The adventure begins with a transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,860 meters (6,102 feet). After completing registration formalities, you will embark on the initial leg of the 5 Day Kilimanjaro climb marangu route, a pleasant trek through the dense, lush Montane Forest. This section is rich with biological diversity, offering opportunities to spot unique bird life and playful black-and-white colobus monkeys. The well-maintained trail gradually ascends for a distance of approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles), with an elevation gain of around 840 meters (2,756 feet). The hiking time usually spans between 4 to 5 hours, leading you to the first overnight stop: Mandara Hut at 2,720 meters (8,923 feet). The hut offers basic dormitory-style accommodation, and you can take a short acclimatization walk to the nearby Maundi Crater for a potential view of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks if the weather is clear.

After breakfast, the trek continues as you leave the dense rainforest behind, entering the changing scenery of the open moorland zone. This is the second stage of the demanding 5 Day Kilimanjaro climb marangu route, a longer day both in distance and hiking time. The trail is more exposed to the elements, and the vegetation transitions to unique high-altitude plants like giant groundsels and lobelias. The path ascends steadily for a distance of approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), with an elevation gain of around 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The trek typically takes between 6 to 8 hours to complete, offering stunning panoramic views of the plains below and the prominent Kibo and Mawenzi peaks in the distance on a clear day. You will arrive at Horombo Hut, located at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet), where you will spend the night. This camp is crucial for acclimatization, and most climbers on the 6-day itinerary spend an extra day here to adjust to the altitude.

Day three of the 5 Day Kilimanjaro climb marangu route involves traversing the "Saddle," a vast and barren alpine desert plateau that lies between the Kibo and Mawenzi volcanic cones. The landscape becomes increasingly lunar-like with minimal vegetation as you gain altitude. The trek covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), involving an elevation gain of around 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The hiking time is typically between 6 to 8 hours, and while the trail itself isn't technically challenging, the increasing altitude and thinner air make it a physically demanding day. The final point for fresh water is reached along this stretch, after which porters carry all necessary water for the final push. You will arrive at Kibo Hut, situated at the foot of the Kibo crater at an elevation of 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). Here, you will rest, hydrate, and have an early dinner to prepare for the midnight summit attempt, which is a major part of the 5 Day Kilimanjaro climb marangu route.

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the entire 5 Day Kilimanjaro climb marangu route. Waking up around midnight, you begin the steep ascent to the summit. The climb is done in the dark over loose scree and possibly snow, with the goal of reaching the crater rim by sunrise. The trail leads you to Gilman's Point at approximately 5,681 meters (18,638 feet) on the crater rim. After a short rest and opportunity for photos, a further 1 to 2 hours of gradual hiking along the crater rim will bring you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). After celebrating and taking pictures, you begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and lunch. Then, you continue the descent all the way to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). The entire day's trek can take anywhere from 12 to 16 hours, covering an ascent of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and a descent of approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles).

The final day of the 5 Day Kilimanjaro climb marangu route involves a long but rewarding descent back to the park entrance. After a final breakfast on the mountain, you pack up and begin the steady downhill trek through the moorland, and then re-enter the welcoming and lush rainforest. The trail is familiar, retracing the path you took on Day 1 and Day 2, passing by Mandara Hut for lunch. The scenery is beautiful in the daylight, but the path can be slippery due to the forest moisture, so caution is advised. The total distance for this last day is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), with hiking time typically ranging from 5 to 7 hours. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet), you sign out and receive your well-earned summit certificates. A waiting vehicle will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a celebratory hot shower and a well-deserved rest, concluding the challenging 5 Day Kilimanjaro climb marangu route adventure.