6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and a drive to Marangu Gate (1,860m) for registration. After completing the formalities, you start your trek through the lush rainforest, with chances to spot monkeys and exotic birds. The path is well-trodden and gradually ascends to Mandara Hut (2,720m), where you will spend your first night. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, and you will stay in shared huts. In the evening, you can take a short walk to Maundi Crater for stunning views of the surrounding area.  

After breakfast, you leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, with its unique vegetation, such as giant lobelias and groundsels. The trail is relatively easy, offering magnificent views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. You will reach Horombo Hut (3,720m) after 5-6 hours of hiking. The hut offers great views of the Kibo Summit and the surrounding landscape. You’ll have time to rest and acclimatize, staying in shared dormitory-style huts.  

Today’s trek is long but gradual as you cross the “Saddle,” a barren stretch of alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The day’s trek takes around 5-7 hours and can feel challenging due to the higher altitude and thinner air. You will reach Kibo Hut (4,700m) in the late afternoon, where you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. The night is spent in simple huts, with early bedtime to prepare for the summit push.  

Summit day starts at midnight with a steep and challenging climb to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From there, you’ll continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, arriving in time to witness the stunning sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, you begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut. This is the longest and most strenuous day, with around 12-16 hours of trekking in total. You’ll spend the night at Horombo Hut.  

On the final day, you descend through the moorland and rainforest zones, enjoying your last views of Kilimanjaro. The descent to Marangu Gate takes around 5-6 hours. Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and then be driven back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved rest.