Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Follow Kilimanjaro's classic hut-to-hut trail through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert, with an acclimatization day before the summit climb to Uhuru Peak.

6 DaysMountain Programme
5,895 mUhuru Peak
Mountain HutsRoute Accommodation
Moderate–HardTrekking Difficulty
Same TrailAscent and Descent
Route Overview

Kilimanjaro's classic hut-to-hut climbing route

Marangu is one of Kilimanjaro's oldest and best-established routes and the main trail offering permanent mountain huts instead of tents.

The six-day programme includes an acclimatization walk from Horombo Hut before crossing the Saddle to Kibo Hut.

The summit attempt climbs towards Gilman's Point, Stella Point and Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres before descending to Horombo Hut.

Climbers on the Marangu Route
Hut Accommodation Permanent sleeping huts are used at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo.
Why Choose Marangu

A historic route with established trails and mountain huts

The route combines a clear trail, permanent huts, an acclimatization day and professional mountain support.

01

Mountain Huts

Permanent shelter from rain, wind and colder night conditions.

02

Clear Trail

A well-established route through Kilimanjaro's main ecological zones.

03

Acclimatization

An extra day at Horombo supports adjustment before Kibo Hut.

04

Mountain Team

Guides, cooks and porters manage safety, meals and logistics.

Mountain Route

Six days from Marangu Gate to Uhuru Peak

Open any day below to read the full trekking details without making the page feel too long.

01

Mandara Hut

Rainforest zone

02

Horombo Hut

Heath and moorland

03

Acclimatization

Zebra Rocks area

04

Kibo Hut

Summit base hut

05

Uhuru Peak

Summit and descent

06

Marangu Gate

Final descent

Detailed Itinerary

Open only the trekking days you want to read

Each day remains neatly closed until the visitor selects it.

Day 01Marangu Gate – Mandara HutBegin through the tropical rainforest

After breakfast and a final equipment check, travel to Marangu Gate for park registration and porter organization.

Trek through humid montane rainforest to Mandara Hut, where you settle into shared hut accommodation and receive a health check and next-day briefing.

StartApprox. 1,860 m
FinishApprox. 2,700 m
Walking TimeAbout 4–5 hours
HabitatMontane rainforest
Park registration
Rainforest trekking
Possible monkey sightings
Mandara Hut overnight
Day 02Mandara Hut – Horombo HutClimb into open heath and moorland

Leave the rainforest and continue through open heath and moorland, with possible views of Mawenzi and Kibo.

The longer walking day requires a slow pace, regular rest stops and careful hydration before arriving at Horombo Hut.

StartApprox. 2,700 m
FinishApprox. 3,720 m
Walking TimeAbout 6–8 hours
HabitatHeath and moorland
Forest-to-moorland transition
Possible Mawenzi views
High-altitude vegetation
Horombo Hut overnight
Day 03Horombo acclimatization walkClimb towards Zebra Rocks and return

Complete a daytime acclimatization walk towards Zebra Rocks or the Mawenzi side of the mountain, then return to sleep at Horombo Hut.

The guide monitors altitude response and climbers should report headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual weakness immediately.

StartApprox. 3,720 m
High PointApprox. 4,000 m
SleepApprox. 3,720 m
Walking TimeAbout 3–5 hours
Important acclimatization day
Zebra Rocks walk
Possible Mawenzi views
Second Horombo night
Day 04Horombo Hut – Kibo HutCross the high alpine Saddle

Continue into the alpine desert and cross the broad Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.

At Kibo Hut, rest, eat early and prepare warm clothing, headlamp, snacks and drinking water for the midnight summit attempt.

StartApprox. 3,720 m
FinishApprox. 4,700 m
Walking TimeAbout 6–8 hours
HabitatAlpine desert
Crossing the Saddle
Mawenzi and Kibo views
Summit base arrival
Summit briefing
Day 05Kibo – Uhuru Peak – HoromboClimb to the roof of Africa

Begin around midnight and climb steep volcanic scree towards Gilman's Point. Fit climbers continue along the crater rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak.

After a short summit celebration, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and food, then continue across the Saddle to Horombo Hut.

StartApprox. 4,700 m
Summit5,895 m
Final HutApprox. 3,720 m
Total TimeAbout 12–16 hours
Midnight summit departure
Gilman's Point
Uhuru Peak
Descent to Horombo
Day 06Horombo Hut – Marangu GateComplete the descent and celebrate

Descend through moorland and rainforest, passing Mandara Hut before reaching Marangu Gate.

After park checkout and summit certificates where applicable, transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

StartApprox. 3,720 m
GateApprox. 1,860 m
Walking TimeAbout 5–7 hours
HabitatMoorland and rainforest
Final descent
Rainforest return
Summit certificate
Hotel transfer
Climb Information

Essential details without overcrowding the page

Visitors can open only the information they need.

Package detailsWhat the climb includes
  • Transfers between your hotel and Marangu Gate
  • Kilimanjaro National Park, hut and rescue fees
  • Professional guides, assistant guides, cook and porters
  • Shared mountain hut accommodation
  • Meals and safe drinking water during the climb
  • Regular health monitoring and emergency oxygen
  • First-aid equipment, taxes and statutory charges
Not coveredWhat the climb excludes
  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa, travel insurance and medical expenses
  • Personal trekking clothing, footwear and equipment
  • Sleeping bag and optional rental charges unless included
  • Pre- and post-climb hotels unless stated
  • Personal purchases and alcoholic drinks
  • Gratuities for guides, cooks and porters
PreparationFitness and equipment guidance

Prepare with regular walking, hill training, cardiovascular exercise and consecutive active days. Bring suitable layered clothing, footwear, a warm sleeping bag and personal trekking essentials.

SafetyAltitude and travel insurance

Fitness does not prevent altitude illness. Report symptoms immediately and follow the lead guide's instructions. Insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical treatment and emergency evacuation.

Begin Your Kilimanjaro Journey

Follow the classic Marangu Route towards Uhuru Peak

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