6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climbing

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

Distance: 8 km
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Vegetation: Rainforest
After breakfast in Arusha or Moshi, you will be driven to Marangu Gate for registration and a pre-trek briefing. Once formalities are complete, the trek begins with a steady ascent through the lush rainforest. The trail is scenic and shaded, with opportunities to spot blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and diverse birdlife.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, nestled in a clearing in the forest. You can take a short hike to the Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak and, on clear days, northern Tanzania and Kenya.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

Distance: 12 km
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Vegetation: Moorland
After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The trail ascends gradually, offering spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak. The terrain changes to rolling alpine meadows filled with unique plants like giant lobelias and groundsels.

Midway through the trek, you will stop for lunch and continue towards Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night. This is a great day for acclimatization, and you might feel the altitude starting to affect you.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3720m)

Optional Hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980m)
Distance: 5 km (round trip)
Trekking Time: 2–3 hours
This extra day is essential for proper acclimatization, greatly increasing your chances of a successful summit. You’ll take a short hike to the Zebra Rocks, named for their striped rock formations, and enjoy incredible views of Mawenzi Peak.

After the hike, return to Horombo Hut for lunch and relaxation.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Horombo Hut (3720m) to Kibo Hut (4703m)

Distance: 10 km
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Vegetation: Alpine desert
Today’s hike is more challenging as you ascend into the alpine desert zone. The trail passes the Last Water Point, as there’s no water source beyond this point until your descent. You’ll cross the Saddle, a vast plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

By afternoon, you’ll reach Kibo Hut, a stark and rugged base camp. Rest is crucial here to prepare for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, you’ll sleep early to wake up for the midnight summit push.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and Descend to Horombo Hut

Distance: 6 km ascent, 16 km descent
Trekking Time: 12–15 hours
Vegetation: Arctic at the summit, moorland during descent
Summit Night!
You’ll begin your ascent around midnight, trekking through the freezing alpine night under the stars. The trail is steep and demanding, with switchbacks leading to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From there, it’s a challenging but rewarding hike to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

At the summit, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the African plains. After taking photos and celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and then continue to Horombo Hut for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha/Moshi

Distance: 20 km
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Vegetation: Moorland and rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll continue your descent through the moorland and into the rainforest. The trail can be slippery, especially if it rains, so trekking poles are helpful. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate.

Your driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved rest, a hot shower, and celebration of your incredible achievement.

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.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.