5 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

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

To be driven up to Marangu Gate for the beginning of the trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

• Main destination: Kilimanjaro Mountain
• Accommodation: Hut (mid-range accommodation)
• Meal and drinks: All Meals and drinks (tea, hot chocolate, coffee and water)

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft. Distance: 12 km | 7 miles. Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Heath

We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. We will have dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

• Main destination: Kilimanjaro Mountain
• Accommodation: Hut (mid-range accommodation)
• Meal and drinks: All Meals and drinks (tea, hot chocolate, coffee and water)

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

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day

• Main destination: Kilimanjaro Mountain
• Accommodation: Hut (mid-range accommodation)
• Meal and drinks: All Meals and drinks (tea, hot chocolate, coffee, and water)

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft. Distance: 6 km | 4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours. Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut 

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km | 10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath

Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep

• Main destination: Kilimanjaro Mountain
• Accommodation: Hut (mid-range accommodation)
• Meal and drinks: All Meals and drinks (tea, hot chocolate, coffee, and water)

On our last day, we had a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the lodge for dinner and overnight

• Main destination: Kilimanjaro Mountain
• Accommodation: WeruWeru River Lodge (mid-range accommodation in Moshi)
• Meal and drinks: All Meals and drinks (tea, hot chocolate, coffee, and water)

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight- After breakfast, you may have time to do the shopping for the souvenir before you take your Outbound flight.

• Main destination: Kilimanjaro International airport
• Accommodation: Non
• Meal and drinks: Breakfast, and drinking water