5 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route from Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania (2026 - 2027)

Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

Destination: Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro National Park

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

Distance: 7 km | Time: 4–5 hrs

Climatic Zone: Montane Forest

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Mandara Huts

After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration and briefing. Begin your trek through dense rainforest filled with birdlife and Colobus monkeys. The path is steady and scenic, leading to Mandara Huts by late afternoon. Settle in, enjoy a warm meal, and explore Maundi Crater nearby for stunning views before relaxing for the evening.

Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

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

Distance: 11 km | Time: 6–8 hrs

Climatic Zone: Heathland / Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Horombo Huts

Hike out of the forest into open moorland. You’ll enjoy wide views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Lunch is served on the trail or at Horombo Huts. The huts provide shared rooms with bunk beds and solar lighting. Dinner is freshly prepared by your mountain cook as you relax and enjoy the alpine scenery.

Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

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

Distance: 10 km 

Time: 6–8 hrs

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Kibo Huts

The trail ascends gradually through dry alpine desert terrain. Carry plenty of water and stay hydrated. The landscape is barren yet dramatic as you approach Kibo Huts at the base of the summit cone. Have an early dinner, prepare your gear, and rest before the midnight summit attempt.

Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Huts

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

Distance: 4 km ascent / 14 km descent

Time: 10–15 hrs

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Horombo Huts

Begin your summit push around midnight. The steep climb leads to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then continues to Uhuru Peak — Africa’s highest point. Celebrate with photos before descending back to Kibo for rest and lunch, and then continue to Horombo for a hearty dinner and well-earned sleep.

Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate, Drive to Moshi

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

Distance: 18 km 

Time: 5–7 hrs

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Parkview Inn Moshi (Mid-range hotel, B&B)

Descend through the moorland and rainforest, enjoying the changing vegetation. At Marangu Gate, collect your summit certificate and meet your driver for the return transfer to Moshi. Relax at your hotel with a hot shower and warm meal as you celebrate your success.

Depart to Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight or by bus back to Dar es Salaam. End of your mid-range Kilimanjaro adventure.