Tanzania · Guided climb · Mountain trek
The hut route to Uhuru Peak
The fastest Kilimanjaro itinerary, on the Marangu route with nights in huts: Mandara, Horombo and Kibo, then the summit and descent.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodation throughout, and it follows a steady gradient. The five-day version is the shortest way to attempt Uhuru Peak.
Because it climbs quickly, there is less time to acclimatise than on longer itineraries. If you have the time, consider the six-day Marangu option with an extra night at Horombo.
Hut accommodation on the Marangu route
Rainforest, moorland and alpine desert
Summit attempt via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Summit certificate on a successful climb
The route
Arusha
Marangu Gate
Mandara Hut
Horombo Hut
Kibo Hut
Uhuru Peak
Horombo Hut
Arusha
Arusha → Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut → Arusha
Day by day
Walking times and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and conditions on the mountain.
Day 1 / Arusha → Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
After a briefing, drive to Marangu Gate to register and start walking through the rainforest to Mandara Hut. A short side trip to Maundi Crater gives views across the surrounding country.
Day 2 / Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
Leave the forest after about an hour and climb across open moorland with giant lobelias and groundsels, with views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 3 / Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
Pass the last water point and cross the high saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, where the landscape becomes alpine desert. Rest early before the summit attempt.
Day 4 / Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
Start around 2am up steep scree to Gilman's Point on the crater rim (5,861 m), then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Descend to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo.
Day 5 / Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha
Descend through the moorland and forest to Marangu Gate, collect your certificate and transfer back to Arusha.
Where you stay
Nights are spent in the huts or campsites on the route, with your crew preparing meals.
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
Kilimanjaro · 1 night
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
Before you travel
Uhuru Peak is 5,895 m. Altitude affects everyone differently, regardless of fitness. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Descending is the most effective response to serious symptoms.
You do not need climbing experience, but you should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours on consecutive days. Speak to a doctor before booking if you have any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition.
Bring a warm down jacket, waterproof layers, broken-in boots, a head torch, gloves, a warm hat and a four-season sleeping bag. Gaiters and trekking poles help on the muddy lower trails.
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Speak to a doctor before booking a high-altitude trek.
Questions travellers ask
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No technical climbing experience is needed on this route, but you should be fit and prepared for long days at altitude. Speak to a doctor before booking.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
5 days · Tanzania
Price on request
