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5-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb

5 days Private or small group; full mountain crew from $1,750 per person

Marangu is the oldest and most established route up Kilimanjaro, approaching from the south-east. It is the only route with permanent dormitory huts — bunks, mattresses and dining halls at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo — which some climbers prefer to camping, though it is also the busiest, and the ascent and descent follow the same path.

Five days is the standard Marangu itinerary and the shortest route profile on the mountain. It suits trekkers who have been at altitude before or who arrive already acclimatised; if this is your first time high, the six-day version with an extra day at Horombo, or a longer route such as Machame or Lemosho, gives a better chance of reaching the top.

Includes full crew, hut fees, park fees and hotel nights before and after the climb.

Itinéraire jour par jour

1
Marangu Gate (1,860 m) to Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

Trek 4–5 hours through rainforest to the first huts, with an optional side trip to the Maundi Crater.

2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Climb out of the forest into open moorland (5–6 hours), with views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

3
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

Cross the high-alpine "saddle" between the two peaks (5–6 hours). Arrive early, eat and rest before a midnight start.

4
Summit day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), descend to Horombo Hut

Depart around midnight, reaching Gilman's Point on the crater rim and then Uhuru Peak near sunrise. Descend all the way to Horombo (11–15 hours total).

5
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,860 m)

Long descent (6–7 hours) back through moorland and forest to the gate for summit certificates and transfer.