From Arusha in Tanzania: 5 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route

Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Huts

Destination: Marangu Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m

Distance: 7 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Climatic Zone: Montane Forest

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Mandara Huts

After breakfast in the morning and a short briefing, you will drive approximately 50 minutes to the Marangu Gate for registration before beginning your climb. The climb takes you through lush rainforest to the Mandara Huts. Along the way, you can take a detour to the Maundi Crater for scenic views of northern Tanzania and Kenya part. Keep an eye out for tall Eucalyptus trees, a variety of bird species, and the striking black-and-white Colobus monkeys - wildife.

Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

Destination: Marangu Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m

Distance: 11 km

Time: 6-8 hours

Climatic Zone: Heathland/ Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Horombo Huts

You’ll depart from the lush rainforest glades and continue along a rising trail through the open moorlands toward the Horombo huts in Kilimanjaro. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the Mawenzi and Kibo's peaks. Keep an eye out for the striking giant lobelias and groundsels vegetations. At this point, you may start to notice the effects of the higher altitude changes.

Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Destination: Marangu Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m

Distance: 10 km

Time: 6-8 hours

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Kibo Huts

As you continue climbing higher, you pass the final water source and continue into the saddle of Mount Kilimanjaro, nestled between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. This landscape transitions from upper heathland to a barren “moonscape.” Enjoy snacks and dinner, get some rest, and prepare for the Uhuru Peak summit attempt.

Kibo Huts to Summit then Horombo Huts

Destination: Marangu Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m

Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down

Time: 10-15 hours

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Horombo Huts

Your Uhuru Peak summit attempt begins very early in the morning—between midnight and 2 a.m.—as you ascend a steep trail of loose scree or snow toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, you continue to Uhuru Peak / Summit, the highest point in Africa, offering breathtaking views along the way. Be sure to capture a photo at the summit peak to commemorate your achievement. Afterward, begin your climbing down, stopping at Kibo huts for lunch and a short rest before heading down to the Horombo encampment. This portion of the climb starts in complete darkness, requiring headlamps or flashlights. Expect extremely cold temperatures until you begin climbing down, so be sure to wear all your warm layers. This is the toughest section of the entire Kilimanjaro climb, with numerous switchbacks. A slow and steady pace—'pole pole'—along with a positive mindset, will help you reach the top of Africa.

Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate - Moshi

Destination: Marangu Route - Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m

Distance: 18km

Time: 5-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Panama Garden Resort & Spa

Type: Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast in the morning, we continue a steady descent through the moorland towards Mandara Huts, then continue down along a lush forest trail to the Marangu Gate of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The lower elevation altitudes are often wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Light clothing like shorts and T-shirts are very comfortable, but keep your rain gear and warm layers accessible. At the Marangu Gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your mid-range hotel in Moshi. Don’t forget to show your appreciation by tipping your precious guides and porters—it's time to celebrate your accomplishment!

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your home departure.