5 DAYS KILIMANJARO DOUBLE ROUTE TREK VIA MARANGU ROUTE 2025

ASCEND VIA MARANGU ROUTE – DESCEND VIA MWEKA ROUTE

5 days Kilimanjaro hiking up via Marangu route and hiking down via Mweka route probably has a slight edge on the scenery in large part because the route up and down is different, Regardless, both routes are scenic and traverse the same range of ecosystems from tropical jungle, to mountain heath, alpine and finally apex or arctic. But the challenge comes when client select this option will be required to pay the double fees which might be expensive compared to the normal 5 days Marangu package, where you descend via Marangu route. It is the oldest and the most well-established route on the Kilimanjaro. The route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style. The accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes though for this option you will experience overnighting in huts for 4 days and 1 day in camp(tents). Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls, basic washrooms and toilets. The short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. The main itinerary difference between the Marangu 5-days and 6-days Marangu route is the additional acclimatization day at Horombo on day three.

DAY 0: ARRIVAL AT ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – MOSHI

Upon arrival at Arusha /Kilimanjaro Airport you will meet your Burigi Chato Safaris guide who will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi Tanzania (for budget hotels we recommend KILIMANJARO WHITE HOUSE HOTEL). Settle into your accommodation, relax and get used to the African atmosphere. Ready to start your 5 DAYS KILIMANJARO HIKING ASCEND VIA MARANGU ROUTE AND DESCEND VIA MWEKA ROUTE the next day.

DAY 1: MOSHI - MARANGU GATE - MANDARA HUT

After breakfast at the lodge, our driver will pick you up then drive you to the office where you receive a briefing and gear check. Then the drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes from Moshi and 2.45Hrs from Arusha). Here you will register and commence with the climb. You and your guide will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, after a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya. Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut.

• Altitude: 1,700 m to 2,740 m
• Distance covered: 7km
• Time to be used: 3-4 hours
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Mandara Hut

DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

We will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on to the open moorlands then the Horombo encampment. We will witness the amazing views of Kibo and Mawenzi. As we cross the Alpine Zone of the mountain, we will see giant lobelias and groundsels. Here, you are expected to begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

• Altitude: 2,700 m to 3,700 m
• Distance Covered: 11km
• Time to be used: 6-8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT – KIBO HUT

The ascending continues, now we will pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi where vegetation starts to disappear into the “moonscape”. At Kibo we will have Dinner, rest and prepare for summit climb that starts in the night at 12:00p.m.

• Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,700 m
• Distance Covered: 10km
• Time to be used: 6 - 8 hrs
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut

DAY 4: KIBO HUT – UHURU PEAK - MWEKA CAMP

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Accommodation: Horombo Hut

•Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
•Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
•Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
•Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Altitude: 4,700m to 5,895 m
•Altitude: 5,895 m to 3,080 m
•Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Arctic
•Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 5: MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE - BACK TO MOSHI

The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement
Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

• Altitude: 3,080 m to 1,630m
• Distance Covered: 9.3km km down
• Time to be used: 2 - 3 hrs.
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

_THE END OF TREK_

Marangu Price Inclusion

General

  • ✓ Guide
  • ✓ Park Fees
  • ✓ Tax
  • ✓ Gate transfer
  • ✓ Crew wages
  • ✓ Environment fees

    • Accommodation

    During the climb you will spleep in Tents

    Food

  • ✓ 4 Brekafasts
  • ✓ 5 Lunches
  • ✓ 4 Dinners
  • ✓ Drinking Water

    • Other

  • ✓ Guide
  • ✓ Porters
  • ✓ Cook

    • Not Included

  • Flights
  • Crew Tips
  • Visas

    • The Booking Form

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