5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Trek Itinerary Guide

Q: How many days does the trek take?

The standard Marangu Route trek takes 5 to 6 days. A 5-day trek is shorter but allows less time to acclimatize, while the 6-day option improves your chances of reaching the summit successfully.

Q: Where do we sleep on the Marangu Route?

Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu Route offers shared mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo huts) with simple bunk beds and communal dining halls.

Q: What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route?

The best months are January–March and June–October, when the weather is clearer and drier.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Professional mountain crew: Licensed English-speaking guide(s), experienced porters, and a cook
Park fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping/hut fees, rescue fees, and VAT.
Accommodation: Mountain huts along the Marangu Route (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts).
Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the mountain, plus hot drinks (tea/coffee).
Drinking water: Treated and filtered water provided throughout the trek.
Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfers to/from Marangu Gate.
Equipment: Dining tent, tables, chairs, and kitchenware.
Summit certificate: Official Kilimanjaro climbing certificate upon completion.
Emergency support: First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, and pulse oximeter for altitude monitoring.

Cost Excludes

Flights: International or domestic airfares to/from Tanzania.
Visa fees: Entry visa for Tanzania.
Travel insurance: Medical or personal travel insurance (mandatory for climbers).
Personal equipment: Climbing gear such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, warm clothing, boots, and headlamps (available for rent).
Personal expenses: Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended guideline provided separately), as well as souvenirs, snacks, and drinks not included in the trek.

Departure City
Moshi/Arusha
Accomodation
mid Range
Transportation
Transfer: Min Bus
Tour Availability
Year Around
Payment Method
Bank Wire Transfer (SWIFT/IBAN), Online Payment Gateways, Cash Payments

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Join our 5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek, one of the most classic and comfortable ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, standing proudly at 5,895 meters. This route is well-loved for its gradual ascent and the unique advantage of overnight stays in mountain huts, providing extra comfort compared to camping. Perfect for first-time trekkers or those who prefer a gentler experience, the Marangu Route takes you through diverse landscapes—lush rainforest, scenic moorlands, and striking alpine desert before your final challenge to Uhuru Peak, the “Roof of Africa.

Highlights

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro – Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Classic Marangu Route – The only Kilimanjaro route with comfortable hut accommodations.
Diverse Flora & Fauna – Spot unique plants like giant lobelias and learn about Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems.
Gradual & Manageable Ascent – Perfect for first-time climbers seeking a shorter yet rewarding trek.

Day 01 :

Moshi/ Marangu gate/ Mandara Hut

After breakfast and a short briefing, you will be driven to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, a journey of about 45 minutes. Upon arrival, registration formalities are completed before beginning your trek. The first section of the trail leads through a lush rainforest, rich in towering eucalyptus trees and home to colorful birdlife as well as playful Colobus monkeys. Your hike ends at Mandara Hut, where you will spend the night. If time allows, you may take a short excursion to Maundi Crater, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and, on a clear day, even glimpses of Kenya.

Day 02 :

Mandara Hut- Horombo hut

After a nourishing breakfast, begin your trek towards Horombo Hut. The trail takes you steadily upward through scenic moorland, revealing magnificent views of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore the Maundi Crater, a perfect spot to admire sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and landscapes. The day’s hike takes about 5–7 hours before reaching Horombo Hut (3,720m). Here, you’ll settle in for the evening, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest as your body adjusts to the higher altitude.

Day 03 :

Horombo Hut- Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you will set out on the trek towards Kibo Hut, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail takes you across the alpine desert, where the landscape shifts to rocky terrain with little vegetation. As you climb higher, the air becomes thinner, so it is important to maintain a slow and steady pace. After approximately 6–8 hours of trekking, you will reach Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters. Upon arrival, take time to rest, rehydrate, and enjoy an early dinner as you prepare for the overnight summit ascent.

Day 04 :

Kibo hut-Summit - Horombo Hut

Around midnight, after a light snack, you will begin your final ascent towards the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail climbs steeply in the dark, guiding you past Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim before continuing toward Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit in time for sunrise is an unforgettable experience, as the first rays of light reveal the vast beauty of the mountain and the surrounding landscapes. Take in the moment, capture memorable photos, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.

After celebrating at the summit, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. Here, at a more comfortable altitude, you’ll enjoy dinner, celebrate your successful climb, and spend the night in preparation for your final descent.

Day 05 :

Horombo Hut- Marangu Gate- Jro

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, begin your descent towards Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, you will complete the park formalities and be awarded your well-earned summit certificates. Take a moment to thank and bid farewell to your mountain crew, your guides, porters, and cooks, who supported you throughout the trek. From there, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home or onward travel.

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How difficult is the Marangu Route?

The Marangu Route is considered one of the easier paths to Kilimanjaro’s summit because it has a gradual slope and hut accommodation instead of tents. However, it still requires good fitness, stamina, and determination since altitude affects everyone differently.

How many days does the trek take?

The standard Marangu Route trek takes 5 to 6 days. A 5-day trek is shorter but allows less time to acclimatize, while the 6-day option improves your chances of reaching the summit successfully.

Where do we sleep on the Marangu Route?

Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu Route offers shared mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo huts) with simple bunk beds and communal dining halls.

. Do I need prior climbing experience?

No technical climbing experience is required. However, you should be physically prepared with some hiking practice and a reasonable level of fitness.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route?

The best months are January–March and June–October, when the weather is clearer and drier.

What should I pack for the trek?

Essential items include warm clothing, a sleeping bag, sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp, trekking poles, gloves, and layered clothing. Most gear can also be rented in Moshi/Arusha.

Is altitude sickness a concern?

Yes. Since the Marangu Route is relatively fast, altitude sickness is possible. Guides monitor your health daily, and extra days can be added to improve acclimatization.

5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Trek

Duration

5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Trek

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Cost Includes

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Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

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Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

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