6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The Classic Path Up Kilimanjaro
The Marangu Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast and is one of the mountain’s most established trails. It is particularly distinctive because it is the main Kilimanjaro route where trekkers stay in permanent mountain huts rather than tents.
The journey begins in lush rainforest before climbing into open heath and moorland. Higher still, the landscape becomes increasingly barren as the trail crosses the alpine desert towards Kibo Hut beneath the summit cone.
Our 6-day itinerary includes an additional acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut before continuing higher. This creates a more measured schedule than the shorter 5-day version.
The ascent and descent follow much of the same route, making Marangu less varied than Machame or Lemosho, but its hut accommodation and established trail make it an appealing alternative for travellers who prefer not to camp.
CLIMB RATES
The Mountain Awaits.
DAY 01
Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
Your Kilimanjaro climb begins at Marangu Gate, where your mountain team completes the necessary registration and preparations before you enter the national park.
The trail climbs gradually through lush montane rainforest, with towering trees, ferns and dense vegetation surrounding the path. Depending on conditions and a little luck, you may also encounter some of the wildlife inhabiting the lower slopes.
Eventually reach Mandara Hut, where you settle in for your first evening on Kilimanjaro.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 02
Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
After breakfast, continue upwards as the dense forest gradually gives way to heath and open moorland.
The changing vegetation reveals increasingly expansive views, and on clear days you may begin to see both Kibo and Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s dramatic volcanic peaks.
The trail climbs steadily across the open landscape before reaching Horombo Hut, where you spend the night at approximately 3,720 metres.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 03
Horombo Hut → Acclimatisation Walk → Horombo Hut
Today is dedicated to helping your body adjust before continuing towards the higher reaches of Kilimanjaro.
Rather than remaining completely inactive, your guide will normally lead an acclimatisation walk to a higher elevation before returning to Horombo Hut to sleep.
Depending on conditions and the group’s progress, the walk may explore the surrounding high-altitude landscape in the direction of features such as the Zebra Rocks.
The principle is simple: climb higher, then return to sleep lower.
The remainder of the day provides time to rest, hydrate and prepare for tomorrow’s journey towards Kibo.
OVERNIGHT
SLEEPING ELEVATION
ACTIVITY
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 04
Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
Leaving Horombo, the vegetation gradually disappears as you enter Kilimanjaro’s stark alpine desert.
The trail crosses the broad saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes of the Marangu Route.
Eventually reach Kibo Hut beneath the summit cone.
Once there, the focus turns towards the summit attempt. Eat, hydrate, prepare your equipment and try to rest before waking late in the evening.
The final ascent begins around midnight.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 05
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
Your summit attempt begins in darkness.
The trail climbs steeply through loose volcanic scree as you make your way slowly towards the crater rim. The altitude, freezing temperatures and sustained ascent make this the most demanding stage of the journey.
Reach Gilman’s Point at approximately 5,685 metres, an important milestone on the crater rim.
From here, continue around the rim towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa.
After reaching the summit, begin the long descent towards Kibo before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
By the time you arrive, you will have completed an exceptionally long but unforgettable day on the mountain.
OVERNIGHT
SUMMIT
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 06
Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
After breakfast, begin the final descent.
The trail passes back through moorland before eventually re-entering the lush rainforest of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.
Continue past Mandara and descend towards Marangu Gate, where your trek officially comes to an end.
After completing park formalities and saying goodbye to your mountain team, meet your driver for the transfer back to your hotel and a well-earned rest.
FINISH
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
What's Included
- All Park Fees
- Professional Kilimanjaro mountain guides
- Rescue fees
- Mountain tents and camping equipment as specified
- Porters and mountain support crew
- Mountain cook and prepared meals during the trek
- Drinking water while on the mountain
- Transfers to & from the gate
- Summit certificate for successful climbers
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Ready for Kilimanjaro?
Spend six days following Kilimanjaro’s established eastern trail, with mountain huts along the way and an additional day dedicated to acclimatisation.