5 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route

Arrival at Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO), where you will meet an Wild Wonders Expedition representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essential for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, a swimming pool and internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Through the rainforest, you walk to the Mandara escarpment. If you want a better view of the surroundings including regions of Kenya and Tanzania, you should consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater. In the rainforest, you can spot towering Eucalyptus trees, varied birdlife, and numerous Colobus monkeys.

Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours

You leave the glades of the rainforest 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 effects of the altitude.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: BLD

As we ascend further, we pass the last watering spot and walk into the saddle of Kilimanjaro which is in between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The rich vegetation starts once you advance into the upper heath land, but then gradually diminishes. Dinner will be arranged at the hut and you’ll relax and prepare for the next summit day.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD

The trekking will resume between midnight to 2 am and we’ll head towards the summit to the Gilman’s Point which is at the crater rim through a route filled with heavy scree and snow. Following that, we’ll ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You’ll be gifted with unbelievable views. Once at the summit, you can take pictures which will act as souvenirs for your friends and family back home. After spending some time up there, you’ll be descending down to the Horombo escarpment. The climb will begin way before sunrise in the darkness, thus you’ll be requiring headlamps and flashlights. Until you start descending, it’s going to be extremely cold and you’ll need warm layers of clothes. This will be by far the most demanding part of the trekking journey; strong willpower and an optimistic attitude are required!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Down to 3700m/12,200ft)
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD

Following breakfast, you’ll be descending down to the Mandara Hut through a moorland trail. Then through a lush forest path, you’ll be further descending to Marangu to the National Park gate. The lower elevations will most likely be muddy and wet where gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. Shorts and t-shirts are more than enough to wear, however, do pack rain gear and warm clothes. 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: B

Rest in the hotel before the transfer to the airport for your flight home.