6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Marangu Route
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Climbing
6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Marangu Route Overview
The Marangu Route is the only route that offers hut accommodations and is considered the most straightforward path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. This 6-day itinerary includes an extra day for acclimatization at Horombo Hut, improving your chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m (19,341 ft). Expect scenic views, diverse ecosystems, and an unforgettable alpine adventure.
itinerary plan
Day 1
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,870m to 2,720m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast and briefing, drive from Moshi/Arusha to Marangu Gate. Register and begin your trek through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut. En route, spot colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,720m to 3,720m
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leave the rainforest and enter moorland vegetation. Hike past rolling hills and striking views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Reach Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 3
Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m (optional hike to 4,000m)
Activity: Optional hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Saddle for acclimatization
This rest day at Horombo Hut helps your body adjust to the altitude. Take a short hike to Zebra Rocks or higher toward Mawenzi Ridge, then return for lunch and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 4
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,700m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Trek through the alpine desert zone with minimal vegetation. Pass Last Water Point and cross the Saddle, a lunar-like landscape between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Overnight at Kibo Hut, your base for summit night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 5
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut (Summit Day)
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,720m
Distance: ~6 km ascent / ~15 km descent
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours total
Habitat: Arctic to moorland
Begin your summit attempt just after midnight. Hike slowly through switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Enjoy the sunrise before descending back to Kibo Hut, rest briefly, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,870m
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland to rainforest
After breakfast, descend gradually through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate, then drive to Moshi/Arusha for a well-earned rest or onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Safari Cost Includes
- Park fees and camping/hut fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional, experienced mountain guides and porters
- Tents and camping equipment
- Transfers to/from park gates
- Certificate of achievement
Safari Cost Excludes
- Flights
- Accommodation before/after trek (can be added)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, cook
- Travel insurance
- Medical evacuation (highly recommended to have coverage)