6 Day Marangu Route

Marangu Route – Unlike other routes

Overview

Itinerary

After breakfast and a briefing, we’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, a journey of 45-60 minutes. Here, you’ll register and start your ascent. The hike takes you through the lush rainforest to the Mandara encampment, and a side trip to Maundi Crater offers breathtaking views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Keep an eye out for towering Eucalyptus trees, diverse birdlife, and playful Colobus monkeys.

— Elevation Gain: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Budget)

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi or Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our driver will be ready to greet you after immigration and customs. The journey to Moshi takes approximately 45 minutes, while the drive to Arusha city takes about an hour without traffic. You’ll have a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and an opportunity to rent any necessary equipment for your trek. Any excess luggage not needed for the trek can be securely stored at your hotel.

If time permits, we recommend an extra rest day before beginning your trek.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

Your journey starts as you leave Arusha and head for Rongai Gate(2364m), which takes around 5 hours. At the gate, you’ll complete some entry paperwork. Afterward, you’ll have lunch and start walking. You’ll follow a wide path through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest where you might see some wildlife. You’ll reach your first camp at the edge of the moorland, Simba Camp (2671m), and enjoy fantastic views of the Kenyan plains.

Day 3: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leaving the rainforest behind, you’ll ascend through open moorlands to reach the Horombo encampment. Marvel at the stunning views of Mawenzi and the Kibo summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter giant lobelias and grounsels. As you gain altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

— Elevation Gain: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 12km/7.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Heathland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget)

Day 4: Rest Day at Horombo Hut

Take a well-deserved rest day at Horombo Hut, with the option of a hike to Mawenzi Peak.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget)

Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Continuing your ascent, you’ll pass the last watering point and make your way to the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation transitions to upper heathland before disappearing into a surreal “moonscape.” This evening, prepare for your summit climb.

— Elevation Gain: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
— Distance: 9km/5.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Budget)

Day 6: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and Descend to Horombo Hut

This is the most exciting day. You’ll start early in the morning with your headlamps on. You’ll walk up a zigzag path on rough volcanic ground. It’s a tough climb, about 5 to 6 hours, and you’ll go up almost 1,000 meters. You’ll get to Gillman’s Point (5,685m) and rest while watching the sunrise over Mawenzi. Then, it’s another 2-hour walk to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Usually, in the early morning, you can see clearly and get great views of the crater, Mawenzi, and Mount Meru below. The path goes through a rocky place with ice cliffs. After you enjoy the amazing views and take pictures, you’ll walk back along the crater rim and quickly descend to Kibo Hut (4,700m). You’ll have lunch there and then go down to Horombo Camp (3,720m). It’s a long day of walking, but it’s worth it.