6-Day Marangu Route Summit to Mount Kilimanjaro

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

The drive from Moshi to the Marangu gate takes about one hour and passes through the village of Marangu, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Upon reaching the park gate, all hikers will sign in and make their final preparations for the climb. You will be responsible only for your daypack, while porters handle the packing of food, water, cooking gas, and most of your equipment. Ensure your daypack contains essentials like drinking water, your lunch pack, and extra clothing, as porters typically ascend more quickly than hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs.

Once you leave the park gate, you will begin your ascent on a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. The forest, enveloped in mist and adorned with moss, is home to many of Kilimanjaro’s wildlife.

Hiking Time: 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

From Mandara Hut, the trail begins by passing through a brief stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater before emerging into the moorland. It’s worth taking a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first breathtaking view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, you’ll see Kibo’s glaciers shimmering in the morning sun.

As you traverse the open moorland, you'll encounter some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular flora, including the endemic giant lobelia, which can grow up to 3 meters tall, and the giant groundsel (Senecio kilimanjaro), reaching heights of 5 meters.

After about six hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut, where you’ll be greeted with hot water, an evening meal, and a comfortable place to sleep.

Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 km.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Huts - Zebra Rocks - Horombo Huts

Today is your acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. Nestled on a small plateau, Horombo Hut is a bustling hub with a total capacity for 120 climbers, featuring buildings similar to Mandara Hut. The atmosphere here is vibrant and adventurous, with hikers, guides, and porters all contributing to a lively environment. You’ll encounter climbers both ascending and descending Kilimanjaro.

This extra day and night at Horombo are crucial for acclimatization. A recommended hike to Mawenzi Hut, passing the Zebra Rocks along the way, takes about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down. This acclimatization hike will further aid your adjustment to the altitude. Remember to stay hydrated and pace yourself. All meals for the day will be provided at the hut. Retire early to ensure you get a good night's rest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Saddle (Kibo and Mawenzi) to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent into the alpine desert. From Horombo, there are two trails leading to the area between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, known as "the Saddle." The upper route, which you may have climbed partially during your previous day’s hike to Mawenzi Hut, is quite stony and eroded. The recommended lower route, taking the left-hand fork, is easier and nearly an hour shorter. It also passes the last watering point at 4,130 meters.

At the heart of the barren alpine desert lies Kibo Hut, a stone-built blockhouse with bunk beds for 60 climbers. There are no natural water sources nearby, but you can purchase mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. Platform toilets are located behind the hut.

The summit is an additional 1,195 meters up, and you will make your final ascent later that night. Prepare your equipment, walking poles, and thermal clothing for your summit bid.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kibo Huts - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut

You’ll rise around 11:30 pm and, after a quick tea and biscuits, begin your challenging ascent into the night. This is where the trek becomes especially demanding. The first part of the trail follows a rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters, which serves as a useful resting spot. From there, the path zigzags steeply up to Gilman's Point at 5,681 meters on the crater rim.

After a short rest at Gilman's Point, you’ll gather the gear you left behind for the ascent and descend back to Horombo Hut for the night. Be prepared for a very long day, with a total hiking time of around 14 hours. In the evening, you can enjoy your final dinner, with soft drinks and beer available for purchase at the camp office. A well-deserved rest awaits you after this strenuous day.

Hiking Time: 8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 6 hours to Horombo Hut
Distance: Approximately 6 km ascent, 21 km descent.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

Congratulations on conquering Mt. Kilimanjaro! After breakfast, you’ll begin your descent, which will take approximately six hours. The route will take you past Mandara Hut and down to the Marangu Gate. It is important to hold off on tipping your porters until all your gear and you have safely reached the gate.

Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you will sign the register and receive your summit certificate. Climbers who reach Gillman's Point (5,685 meters) are awarded green certificates, while those who reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) receive gold certificates.

You will then drive back to Arusha or Moshi, where you can finally enjoy a hot shower, a well-deserved dinner, and celebrate your achievement!

Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 27 km.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.