6 Days Marangu Route
6 Days | 5 Nights
Trip Days
Destinations
Marangu Gate, Mandara Hunt, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak & Marangu Gate.
Accommodation
Camp/Hunt
Full itinerary
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a morning drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate. After completing the park entry formalities, you’ll embark on your journey through the rainforest. The trail winds its way through lush vegetation with towering trees and abundant wildlife, such as monkeys and colorful birds. You will reach Mandara Hut by late afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft | Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and ascend through moorland, with its striking heather, volcanic rocks, and low-lying vegetation. Along the way, you may catch glimpses of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as the landscape becomes more open and expansive. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut in the early afternoon, with time to explore or rest.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 12,959 ft (Zebra Rocks) | Distance: 5 km / 3 miles (round trip)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Today is an acclimatization day, crucial for adjusting to the higher altitude. You will take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (12,959 ft), a unique rock formation named for its striped pattern. This trek offers an opportunity to stretch your legs and prepare your body for the higher elevations ahead. After returning to Horombo Hut, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the incredible views.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft | Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today, you’ll cross the alpine desert as the trail becomes steeper and rockier. The landscape is barren but striking, with volcanic rocks scattered across the high plateau. As you approach Kibo Hut, you will have a clear view of the towering Kibo summit ahead. This will be your base camp for the final ascent, and after an early dinner, you’ll rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation Gain: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), descent to 12,205 ft (Horombo Hut) | Distance: 22 km / 13.5 miles (total ascent and descent)
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours | Habitat: Arctic (at summit), Alpine Desert (descent)
Around midnight, your summit attempt begins as you ascend steep switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point (18,652 ft) on the crater rim. From here, it’s a challenging but rewarding trek along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 ft. After celebrating your accomplishment and soaking in the sunrise, you’ll begin your descent. The trek down to Horombo Hut will be much quicker, where a hot meal and rest await you.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft | Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Moorland and Rainforest
On your final day, you’ll descend through the moorland and rainforest zones, back down to Marangu Gate. Along the way, you’ll have a final chance to spot wildlife and reflect on your incredible journey. Once you arrive at the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, and a vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Kilimanjaro Trekking
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