6 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

Route: Marangu Gate (1,879 m) → Mandara Hut (2,720 m)
Depart Moshi for the drive through Marangu Village to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park. After completing registration and meeting the mountain crew, begin your trek through the lush montane rainforest.

The trail winds steadily uphill through dense vegetation, offering opportunities to discover some of Kilimanjaro’s unique plants, birds and forest wildlife. Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon for your first night on the mountain.

Transport: Private transfer – approximately 1 hour / 40 km
Hiking Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 841 m
Highest Altitude: 2,720 m

Route: Mandara Hut (2,720 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs into Kilimanjaro’s heath and moorland zone. Giant lobelias, groundsels and mountain shrubs become characteristic features of the changing landscape.

Pause for lunch along the trail while enjoying views towards Mawenzi before continuing to Horombo Hut. On clear days, this area provides impressive views of both Mawenzi and the mighty Kibo summit.

Hiking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,000 m
Highest Altitude: 3,720 m

Route: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) → Zebra Rocks / Mawenzi Trail (up to 4,020 m) → Horombo Hut

Spend a second night at Horombo to give your body additional time to adjust to the increasing altitude. This important acclimatization day includes an optional hike towards Mawenzi, passing the distinctive Zebra Rocks along the way.

The gradual ascent allows you to experience higher elevations before returning to sleep at Horombo. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for the climb towards Kibo.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 2 km
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Elevation Gain: 300 m
Descent: 300 m
Highest Altitude: 4,020 m

Route: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) → The Saddle → Kibo Hut (4,720 m)

Continue beyond the moorland as the landscape becomes increasingly barren and transitions into Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert. The trail leads across The Saddle, the vast high-altitude plateau separating Mawenzi from Kibo.

As you cross this dramatic landscape, the summit route becomes increasingly visible ahead. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, enjoy an early meal and prepare your equipment before resting for the midnight summit attempt.

Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,000 m
Highest Altitude: 4,720 m

Route: Kibo Hut (4,720 m) → Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Your summit adventure begins around midnight. Climb slowly through the darkness over steep scree towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, where the first light of sunrise can reveal spectacular views across Kilimanjaro.

From Gilman’s Point, continue towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres — the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. Celebrate this extraordinary achievement before beginning your descent.

Return to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing downhill to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.

Hiking Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,175 m
Descent: 2,175 m
Highest Altitude: 5,895 m

Route: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) → Mandara Hut → Marangu Gate (1,879 m) → Moshi

After breakfast, begin your final descent through Kilimanjaro’s changing vegetation zones. Pass Mandara Hut and continue through the lush rainforest towards Marangu Gate.

At the gate, complete the park formalities and receive your summit certificate before saying goodbye to your mountain crew. Your driver will then transfer you back to Moshi for a well-earned rest after completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Hiking Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Descent: 1,841 m
Final Altitude: 1,879 m
Transport: Private transfer – approximately 1 hour / 40 km