will leave the rainforest behind and ascend through open moorlands. The path offers magnificent views of Kibo summit and Mawenzi. Along the way, you may encounter giant lobelias and groundsels. Horombo Hut, located at 3700m (12,100ft), is often used as an acclimatization point, with an optional extra day to improve chances of summit success.

After breakfast, continue your hike to the last water point and into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation becomes sparser as you ascend, eventually resembling a desert-like landscape. Reach Kibo Hut at 4700m (15,400ft) where you will have dinner and rest before the summit hike.

In the early morning, begin the hike to the summit. First, reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim at 5861m (18,640ft), which takes about 4-7 hours. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at 5895m (19,340ft), which takes an additional 1-2 hours. Be prepared with warm clothing, a flashlight, camera, and sunglasses. After reaching the summit and taking photos, descend to Kibo Hut for breakfast and a rest. Then continue to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, begin the steady descent through the moorland to Mandara Hut at 2740m (9000ft). From there, continue descending through the lush forest on a well-maintained path to the Marangu Gate at 1700m (5500ft). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.