5-day Mount Kilimanjaro on Marangu Route Itinerary

Day 0 Optional pre-trek night and briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, you will be picked from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today you will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. The team will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 1 Rainforest trek and Maundi Crater

Your tour begins with an hour’s drive from your hotel in Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After completing the necessary registrations your trek begins! The trail through the rainforest is lush and can be wet. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may see some of the local monkeys! If you have the energy, a quick side trip to Maundi Crater is well worth the effort. Otherwise, you can relax at your first camp, Mandara Hut.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut on Mount Kilimanjaro (2,700m / 8,858ft)
Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 8 km, 840m of ascent
Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 Moorland trek to Horombo Hut

Shortly after you begin your trek today, you will begin seeing fewer trees and more of the moorland heather. On a clear day, you should have a great view of Mount Kibo and Mawenzi. Today is a long day on the trail, and you’ll be gaining quite a lot of elevation before finally arriving at Horombo Hut.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,720m / 12,204ft)
Distance: 5 to 6 hours, 12 km, 1000m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Alpine desert trail to Kibo Hut

Today you’ll trek past the final spot to collect water, which your porters will do on your behalf. You’ll notice less vegetation as you climb onto the saddle of Mount Kilimanjaro, where the rocky expanse of the alpine desert looks like you’re walking on the moon. It’s best to get lots of rest when you arrive at Kibo Hut as it’s a very early wake-up call in the morning!
Overnight Location: Mountain hut on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,703m / 15,429ft)
Distance: 5 to 6 hours, 9 km, 1192m of ascent, 2175m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Summit Uhuru Peak

Your trek this morning will begin again sometime around midnight. You’ll need your warm clothes and headlamp before you attack the first stretch of heavy scree and switchbacks. Once you’ve reached Gilman’s Point, the sun will be up and hopefully will give you a necessary burst of energy for the final push along the crater’s rim and up to the summit. At the snowy peak, you will be treated to incredible views from the highest point in Africa. You’ll have a chance to rest and have lunch once you’ve made it down to Kibo Hut, but then you will be hiking all the way back down to safer altitudes at Horombo Camp for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,720m / 12,204ft)
Distance: 6 to 8 hours, 21 km, 1000m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Trek down and return to Moshi

Today you’ll be able to spend the day trading memories of the summit with your fellow trekkers as you descend back into the warmer climate. You’ll pass by the Mandara Camp on your way down, and will start to see wildlife again as you return through the forest. Once you’ve reached the Kilimanjaro Park Gate, your vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Moshi.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4 to 5 hours, 20 km, 2000m of descent
Meals: Breakfast