The 5-day Marangu is Kilimanjaro's quickest and most affordable climb, sleeping in mountain huts with bunk beds rather than tents. It follows the gentle south-eastern trail through Mandara and Horombo to Kibo Hut and the summit.
Be aware: five days means a fast altitude gain and the lowest acclimatization of any itinerary we run. We recommend it only for climbers with prior altitude experience or very limited time — otherwise choose the 6-day version.
Day by Day
Altitude-focused daily plan with distances, hiking times, habitats and overnight camps.
Register at Marangu Gate and walk through beautiful rainforest to the A-frame wooden huts at Mandara. An optional afternoon walk to Maundi Crater offers your first summit views.
Start
1,860m
End
2,700m
Highest point
2,700m
Leave the forest for open moorland with giant lobelias and groundsels, arriving at Horombo Hut — a busy, sociable camp beneath the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Start
2,700m
End
3,720m
Highest point
3,720m
Cross the stark alpine desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut at 4,700m. Eat early and rest — the summit push starts around midnight.
Start
3,720m
End
4,700m
Highest point
4,700m
The big one: a midnight start up the scree switchbacks to Gilman's Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then on to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Descend all the way back to Horombo Hut.
Start
4,700m
End
3,720m
Highest point
5,895m
A long but joyful descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where certificates are awarded and the celebration begins.
Start
3,720m
End
1,860m
Highest point
3,720m
Questions
Success rates on the 5-day Marangu are around 50–60% because of the fast altitude gain. If you are set on Marangu, the 6-day version is far safer and roughly doubles your chances.
Our mountain team climbs these routes every month — ask us anything about fitness, gear, altitude or dates.
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