ULTIMATE KILIMANJARO MARANGU ROUTE 5 DAYS
This 6-day itinerary combines an arrival day in Tanzania with a 5-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. Known for its scenic beauty and comfortable huts, this route offers a rewarding climb through diverse ecosystems rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit. The itinerary includes acclimatization and a summit attempt at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by your guide or transfer team and taken to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the day resting after your journey, or explore the town if time permits. Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing in the evening to review gear and logistics.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Distance: 8 km
- Elevation: 1,860m to 2,720m
- Time: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate (about 2 hours). Register with park authorities, then begin your trek through lush rainforest. Look for colobus monkeys and colorful birds as you ascend. Arrive at Mandara Hut for dinner and an overnight stay in dormitory-style huts.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Distance: 11 km
- Elevation: 2,720m to 3,720m
- Time: 6-8 hours
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. Enjoy views of Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, as you trek through heather and shrubs. Arrive at Horombo Hut, your base for the night, with time to rest and acclimatize.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m
- Time: 6-8 hours
Trek through the alpine desert after breakfast, a stark landscape with sparse vegetation. The air thins as you climb toward Kibo Hut, located at the base of the summit cone. Arrive by mid-afternoon, eat an early dinner, and rest before the midnight summit push.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Horombo Hut
- Distance: 6 km ascent, 16 km descent
- Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (summit), then down to 3,720m
- Time: 12-15 hours total
Begin your summit attempt at midnight. Ascend steeply through scree and rocky terrain to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) by dawn, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise. After celebrating your achievement, descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Return to Arusha
- Distance: 19 km
- Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m
- Time: 5-7 hours
After breakfast, descend through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate (if successful), then transfer back to Arusha (2-hour drive). Relax at your hotel or prepare for departure.
- Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar in Arusha)
- Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
What's Included on the Price
INCLUDED
- Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport to/from your hotel in Arusha.
- Accommodation: Pre- and post-climb
- Meals: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees.
- Guide and Porters: Professional English-speaking guide, cook, and porters to carry gear and set up camp.
- Transport: Transfers between Arusha and Trekking Gate.
- Summit Certificate: Provided upon successful summiting (Green Certificate for Gilman’s Point, Gold for Uhuru Peak).
EXCLUDED
- International Flights: Airfare to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visa Fees: Tanzania entry visa (check requirements based on your nationality).
- Personal Gear: Trekking equipment (e.g., sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, headlamp, boots).
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, porters, and cook (suggested: $15-20/day for guide, $10-15/day for porters, split among group).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory coverage for high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
- Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, sodas, or bottled water (water is provided but may need purification tablets).
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, or additional activities in Arusha.
- Extra Nights: Accommodation if you arrive early or stay longer post-climb.
