5 Days Marangu Route

Overview

fun for the whole family

Rising 3 miles above the plains filled with wild animals, Uhuru Peak is at an altitude of 5895 meters! Mount Kilimanjaro is made up of three extinct, cone-shaped volcanoes: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It has various ecosystems, so hikers can see a lot, from lush tropical rainforests and grassy savannas to beautiful alpine forests and extensive moorlands. The journey ends at the snowy summit and breathtaking glacier area.

Day to day Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut

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.

Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

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.

Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

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.

Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

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 Gilman’s 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!

Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha or Moshi

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).

Chimera African Safaris vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel.