Tanzania · 5 days · Budget
5 Days Kilimanjaro Trek - Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro's oldest and most established route, and the only one with dormitory huts. Five days up and down from the Marangu gate to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
- Duration
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Countries
- Tanzania
- Starts
- Nairobi
- Ends
- Arusha, Moshi or Nairobi
- Tier
- Budget
- Format
- Guided climb
01 / Overview
The journey in brief.
Kilimanjaro's oldest and most established route, and the only one with dormitory huts. Five days up and down from the Marangu gate to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
This 5-day budget itinerary starts in Nairobi and ends in Arusha, Moshi or Nairobi. Accommodation: Mountain hut/camp.
- Ideal for
- First Kilimanjaro climbs · Trekkers who prefer huts to tents
- Safari style
- Budget · Climbing & Trekking
Destination guides: Mount Kilimanjaro
Route
Nairobi
Start
Arusha or Moshi
Stop 1
Marangu Gate
Stop 2
Mandara Hut
Stop 3
Horombo Hut
Stop 4
Kibo Hut
Stop 5
Uhuru Peak
Stop 6
Arusha or Moshi
Finish
02 / Highlights
What stays with you.
- 01
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- 02
Hut accommodation on the mountain
- 03
Rainforest, moorland and alpine desert
- 04
Views of Mawenzi and Kibo
03 / Day by day
Travel it day by day.
5 days · driving times are approximate
Day 1 · Approx. 4–5 hours walking · 7 km
Arusha or Moshi to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and a briefing, drive about 45 minutes to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu, register and start walking through the rainforest to Mandara Hut (2,720 m). A short side trip to Maundi Crater gives views across northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for colobus monkeys in the forest.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Mandara Hut
Day 2 · Approx. 6–8 hours walking · 11 km
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leave the forest after about an hour and climb across open moorland dotted with giant lobelias and groundsels to Horombo Hut (3,720 m), with views of Mawenzi and the Kibo summit.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Horombo Hut
Day 3 · Approx. 6–8 hours walking · 10 km
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Pass the last water point and cross the high "saddle" between Kibo and Mawenzi, where vegetation gives way to alpine desert, to Kibo Hut (4,700 m). Early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Kibo Hut
Day 4 · Approx. 10–15 hours walking · 4 km up, 14 km down
Summit Uhuru Peak and descend to Horombo
Start around midnight and climb steep scree by headtorch to Gilman's Point on the crater rim (5,685 m), then continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and lunch, then on to Horombo Hut. This is by far the hardest day.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Horombo Hut
Day 5 · Approx. 5–7 hours walking · 18 km
Horombo Hut to Arusha or Moshi
A steady descent through the moorland and forest to the Marangu gate (about 1,830 m), then transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch
- Overnight
- End of safari
04 / Where you stay
Budget camps and hotels.
Named properties are the budget stays we use on this route. Where the itinerary says “overnight at the camp/lodge”, your quotation confirms the exact stay.
- On the mountain1 night
Mandara Hut
- On the mountain1 night
Horombo Hut
- On the mountain1 night
Kibo Hut
- On the mountain1 night
Horombo Hut
Quick planning facts
- Duration
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Countries
- Tanzania
- Starts
- Nairobi
- Ends
- Arusha, Moshi or Nairobi
- Tier
- Budget
- Format
- Guided climb
- Accommodation
- Mountain hut/camp
- Best for
- First Kilimanjaro climbs · Trekkers who prefer huts to tents
05 / What’s included
Clear from the start.
Included
- Shuttle transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or Moshi on the preliminary day
- Two nights' hotel accommodation in Arusha or Moshi (before and after the climb), bed and breakfast
- Group transport between the hotel and the Marangu gate
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Mountain guides and porters
- Hut accommodation on the mountain
- All meals on the mountain
Not included
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel
- Personal climbing gear and sleeping bag
- Tips for guides and porters
- International flights, visas and travel insurance
06 / Pricing
Honest, complete pricing.
Prices are per person, in US dollars, for the complete 5-day package — not per day.
| Option | Complete package |
|---|---|
| From, per person | USD 850 |
Optional extras (not included)
- Extra acclimatisation day at Horombo HutRecommended; quoted on request.
07 / Good to know
Questions, answered.
Important notes
- Kilimanjaro climbs require a transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or Moshi the day before the trek (a preliminary day, not counted in the trek days). This is included as described below.
- Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Your guide may turn back if conditions or your health make continuing unsafe. Spending an extra day on the mountain improves acclimatisation and summit chances.
- A good level of fitness, warm layers, waterproofs and a four-season sleeping bag are essential.
- Five days is the minimum for this route and success rates are lower than on longer itineraries; an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo is recommended.
How much does this safari cost?
From USD 850 pp for the complete 5-day package (per person, complete package). Prices are per person in US dollars. The pricing section lists exactly what is included.
Where does the safari start and finish?
It starts in Nairobi and finishes in Arusha, Moshi or Nairobi.
Is this a private or shared climb?
Your climb is supported by a dedicated guide, porters and cook. Joining other climbers on the same dates can reduce costs — ask when you enquire.
What accommodation is used?
The accommodation pattern is: Mountain hut/camp. Each night is listed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Can this itinerary be changed?
Yes. Dates, pace, accommodation level and the order of stops can usually be adjusted. Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours a day on rough ground for several days in a row. Altitude affects people regardless of fitness, so ask us about adding acclimatisation days.
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Ready to make this journey yours?
Tell us your dates, group size and travel style and our Nairobi team will tailor the safari.