6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Marangu Route

Safari Cost Includes

Park fees and camping/hut fees
Rescue fees
All meals on the mountain
Professional, experienced mountain guides and porters
Tents and camping equipment
Transfers to/from park gates
Certificate of achievement

Safari Cost Excludes

Flights
Accommodation before/after trek (can be added)
Personal trekking gear
Tips for guides, porters, cook
Travel insurance
Medical evacuation (highly recommended to have coverage)

6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Marangu Route Overview

The Marangu Route is the only route that offers hut accommodations and is considered the most straightforward path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. This 6-day itinerary includes an extra day for acclimatization at Horombo Hut, improving your chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m (19,341 ft). Expect scenic views, diverse ecosystems, and an unforgettable alpine adventure.

itinerary plan

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 1,870m to 2,720m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast and briefing, drive from Moshi/Arusha to Marangu Gate. Register and begin your trek through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut. En route, spot colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 2,720m to 3,720m
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Leave the rainforest and enter moorland vegetation. Hike past rolling hills and striking views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Reach Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Elevation: 3,720m (optional hike to 4,000m)
Activity: Optional hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Saddle for acclimatization

This rest day at Horombo Hut helps your body adjust to the altitude. Take a short hike to Zebra Rocks or higher toward Mawenzi Ridge, then return for lunch and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Horombo Hut

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 3,720m to 4,700m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Trek through the alpine desert zone with minimal vegetation. Pass Last Water Point and cross the Saddle, a lunar-like landscape between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Overnight at Kibo Hut, your base for summit night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kibo Hut

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut (Summit Day)

Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,720m
Distance: ~6 km ascent / ~15 km descent
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours total
Habitat: Arctic to moorland

Begin your summit attempt just after midnight. Hike slowly through switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Enjoy the sunrise before descending back to Kibo Hut, rest briefly, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Horombo Hut

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha

Elevation: 3,720m to 1,870m
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland to rainforest

After breakfast, descend gradually through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate, then drive to Moshi/Arusha for a well-earned rest or onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch