This 5 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari is conducted on Mount Kilimanjaro’s Marangu trail. The Marangu trail is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most well-established path. It’s a popular choice for climbers due to its steady rise. However, due to the route’s short duration, altitude acclimation might be difficult. The Marangu route is favorable in that it has cottages along the way, which provide more shelter from the cold than sleeping in tents. To make things easier, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in Arusha.
Highlights for 5 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari via Marangu Trail.
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 2: Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Day 3: Hike from Horombo Hut to Kibo Camp
Day 4: Hiking from Kibo Hut to Horombo Camp
Day 5: Transfer Back to Arusha and Departure.
Detailed Itinerary for 5 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari via Marangu Trail.
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Mount Kilimanjaro
After a full breakfast and a briefing, you’ll take an hour-long journey to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, you will complete the appropriate registration and begin your ascent. Your initial journey will take you through the lovely jungle to the Mandara encampment.
Consider taking a side excursion to Maundi Crater, which offers a great view of the surrounding landscapes, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for huge Eucalyptus trees, colorful birds, and lively Colobus monkeys in the forest.
Dinner and overnight stay at Mandara Camp.
Day 2: Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Departing the lush jungle behind, your trip continues as you rise across the wide moorlands to the Horombo campsite.
Along the climb, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mawenzi and the towering Kibo peak. Keep an eye out for the stunning huge lobelias and groundsels that dot the countryside. It is worth mentioning that you may begin to feel the effects of increased altitude during this section of the walk.
Dinner and overnight stay at Horombo Camp/Hat.
Day 3: Hike from Horombo Hut to Kibo Camp
You’ll continue your ascent on Kilimanjaro mountain, leaving the final watering site behind as you cross Kilimanjaro’s saddle, perched between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Initially, you’ll see upper heathland flora, but as you proceed, it progressively morphs into what looks like a “moonscape.” Following this portion of the climb, you’ll have supper, recover, and prepare for the next summit ascent.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kibo Camp.
Day 4: Hiking from Kibo Hut to Horombo Camp
Your trek to the top begins early in the morning, usually between midnight and 2:00 a.m. You’ll begin the trek on steep and difficult scree or snow terrain before rising to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. The ascent continues to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest peak.
With every turn, you’ll be met with breathtaking landscapes that defy imagination. Don’t forget to take a summit snapshot to share with your friends and family. Following your summit success, you’ll start your descent, stopping for lunch and rest in Kibo before heading to the Horombo campsite.
Day 5: Transfer Back to Arusha and Departure.
After breakfast, you’ll begin a steady descent. First, you’ll cross the moorland to reach the Mandara Hut. From there, you’ll descend down a lovely woodland trail to the Marangu National Park gate. Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy terrain at lower levels, and consider using gaiters and trekking poles to aid navigation.
When you arrive at the Marangu Gate, a van will be ready to transfer you back to your accommodation in Arusha, which is roughly an hour away. Alternatively, you can advise your driver guide to drop you off at Kilimanjaro International Airport in case you have an evening flight back home.
End of 5 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari via Marangu Trail!
