5 Days Marangu Route

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your Joica Tours And Safaris representative who will transfer you to your Hotel in Arusha. In the evening your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Elevation (ft): 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation (ft): 2,700 m — 3,720 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Kibo Hut

Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut to start a reasonable trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi.

Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.

Elevation (ft): 3,720 m— 4,700 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 4-8 hours

Habitat: Kibo Hut

Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plant less plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest, for you will be woken at approximately 23:00 hours.

Elevation (ft): 4,700 m — 5,895 m- 3,720 m

Distance: 16km

Hiking Time: 9-12 hours

Habitat: Uhuru Peak

Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2 hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.

Elevation (ft): 3,720 m to 1,860 m

Distance: 18 km

Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours

You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you a transfer back to Arusha.

After breakfast and rest, we will Transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for those returning home.