From Arusha in Tanzania: 5 Days Group Luxury 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 climb briefing, you will drive approximately 50 minutes to the Marangu Gate for registration before beginning your steady climb. The Kilimanjaro climb today takes you through lush rainforest to the Mandara Huts. Along the trail, you can take a detour to the Maundi Crater for acclimatization and scenic views of northern Tanzania and Kenya part. Keep an eye out for tall Eucalyptus tree vegetations, a variety of bird species, and the striking black-and-white Colobus monkeys - wildlife.

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 detach from the lush rainforest glades and continue along a rising trail through the open moorlands toward the Horombo huts in Marangu Route Kilimanjaro. Along the way, enjoy the views of the Mawenzi and Kibo's peaks. Explore for the striking giant lobelias and groundsels vegetations. At this point, you may start to discover 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 Kilimanjaro climbing higher, you pass the final water source and continue into the saddle of Mount Kilimanjaro, nestled between the Kibo and Mawenzi summit peaks. This landscape transitions from upper heathland vegetation zone to a barren “moonscape.” Enjoy delicious dinner, get some rest, and prepare for the Uhuru Peak summit push.

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 push begins between the midnight and 2 a.m.—as you ascend a steep trail of loose scree or snow toward Gilman’s Point near the crater rim. You continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest peak in Africa, offering the most breathtaking views along the trail. Be sure to capture a photo at the Uhuru peak to commemorate your achievement. Afterward, begin your climbing down, resting at Kibo huts for hot lunch before heading down to the Horombo huts. This climb starts in complete darkness, requiring headlamps or flashlights. Expect extremely cold temperatures until you begin climbing Kilimanjaro down, so be sure to wear all your warm layers. This is the toughest part of the entire Kilimanjaro climbing session, with numerous switchbacks. A slow and steady pace—'pole pole'—along with a positive mindset, will help you reach the peak 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

Early in the morning, we proceed towards Mandara Huts, then climb down along a lush forest trail to the Marangu Gate of the Marangu Route Kilimanjaro National Park. The lower altitude is often wet and muddy, so we recommend gaiters and trekking poles to be in use now. Light clothing like shorts and T-shirts are very comfortable, but keep your rain gear and warm layers most accessible. At the Marangu Gate Kilimanjaro, our vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your luxury hotel in Moshi. Don’t forget to show your appreciation by tipping your team crew including precious guides and porters—it's time to celebrate your accomplishment!

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

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