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Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be transferred to our hotel in Moshi to freshen up after your flight. After a comprehensive briefing about the trip from your expedition leader,. We will be served dinner in the hotel, where you can get to know the other members of your group and relax on the beautiful grounds of our hotel.

Day 1. Arrival in Tanzania

Start the ascent from Moshi Town to the Marangu Gate, the entry point of the Marangu route. Trek through lush rainforests and reach the Mandara Hut, immersing yourself in the unique montane environment.

Day 2. Moshi Town to Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut:

Continue the journey through heath and moorland landscapes on day three. Arrive at the Horombo Hut, a comfortable resting place with breathtaking panoramic views. Take a day to acclimatize and enjoy optional hikes.

Day 3. Horombo Hut:

Trek through the lunar-like landscape to reach the Kibo Hut. Begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, at sunrise. Celebrate your achievement and descend to Horombo Hut.

Day 4. Kibo Hut - Summit:

Descend to the Horombo Hut, reflecting on your successful summit. Rest and rejuvenate at the lower altitude as you prepare for the final descent.

Day 5. Horombo Hut:

Descend to the Marangu Gate, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro trek. Transfer to a hotel in Moshi for a refreshing shower, a delicious dinner, and a celebration of your Kilimanjaro triumph.

Day 6. Marangu Gate - Hotel in Moshi:

Choose to depart for your next destination or extend your adventure with optional activities:

- Wildlife Safaris: Explore Tanzanian wildlife on a thrilling safari.
- Zanzibar Relaxation: Unwind on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.
- Additional Celebration: Continue the celebration in Moshi or plan other local excursions.

Day 7. Departure or Optional Activities:

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Mount Kilimanjaro: 5-day Marangu route Trek

Horizon Seeker Adventure

You leave the glades of the rain-forest 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 grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Pre-trek Briefing

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through 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, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Hotel to Mandara Hut

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 summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

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.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through 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).

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Horombo Hut to Moshi

Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu route in 5 days

Kitano Tours And Safaris

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On Day 1 of the Marangu Route trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, you journey from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut. This initial leg covers approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) and typically takes 4 to 6 hours, offering a gradual but steady introduction to the climb.

The adventure begins at Marangu Gate, situated at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet). Here, trekkers complete registration formalities, meet their guides and porters, and prepare for the ascent. The trail starts as a wide, well-maintained path that meanders through the lush rainforest, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse zones on Kilimanjaro.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

On Day 2 of the Marangu Route trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, the journey takes you from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut. This day covers about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) and typically takes 6 to 8 hours of hiking.

Starting from Mandara Hut at 2,720 meters (8,924 feet), you begin your ascent through the lush rainforest, soon transitioning into the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, but the changing scenery provides ample distraction. As you leave the dense forest behind, the path opens up, revealing a landscape dotted with heather, grasses, and the occasional endemic flora such as giant lobelias and groundsels.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

On Day 3 of the trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, you spend an extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization, which is crucial for increasing your chances of successfully reaching the summit. This day involves a day hike to Mawenzi Ridge, providing a valuable opportunity to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the unique landscape.

Starting from Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet), you set out towards Mawenzi Ridge. The trek covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) round trip, taking about 5-7 hours. The trail leads through the moorland zone, where you'll encounter unique flora such as giant groundsels and lobelias, characteristic of this altitude.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi ridge

On Day 4 of the trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, you journey from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut. This stage, about 9.5 kilometers, takes 6 to 8 hours, starting at 3,720 meters and ending at 4,703 meters. The trek begins with the moorland zone's fading vegetation, gradually transitioning to the stark alpine desert. The trail crosses the saddle, a broad, desolate plain between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The landscape here is rocky and barren, with Kibo's peak looming ahead.

As altitude increases, maintaining a slow, steady pace is crucial to manage acclimatization. Arriving at Kibo Hut, a basic stone shelter, offers a chance to rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

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. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. 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. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

On our last day, we have 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 hotel in Moshi.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

  Accommodation: Marangu Gate

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

group join 6 days Kilimanjaro hiking Tour

G-family Adventures Safaris

Transfer from Arusha to the Marangu Gate trailhead.
Commence ascent through the lush rainforest environment.
Overnight at Mandara Hut (2,700 meters).

Day 1: Arusha to Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut

Continue ascent through diverse ecological zones.
Incorporate acclimatization activities into the day’s itinerary.
Overnight at Horombo Hut (3,720 meters).

Rest and acclimatization to enhance summit success.
Optional acclimatization hikes may be arranged.
Overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Ascent to higher altitude through the alpine desert.
Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,703 meters) for overnight accommodation

Early morning departure for the summit (typically before midnight).
Achieve the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters).
Descend to Kibo Hut and continue to Horombo Hut for overnight.

Day 5: Summit Attempt - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and return to Horombo Hut

Descent to Marangu village.
Celebrate the successful summit.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu

The final leg of your journey brings you back to Marangu Gate, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. A transfer back to Arusha concludes this unforgettable experience.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate - Arusha

7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Marangu Route Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Days 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Distance covered:12.5km / 7.8mi
Approx. time taken: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Days 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Days 3: Horombo to Kibo Hut
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Days 3: Horombo to Kibo Hut

Days 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12hours - 15hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Days 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Days 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  Accommodation: Moshi/arusha

Days 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

5 days kilimanjaro hiking Tour

22 December- Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi

Approx. time taken: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

22 December- Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

23 December-Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Horombo Hut
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Distance covered:12.5km / 7.8mi

Approx. time taken:9 hours

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

23 December-Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

24 December -Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Kibo Hut
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

24 December -Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

25 December- Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Uhuru Peak
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi

Approx. time taken: 12hours - 15hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

25 December- Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m)

26 December- Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
Marangu Gate
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included

26 December- Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate

26 December- Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE CHRISTMAS TREKKING

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
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.

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath

  Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi ridge
>>> This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath

  Accommodation: Mawenzi ridge

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
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..

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

  Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
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. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. 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. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On our last day, we have 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 hotel in Moshi.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

  Accommodation: Marangu Gate

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. 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.

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

  Accommodation: Mandara Hut

6 days Kilimanjaro Hiking group join Tour

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Distance covered:12.5km / 7.8mi
Approx. time taken: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  Accommodation: Horombo

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12hours - 15hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   Accommodation: Horombo Hut

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  Accommodation: moshi/arusha

5 days Kilimanjaro hiking group join Tour 2024

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