Kilimanjaro Trekking 6 Days Marangu Route
About this tour
Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro via the 6-day Marangu Route allows for a more gradual ascent, enhancing acclimatization and increasing the chances of successfully reaching the summit. Beginning at Marangu Gate, trekkers traverse through lush rainforests on the initial days, gradually ascending to higher altitudes. With overnight stays at Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut, each day offers breathtaking scenery and ample time to adjust to the altitude. The extra day at Horombo Hut provides a crucial acclimatization opportunity before the summit push. On summit day, trekkers embark on a pre-dawn ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending back to Horombo Hut. The final day involves descending through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, completing an unforgettable journey filled with both physical and mental challenges, and remarkable moments of triumph and camaraderie.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania to Moshi, Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day. ● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Marangu Gate, Marangu, Tanzania to Mandara Huts, Tanzania
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior. Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi Approx. time taken: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Mandara Huts, Tanzania to Horombo Huts, Tanzania
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe. Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi Approx. time taken: 9 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Horombo Huts, Tanzania
Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi Approx. time taken: 4 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Horombo Huts, Tanzania to Kibo Huts, Gilman's Point, Tanzania
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short. Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi Approx. time taken: 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Kibo Huts, Gilman's Point, Tanzania to Uhuru Peak, Tanzania
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut. Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
Day 7: Mandara Huts, Tanzania to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro. Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi Approx. time taken: 8 hours Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included Dinner & Overnight at K’S Lodge Check in at K’S Lodge Mount
Day 8: Moshi, Tanzania to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. *Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania. ● Meals: Breakfast Included
What's included
• Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi. • 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi. • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate • Park entry fees, • Camping fees • Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees • 18% VAT on tour fees & services • Sleeping Mats • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek • Hot water for washing • Fair wages for the mountain crew • Government taxes • Emergency first-aid kit
– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb. – Travel insurance – Flights – Laundry (Available at hotel) – Personal items and toiletries – Tips for guides, porters and cook Tipping Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber): • Main Guide: $20/day/guide • Assistant Guide: $15/day/guide • Cook: $12/day • Porter: $8/day/porter
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania to Moshi, Tanzania