5 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route

Marangu is favourate route to many climber espscialy those beginers because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, this is due to its gradual slopes and direction path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu route is, unfortunately, less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.

Day 1: Arusha to Mandara Hut.

• Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Drive from the Hotel to Marangu gate and spend around two hours for registration, payments of fees and final parking. Start climbing through dense semi-tropical to the first hut- Mandara hut (9,000ft). Dinner and an overnight at Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut.

• Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Early morning breakfast and later ascend through the alpine meadow and grassland and moorland to Horombo hut (12,000ft). Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be viewed easily on the way. Dinner and an overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut.

• Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Have breakfast and further ascend to Kibo hut (15,000ft). The landscape becomes very stony and eroded. Spectacular mountain vegetation like giant cactus, groundswell, and lobelia appear on the way. Dinner and an overnight at Kibo Hut.

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut.

• Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

• Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
• Distance: 16 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Wake up at midnight, and after a snack, proceed to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft). It is about 5-6 hours and 1-2 hours from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) respectively. You will reach the Mountain peak on the morning of the 5th day and start descending after picture taking on the top to Horombo Hut for dinner and an overnight after a short break at Kibo Hut.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Arusha.

• Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
• Distance: 20 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. The waiting car will take you to Moshi / Arusha, for your ongoing travel arrangements.