5-Day Marangu Route Itinerary – A Classic Climb to Uhuru Peak
Time climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro climb with our expert-guided 5-day Marangu Route — the perfect balance of acclimatization, scenery, and summit success.
Minimum age: 10+
Adventure awaits! Children aged 10 and up can join the trek with proper preparation, guidance, and parental supervision.
Expert Guides
Our knowledgeable guides will enrich your experience with insights into Tanzania's ecosystems and cultures.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Moshi (or Arusha)
- Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing
- Gear check and final preparations
- Overnight in Moshi
Optional: Explore local markets or enjoy a relaxing evening before your big adventure.
Day 2
Marangu Gate (1,800m / 5,900ft) → Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,860ft)
- Distance:~8 km (~5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +900m (+2,950ft)
Start your Kilimanjaro climb at Marangu Gate , entering through the lush rainforest. The trail winds through dense vegetation, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the sounds of the jungle. Arrive at Mandara Hut , the first of the mountain’s cozy huts nestled in a clearing.
Day 3
Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,200Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,860ft) → Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,200ft)ft)
A special treat awaits early today — a guided exploration of the Serengeti as the sun rises. The golden light reveals a world coming alive, from predators on the prowl to herds stirring under the morning sky.
- Distance: ~12 km (~7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Elevation Gain:+1,020m (+3,350ft)
Leave the rainforest behind and enter the open moorland zone. The path becomes steeper as you ascend through heath and alpine terrain. Arrive at Horombo Hut , where you’ll spend two nights to allow proper acclimatization — key to a successful summit attempt.
Day 4
Acclimatization Hike & Rest Day at Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,200ft)
- Optional Hike: To Zebra Rocks (4,050m / 13,300ft) or Lower Kibo (4,200m / 13,780ft)
- Hiking Time:3–5 hours round trip
- Elevation Gain:+330m to +480m (+1,080ft to +1,575ft)
Today is dedicated to acclimatization , essential for adjusting to the altitude. Take a guided hike to higher elevations then return to sleep at Horombo Hut — a proven method for improving summit success.
Day 5
Kibo Hut (4,700m / 15,420ft) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) → Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,200ft)
- Distance:~21 km (~13 miles)
- Hiking Time: 12–16 hours
- Elevation Gain/loss: +1,195m / -2,175m (+3,920ft / -7,135ft)
Begin your summit attempt around midnight , trekking steeply toward Stella Point on the crater rim, then onward to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Hut for the night, tired but triumphant.
Day 6
Mweka Hut (3,100m / 10,170ft) → Mweka Gate (1,630m / 5,348ft) → Moshi/Arusha
- Distance: ~10 km (~6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Loss: -1,470m (-4,823ft)
Descend through the tropical Mweka Rainforest , passing waterfalls and wildlife. Arrive at Mweka Gate , where you’ll receive your summit certificate . Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha to celebrate your achievement.
Includes
- All transfers
- Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Rescue fees
- Clean purified water
- Accommodation before climbing
- All entry fees
- All meals during your trekking
- Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees ($50 -$100, varies by nationality)
- Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable
- Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses ((e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.))
- Tips & gratuities
- Optional activities