6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular and comfortable ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a 6-day trek with overnight stays in cozy huts—ideal for protection against the mountain’s changing weather. This classic route provides a smooth and steady ascent, allowing for better acclimatization, including an optional extra day at Horombo Hut to boost summit success. As you hike, you’ll journey through diverse landscapes—from tropical rainforests and rolling moorlands to the striking alpine desert—before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, via Gilman’s Point.
Led by experienced guides and supported by a dedicated mountain crew, the trek includes meals, park fees, transfers, and accommodation, ensuring a safe, well-organized, and enjoyable adventure. Perfect for trekkers looking for a mix of comfort, scenic beauty, and challenge, the Marangu Route remains a timeless choice for conquering Kilimanjaro in classic Tanzanian style.
6 Days | 5 Nights
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Trekk
Day 1; Marangu Gate 1860m to Mandara Hut 2700m
In the morning, you will meet your experienced mountain guides and drive from your hotel to Marangu Gate. Situated at the southeastern base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, registration with the national park authorities will be completed. Final equipment checks carried out before the adventure begins. The trek starts through lush rainforest, offering the chance to admire unique flora and possibly spot wildlife such as blue monkeys or colobus monkeys. A picnic lunch is enjoyed along the trail. And by early afternoon you will arrive at Mandara Hut, a welcoming camp nestled in a tranquil forest clearing.
Day 2; Mandara Hut 2700m to Horombo Hut 3720m
After breakfast, the trek continues with a steady ascent out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone, where the scenery transforms dramatically. Towering giant groundsels, vibrant heathers, and striking lobelias characterise the landscape, while wide-open views reveal glimpses of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s impressive volcanic cones. The elevation gain is more noticeable today, and your guides will encourage a slow, steady pace to aid acclimatisation. By late afternoon, you arrive at Horombo Hut, perched on a rocky plateau. Here, you will be welcomed with hot drinks, a hearty dinner, and time to relax amidst the breathtaking alpine scenery.
Day 3; Acclimatization at Horombo Hut 3720m
This day is devoted to acclimatisation, an essential factor for success on high-altitude treks. After breakfast, you set out on a guided hike towards the Mawenzi Saddle, a dramatic ridge lying between the jagged Mawenzi Peak and the glacial dome of Kibo. Along the way, the trail reveals striking geological features such as Zebra Rocks, and offers superb views across the alpine desert. The hike provides valuable elevation gain, allowing your body to adapt gradually to the thinner air. After reaching a suitable height, you descend back to Horombo Hut, where dinner and a restful evening await in preparation for the climb ahead.
Day 4; Horombo Hut 3720m to Kibo Hut 4703m
Today’s trek leads you into the stark and otherworldly alpine desert zone, where vegetation becomes scarce and the air noticeably thinner. The trail crosses the Saddle, a vast expanse of volcanic rock linking the jagged Mawenzi Peak with the towering dome of Kibo. As water sources are limited at this altitude, porters will carry water from the last available point to ensure supplies at camp. By mid-afternoon, you arrive at Kibo Hut, where an early hot meal is served before you settle down to rest. With the summit attempt beginning just before midnight, your guides will provide a detailed briefing to prepare you for the demanding climb ahead.
Day 5; Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak 5895m and down to Horombo Hut
At around 11:00 PM to midnight, the most challenging stage of the climb begins—an overnight ascent to the summit under the glow of headlamps. The trail climbs steep switchbacks on loose scree, steadily leading towards Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. Most climbers arrive at Gilman’s around sunrise, rewarded with breathtaking views across the vast African plains. From here, it is a further 1.5 to 2 hours along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. After celebrating your achievement and capturing unforgettable photos, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal, before continuing down to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved overnight stay.
Day 6; Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate 1860m– End of Trek
The final leg of your journey takes you on a steady descent through open moorland before re-entering the lush rainforest, where the sounds of birds and the chance of spotting wildlife return. It is a long but gradual trek down to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out of the park and be awarded your climbing certificate—green for reaching Gilman’s Point, or gold for summiting Uhuru Peak. A freshly prepared celebratory lunch awaits near the gate, courtesy of your support team. After heartfelt farewells to the mountain crew, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, a well-earned dinner, and rest—or onward transfer to the airport for departure
Trekk Includes
- Kilimanjaro park fees
- Professional experienced mountain guides, cook and porters
- Rescue fees
- All accommodation in tents on the mountain
- All meals while on the mountain
- Guides, porters, cook park fees
- Clean and purified drinking water
- Transfers from Arusha or Moshi to Kilimanjaro National Park and back as described in the itinerary
Trekk Excludes
- Flights
- Optional activities
- Visa fees
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Travel insurance
- Tips to mountain Crews
- Personal gears like sleeping bags, Hiking poles etc.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc
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FAQ About Mount Kilimanjaro
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in northern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. It lies within Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
How high is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in Africa and the world’s highest free-standing mountain.
Do I need climbing experience to summit Kilimanjaro?
No prior climbing experience is required. Kilimanjaro is a trekking mountain rather than a technical climb, but good physical fitness, determination, and proper acclimatization are essential.
What are the best routes to climb Kilimanjaro?
Popular routes include the Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai, and Umbwe routes. The Lemosho and Machame routes are favored for their scenic beauty and higher success rates.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best times to climb are during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. These months offer clear skies, great visibility, and stable weather conditions.
What should I pack for the climb?
Essential items include layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, rain gear, sunscreen, water bottles, and a good camera to capture the breathtaking views.
How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
While not technically difficult, the main challenge is altitude. Proper pacing, hydration, and acclimatization are key to avoiding altitude sickness and reaching the summit successfully.
Do I need a guide to climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes, all climbers must be accompanied by a registered guide and support crew as required by Tanzanian park authorities. They ensure your safety and enhance your experience.
