With over six well-known hiking routes, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is possible even on a 5-day tour in Tanzania.
This 5-day Kilimanjaro hiking safari package takes you through the Marangu route.
Other routes to the summit include Machame, Umbwe, Rongai, Shira, and Lemosho.
The Marangu route offers moderate hikes with nice views and takes about five to six days for a full round trip.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive at Marangu gate and hike to Mandara Hut
- Day 2: Hike to Horombo Hut
- Day 3: Hike to Kibo Camp
- Day 4: Reach the summit – see glaciers and the snow-capped peak
- Day 5: Return from Marangu gate to Moshi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Marangu gate and hike to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, leave your hotel in Moshi and drive to Marangu gate for registration and a briefing. Today, you will hike about 4 to 5 hours from the park gate to Mandara Hut.
As you walk, enjoy the views of the rainforest and watch for animals and plants. Gaiters and trekking poles will help you walk safely through the muddy and slippery trails at this lower altitude.
Day 2: Hike to Horombo Hut
After a good breakfast, start an 11 km walk through the rainforest and then climb through heathland where you will see giant lobelias and groundsels.
Continue through open moorlands and shrubs while enjoying great views of Mawenzi.
You will arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, where you can also see the Kibo summit.
Day 3: Hike to Kibo Camp
Spend 6 to 8 hours hiking through the heathland and cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Stop for lunch and rest before continuing to the large saddle area and then hike to Kibo Camp.
Day 4: Reach the summit – see glaciers and the snow-capped peak
Start very early for a tough climb to the snow-covered peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. At the crater rim, enjoy the sunrise views. From there, it takes about one hour to reach Uhuru Peak.
Take many pictures, then start descending to Mweka Camp. Lunch will be served at Barafu.
Day 5: Return from Marangu gate to Moshi
After a hearty breakfast, begin your last walk to the park gate. Here, you will receive your summit certificate. Then, meet your driver who will take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
This marks the end of your 5-day Kilimanjaro hiking safari.