5 Days Marangu Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Itineraries

5 Days Marangu Route

5 Days Marangu Route

Arusha, Tanzania
Duration

5 Days

Tour Type

Adventure

Group Size

10-20 People

Languages

Any Language

Overview

Rising 3 miles straight up out of the surrounding game-filled plains, Uhuru peak stands at 5895m! Made up of three extinct conical volcanoes, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, Mount Kilimanjaro houses a diverse range of ecosystems, so that trekkers experience everything from lush tropical rainforest and savanna grasslands through to magical alpine woodland and vast moorland, concluding with the summit's snowfields and stunning glacial region.

Highlights

  • Hike through vast grasslands, scenic alpine meadows, and giant cacti fields.
  • Experience panoramic views with a backdrop of dramatic mountain peaks.
  • Enjoy a memorable sunrise over Africa as you make your way to the summit.
  • Conquer Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Include / Exclude

Included

  • Pick up at International Airport
  • Transfer to the hotel Parkview inn or Kilimanjaro wonders hotel
  • Professional mountain crew.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits Fees
  • Camping/hut fees
  • 3 meals daily
  • Modern tents
  • First aid kit
  • Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick)
  • Portable flush toilets can be provided for free upon the client's request
  • Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery)
  • Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel
  • Accommodation after the climb
  • International certificates for a successful ascent
  • Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.

Excluded

  • Flights tickets
  • Visa fee
  • Personal gear rental
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry services
  • Tips for the mountain

Tour Itinerary

01

Day 1 : Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

  • Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
  • Distance: 8km/5mi
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals: LD

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walkthrough the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

Marangu Gate
Mandara Hut
Kilimanjaro National Park Gate
02

Day 2 : Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

  • Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
  • Distance: 12km/7.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heathland
  • Meals: BLD

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Mandara Hut
Horombo Hut
Horombo Hut Trekking
03

Day 3 : Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
  • Distance: 9km/5.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into moonscape. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.

Horombo Hut Top
Kibo Hut
Kibo Hut Camp
04

Day 4 : Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

  • Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
  • Down: 3700m/12,200ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilmans point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly pole . and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Summit Mount Meru
Uhuru Peak
Horombo Hut Camp
05

Day 5 : Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha or Moshi

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
  • Distance: 20km/12.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: B

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Best day Safaris vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel.

Horombo Hut
Horombo Hut Trekking
Marangu Route Trekking

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Mount Kilimanjaro

5 Days Marangu Route Faq's

Before taking on Kilimanjaro, knowing the details makes all the difference. Our FAQs cover routes, weather, and preparation, guiding you toward a safer, smoother, and unforgettable climb up Africa’s tallest mountain.

The length of the Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro is around 82 kilometres (50 miles).

It takes around 5 to 6 days to complete climbing Kilimanjaro when you choose the Marangu Route. Yes, you can complete the climb in 5 days, but some itineraries extend their climb to an additional day. This allows for better acclimatization (the body’s natural way to adapt to high altitude).

BestDay Safaris offers Kilimanjaro Climbs via both 5-day and 6-day routes. For more details on preparation for the climb, refer to our Kilimanjaro Travel Guides.

The Marangu Route is a challenging route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Its high difficulty level is attributed to its short duration. Additionally, the time spent on the mountain is brief, which can make it challenging for climbers to acclimatize.

The varied terrain, unpredictable Kilimanjaro Weather, and reduced oxygen levels as you ascend to higher elevations are all factors that make things more challenging.

If something goes wrong, our trained guides and support personnel at BestDay Safaris will do everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being. They carry first aid equipment and provide basic medical assistance when needed. If necessary, they will follow the Kilimanjaro Rescue methods to ensure a safe evacuation.

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When someone says a trip changed them, we listen. Many guests have written about moments that stayed long after they left, wildlife, culture, and friendships. Their voices give you a glimpse of the Tanzania we’re proud to show.

Eddina3 / Aug 2025

Thank You for the Trip of a Lifetime!

I can’t thank best day safari enough for the incredible journey they planned for us.Climbing Kilimanjaro was a dream come true & the guides and the support team made us feel safe.

Alice G / Jul 2025

Amazing 6-days safari With Bestday safari

Bestday Safaris designed this fantastic safari to meet our needs. There were eight of us, two families of friends, split between two jeeps with the fantastic guides Tuma and Emanuel.

Anna N / Aug 2025

Unforgettable Experience with Bestdays Safari

These were days we will never forget. The organization by Bestdays Safari was flawless in every way.Yuna is a truly special person – she fulfilled every single request of mine.

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