6 Days Mount Kilimanajaro Trek - Marangu Route

The Marangu route stands out as one of Kilimanjaro’s most sought-after paths to the summit. Its popularity is partly due to being the most cost-effective option, but more significantly, it allows for a 5-day ascent, reaching the summit a day earlier than the Machame route. However, this shorter timeframe doesn’t always facilitate the best acclimatization, a crucial factor for a successful climb. 

Yet, the Marangu route offers the flexibility of an additional acclimatization day, transforming the trek into a 6-day journey, substantially improving the odds of a successful summit. Unlike other routes, the Marangu path features shared hut accommodation, providing a relatively luxurious option of sleeping in huts along the entire route. Additionally, basic amenities such as mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beers are available for purchase at all camps along this route. Furthermore, all equipment and supplies are carried by porters, and a dedicated cook prepares all meals, ensuring a comfortable and supported trekking experience.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft)

Elevation Gain: 915 meters, 3,000 feet

Embark from Moshi at 8 am for Marangu Gate. Complete gate registration and commence your Kilimanjaro trek. Traverse a narrow trail through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest for most of the hike. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, the halfway point. After lunch, continue through the rainforest to reach Mandara Hut. Relax for the remainder of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. Clear days offer stunning views eastward to Taveta and northwestward to Mawenzi Peak, making the short hike worthwhile. The A-frame Mandara Huts accommodate up to seventy people, featuring several sleeping huts and a dining area. All of Marangu’s huts include beds with mattresses.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)

Elevation Gain: 977 meters, 3,200 feet

Depart Mandara Hut after breakfast, leaving Kilimanjaro’s forests for Horombo Hut. The majority of the day’s hike traverses Kilimanjaro’s moorland, characterized by a rocky landscape with desert-like vegetation. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. Weather permitting, revel in beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut around 3 pm and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Despite being busy, the Horombo Huts are renowned as the nicest on Kilimanjaro. These small, A-frame buildings accommodate up to eight people each, providing lodging for hikers ascending, descending, and acclimatizing. Horombo can host up to one hundred hikers and numerous porters, cooks, and guides.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Mawenzi Hut (4,600m/15,100ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)

Elevation Gain and Loss: 880 meters, 2,900 feet

Day three is an acclimatization day. We recommend hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut for maximum acclimatization. This hike enhances your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak and offers magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters, 3,380 feet

Depart Horombo Hut after breakfast to trek through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. After about an hour, reach Maua River, a small mountain stream. Beyond Maua, the terrain flattens, and vegetation diminishes. Pause for lunch at Middle Red Hill. Following lunch, ascend steadily for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle. Although the environment toward Kibo is a bleak desert with sparse vegetation, you’ll witness many breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut around 3 pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb.

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet | Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike starts with a challenging five-hour trek to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this path is considered the easiest of the three crater ascent routes, it remains extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5,000 meters and is roughly a two-hour hike from Kibo Hut. Continue for thirty minutes before starting the rocky switchbacks that lead to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters).

The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, in terms of terrain, not very challenging. However, the altitude makes the hike long and strenuous. The crater rim hike takes about two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, capture photos of your guide and group at the peak before descending to Horombo Hut.

During the descent from the summit, you’ll behold all the magnificent views missed on the ascent. Pause for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing to Horombo Hut. Arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon and savor your final night on the mountain.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)

Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet

After breakfast, conclude the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro traverses the cloud forest. Be cautious during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to transport you back to Moshi.