The 5-Day Marangu Route Expedition
From $1437Per Person
The 5-Day Marangu Route Expedition
The 5-Day Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro’s most established path and the only one offering dormitory-style hut accommodations. This route follows a gentle ascent through lush rainforests and alpine meadows, providing a classic journey to the Roof of Africa.
Safari Highlights Overview
| Destination | Highlight | Nights | Accommodaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing (Arrival Day) | Pre-Trek Briefing (Arrival Day) | 1 | Hotel & Camping |
| Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut | Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut | 1 | Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut |
| Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut | Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut | 1 | Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut |
| Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut | Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut | 1 | Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut |
| Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut | 1 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut |
| Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi | 1 | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi |
ITINERARY
Your journey begins with a warm welcome to Tanzania. Our lead guides will meet you at your hotel in Moshi for a vital pre-trek briefing. We will conduct a comprehensive gear check to ensure you are fully prepared for the mountain’s varied climate, finalize safety protocols, and discuss the specific strategy for your Marangu ascent.
- Accommodation: Not Included (Available as an optional add-on)
- Meals: Not Included (Available as an optional add-on)
After breakfast at your hotel, we drive for approximately 45 minutes to the Marangu Gate for registration. The trek begins on a well-maintained trail through the lush tropical rainforest. Keep an eye out for Blue Monkeys and Black-and-White Colobus monkeys in the canopy. We reach Mandara Hut by late afternoon.
- Elevation: 1,860m (6,102ft) to 2,700m (8,858ft)
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles) | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest | Meals: Lunch & Dinner
We leave the forest and enter the moorland zone. The path opens to provide spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will pass through unique high-altitude vegetation, including giant lobelias, before arriving at the Horombo Huts.
- Elevation: 2,700m (8,858ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft)
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we cross the “Saddle”—a high-altitude lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is stark and rocky as we approach the foot of the Kibo crater wall. We arrive at Kibo Hut early to rest and hydrate for the midnight summit push.
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 4,703m (15,430ft)
- Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Summit Day. At midnight, we begin the final ascent by headlamp. We climb the steep volcanic scree to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Kibo for lunch and continue down to Horombo Hut.
- Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Summit) then down to 3,720m
- Distance: 21 km (13 miles) | Hiking Time: 13–15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Summit | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a final breakfast on the mountain, we descend through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Here, you will sign the park register and receive your official summit certificates. Our vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi where the tour concludes.
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,860m (6,102ft)
- Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
INCLUDED
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
EXCLUDED
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- International and domestic flights
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)