- 6 Days
- 5 Nights
Marangu Route
Sketch
Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Marangu Gate – Trek to Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Altitude Gain: 830 m | Vegetation Zone: Lush Rainforest
After an early breakfast at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, your guide will drive you to Marangu Gate (1,870 m), the official starting point of your Kilimanjaro adventure. Here, you’ll complete registration with the park authorities while your crew prepares the gear and supplies.
Today’s trail leads you through dense tropical rainforest, a haven for wildlife. You may spot blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and hear the calls of exotic birds overhead. The forest is cool, misty, and rich with moisture-loving vegetation like ferns and moss-covered trees.
After 4 to 5 hours of steady ascent, you’ll reach Mandara Hut, a charming wooden lodge nestled in a forest clearing. You’ll have time to rest or take a short walk to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Kenya’s Amboseli plains, weather permitting.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Altitude Gain: 1,020 m | Vegetation Zone: Heath and Moorland
After a hearty breakfast, begin your journey through the forest canopy into the open moorland. The scenery changes dramatically—tall trees give way to heather, giant lobelias, and flowering groundsels unique to Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude climate.
As you ascend, the trail offers sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak—Kilimanjaro’s rugged secondary summit—and glimpses of Kibo in the distance. The air becomes cooler, and you’ll feel the altitude more noticeably today.
After 6 to 8 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Horombo Hut, perched on a hillside with incredible views of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. At this elevation, it’s essential to stay hydrated and walk at a slow, steady pace to aid acclimatization.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo – Optional Hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000 m)
Distance: 5 km (optional hike) | Hiking Time: 2–3 hours | Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today is all about acclimatization—a key factor in summit success. After breakfast, you’ll take a relaxed hike to the nearby Zebra Rocks, named for their striking black-and-white volcanic streaks caused by mineral-rich water.
This gentle ascent to around 4,000 meters helps your body adjust to the thin mountain air while offering memorable views of the surrounding moorland. After soaking in the scenery, return to Horombo Hut for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
This day greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit by minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703 m)
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours | Altitude Gain: 983 m | Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Today is all about acclimatization—a key factor in summit success. After breakfast, you’ll take a relaxed hike to the nearby Zebra Rocks, named for their striking black-and-white volcanic streaks caused by mineral-rich water.
This gentle ascent to around 4,000 meters helps your body adjust to the thin mountain air while offering memorable views of the surrounding moorland. After soaking in the scenery, return to Horombo Hut for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
This day greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit by minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.
Day 5: Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Descend to Horombo Hut
Distance: 6 km ascent, 16 km descent | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours to the summit, 5–6 hours down | Vegetation Zones: Arctic, then Moorland
At around midnight, you’ll begin your summit climb under a blanket of stars. The trail is steep and challenging, zigzagging up volcanic scree. With your headlamp lighting the way and your guide encouraging each step, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) by sunrise.
From there, it’s a final push along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the highest point in Africa. Standing here, above the clouds, with views of the glacier-topped crater, is an emotional and unforgettable achievement.
After photos and a moment to soak it all in, begin your descent back to Kibo for a brief rest and brunch. Then, continue down to Horombo Hut, where your exhausted legs can finally relax.
Day 6: Departure day – Drive out
Distance: 20 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Vegetation Zone: Moorland to Rainforest
Your final trekking day is a long but gentle descent through the moorland and lush rainforest. You’ll pass Mandara Hut and eventually reach Marangu Gate, where park rangers will award your Kilimanjaro summit certificate—gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Gilman’s Point.
Your driver will be waiting at the gate to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Enjoy a hot shower, a real bed, and the satisfaction of having climbed the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
BOOK THIS TOUR NOW
Includes
- Full Board Accommodation for 5 nights on safari incl. breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Unlimited Mileage with excellent 4x4 Safari Vehicle with professional English-Speaking driver guide
- Park Entry Fee for all National Park mentioned on the itinerary
- Mineral Water in the Safari Vehicle for 6 days
- Activities, Morning walk at Lake Burunge, Manyara Treetop walk away and Olduvai Gorge visit
Excludes
- All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills etc.
- Visa and Drones
- Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver- guide(s).
- International flight and departure taxes.
- Laundry services.
- Any other item of personal nature.
Related Trekking Route
Marangu Route Trekking
known as the “Coca-Cola Route,”is a popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro
Machame Route Trekking
also known as the “Whiskey Route”,is a popular, yet challenging, trekking route
