6 Days Marangu Route

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Begin your ascent from the Marangu Gate, weaving through the verdant rainforest. Listen to the symphony of exotic bird calls and the rustle of leaves as you steadily climb towards your first campsite, Mandara Hut.

• Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
• Habitat: Lush rainforest
• Elevation: Start at 1860 metres, reach 2700 metres
• Hiking Time: About 5-6 hours

Main Destination: Lush Rainforest

Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Traverse through the transition zone, where the forest gradually gives way to expansive moorlands. As you gain elevation, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro’s majestic peaks piercing through the clouds. Rest for the night at Horombo Hut.

• Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: From 2700 metres to 3700 metres
• Hiking Time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Main Destination: The Moorlands

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area, we head back to Horombo Hut.

• Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
• Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
• Habitat: Heath

• Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
• Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft
• Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
• Habitat: Heath

Main Destination: Horombo/Mawenzi Ridge

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today’s trek takes you to the base of the challenging summit climb. Climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Navigate rocky terrain and scree slopes as you make your way to the Kibo Hut, your final campsite before the summit push.

• Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Elevation: Ascend to 4700 metres
• Hiking Time: About 6-8 hours

Main Destination: Kibo

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Prepare for an early start as you embark on the ultimate challenge – the summit attempt. Ascend under the starlit sky, guided by your determination and the faint glow of your headlamp. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and savour the euphoria of your accomplishment before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

• Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
• Habitat: Glacial zone
• Elevation: Summit at 5895 metres, descent to 3720 metres
• Hiking Time: Summit ascent 6-8 hours, descent 4-6 hours

Main Destination: Horombo

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Bid farewell to the mountain as you descend through the moorlands and lush rainforest. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha. Reflect on your incredible journey as you reach the Marangu Gate, where your Kilimanjaro adventure comes to a triumphant close.

• Distance: 20 km | 12 miles
• Habitat: Moorland, rainforest
• Elevation: Descend from 3720 metres to 1860 metres
• Hiking Time: About 5-7 hours

Main Destination: Marangu

Accommodation: Listed

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast included
• Non-alcoholic drinks