Welcome to Origin Ventures and Safaris! Embark on a memorable 5-day journey to the Roof of Africa via the iconic Marangu Route. Perfect for trekkers with limited time, this route allows you to experience the incredible ecological zones of Kilimanjaro — from rainforest to arctic summit — with the added comfort of mountain huts instead of tents.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,870m) – Mandara Hut (2,720m)

After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, you'll be driven to Marangu Gate for registration and pre-hike briefing. Your journey begins through dense montane rainforest, where you'll encounter massive fig trees, moss-covered trunks, and the occasional black-and-white colobus monkey.

The trail is well-maintained and slightly inclined, taking about 4–5 hours (8km). Upon arrival at Mandara Hut, you'll have time to rest, enjoy a warm meal, and optionally explore Maundi Crater for sweeping views of Kenya and northern Tanzania.

• Habitat: Rainforest
• Trek Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Trek Time: 4–5 hours
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
• Accommodation: Mandara Hut (shared dormitory)

Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

After an early breakfast, continue your trek through rainforest before transitioning into heath and moorland zones. The trail opens up to stunning views of Mawenzi Peak — one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones.

You’ll see giant lobelias and senecios along the path. Arrive at Horombo Hut after 5–6 hours of trekking (12km). From here, you may catch your first clear view of Kibo Peak, your summit target.

• Habitat: Heath and Moorland
• Trek Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Trek Time: 5–6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Today, the trail leads across the alpine desert — a wide, open saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape becomes stark and rocky, with minimal vegetation, and altitude becomes more noticeable.

You’ll ascend steadily over 5–6 hours (10km), reaching Kibo Hut by early afternoon. After a light dinner, get to bed early — the summit push begins at midnight!

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Trek Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Trek Time: 5–6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

The most challenging yet rewarding day. You’ll start the summit attempt around midnight under a starlit sky. Trek slowly and steadily over scree and switchbacks to reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) at sunrise. From here, it’s about 1.5 hours along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating and taking photos, descend cautiously back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and brunch. Then continue the descent to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.

• Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
• Ascent Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles (to summit)
• Descent Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Climb Time: 12–15 hours total
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha

Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain, then descend steadily through the heath and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. The descent takes around 6–7 hours (18km).

At the gate, you'll sign out and receive your official summit certificate. You’ll then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a much-deserved shower and celebration.

• Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
• Trek Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
• Trek Time: 6–7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

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