5 DAYS | 4 NIGHTS Marangu Route Sunrise Views on Kilimanjaro
Tour Overview
The Marangu Route is the most classic and well-known path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route with hut accommodation, giving climbers a warm bed each night and a simple, comfortable place to rest. The trail is well-shaped and gentle in many parts, making it suitable for those who want a shorter and direct climb.
The scenery changes quickly as you move through the mountain’s different environments from thick rainforest full of life, to a wide moorland with long views, then a silent alpine desert, and finally the snow-covered summit. Even though the climb is short, every day brings new landscapes and moments worth capturing.
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Duration: 5 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to the Hotel
After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is for relaxing after your flight and preparing for the climb ahead. You can check your climbing gear, charge your camera batteries, and make sure everything is ready.
The evening is calm and peaceful, giving you time to meet your guide for a briefing and enjoy the warm Tanzanian hospitality.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 1:
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Change: 1,860 m → 2,700 m
Your adventure begins at Marangu Gate, where you sign in and start walking through the rainforest. The forest here is thick and alive giant trees stretch toward the sky, ferns grow along the path, and the air feels cool and fresh. You may hear birds singing above you or spot monkeys jumping between the branches.
As you move deeper into the forest, the sound of your steps mixes with rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife. The light filters through the trees in soft beams, creating beautiful moments along the trail. After a steady walk, you reach Mandara Hut, surrounded by green vegetation and mist that sometimes rolls across the camp.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mandara Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch & Dinner
Day 2:
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Change: 2,700 m → 3,720 m
Today the trail takes you through the last part of the rainforest before opening into the moorland. The trees become shorter, the air becomes cooler, and the sky opens up with clear views ahead. The vegetation changes to tall grasses, scattered shrubs, and volcanic rocks covered in soft moss.
As you climb higher, you may see clouds drifting below you, creating a feeling of walking above the world. On clear days, you can see Mawenzi Peak’s sharp ridges and Kibo Peak’s broad slopes in the distance. Horombo Hut sits on a wide ridge overlooking rolling valleys and long stretches of open land a perfect place to end the day with big views of the mountain.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Horombo Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Change: 3,720 m → 4,703 m
The trail from Horombo Hut takes you into the alpine desert dry, wide, and quiet. There are very few plants here, and the silence of the landscape gives a strong feeling of being far away from everyday life. The path is gentle but steady, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude.
The views today are impressive: Mawenzi Peak rises sharply to one side with jagged ridges, while Kibo’s massive white dome stands ahead. The trail crosses long stretches of volcanic sand and rock, with open sky all around. Eventually, you arrive at Kibo Hut, located at the base of the summit path. The atmosphere becomes calm and focused as climbers prepare for the night climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Kibo Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4:
Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, descend to Horombo Hut
Distance: ~21 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Change: 4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Summit day begins shortly after midnight. With headlamps lighting the trail, you climb slowly toward the crater rim in the cold, dark night. The path is steep and quiet, with only the crunch of your boots and the soft wind around you.
As dawn approaches, the sky begins to glow behind Mawenzi Peak. The colors change from deep blue to orange and gold, revealing the snow and glaciers around you. Reaching Gilman’s Point gives your first view into the crater, and after that, the path continues to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa.
This is a moment of achievement and emotion, with wide views stretching in every direction. After your time at the top, you begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for a full meal and well-earned sleep.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Horombo Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Hotel
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Change: 3,720 m → 1,860 m
The final day takes you back down through the moorland and into the rainforest. The fresh air, bird calls, and deep green trees create a gentle and peaceful end to your climb. You may pass small streams, moss-covered rocks, and playful monkeys along the path.
At Marangu Gate, you will receive your summit certificate gold for Uhuru Peak and green for Gilman’s Point. Afterward, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a warm shower, rest, and celebration.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure Day
After completing your Marangu Route climb, you will be transferred from the hotel to your onward travel destination or to catch your flight back home. This day allows you to relax, reflect on your journey, and enjoy your final hours in Tanzania before you leave. Your transfer is arranged to give you a smooth and comfortable start to your next step, whether you are returning home or continuing your travels.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$ 567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
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