Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 6 Days

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,840m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m)

Your adventure begins with registration at Marangu Gate, followed by meeting your mountain crew—guides, porters, and cook—who will support you throughout the trek. The trail starts in a dense and vibrant rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and rich birdlife. The path is well-maintained, shaded, and often misty, giving a magical start to your climb.
Along the way, you’ll pass small streams, wooden bridges, and moss-covered trees before reaching Mandara Hut, your first overnight stop. A short walk to Maundi Crater is optional and offers your first panoramic view of northeastern Tanzania.

Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Leaving the rainforest, the trail transitions into heath and moorland, a landscape filled with giant heathers, everlasting flowers, and volcanic rocks. As you ascend, the views open up dramatically—revealing both Mawenzi and Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s two prominent peaks.
Today’s hike is moderate but steady, allowing proper acclimatization. You arrive at the large Horombo Hut, which accommodates both ascending and descending climbers. This is a lively camp with stunning sunset views and open skies perfect for star gazing.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

This crucial day is dedicated to acclimatization, significantly improving your chances of reaching the summit. Your guides will lead you on a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m), named for their distinctive black-and-white mineral stripes. The hike helps your body adjust to the altitude without overexertion.
You return to Horombo for lunch and relaxation. You may spend the afternoon resting, exploring the surroundings, or simply enjoying the incredible mountain scenery. Proper hydration and rest make this a key preparation day for the upcoming higher altitudes.

Day 4: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Today’s trek is long but gentle as you cross the wide Saddle, a high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape becomes barren, quiet, and lunar-like—one of the most unique terrains on the mountain. The lack of vegetation signals the approach to high altitude.
You arrive at Kibo Hut, a base camp situated at the foot of Kibo’s crater wall. Here, you rest early, eat a warm dinner, and prepare for the challenging summit attempt. Guides will brief you thoroughly on what to carry, how to dress, and what to expect during the midnight ascent.

Day 5: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut

Summit day begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the path, you ascend slowly on steep switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. This is the most demanding part of the trek—cold temperatures, thin air, and steep slopes test your determination.
From Gilman’s, the trail becomes more gradual as you pass Stella Point (5,756m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate with photos and take in the incredible sunrise over clouds.
After enjoying your success, you descend back to Kibo for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for your final overnight on the mountain.

Day 6: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Hotel

Your final descent takes you back through the moorland and rainforest zones, offering a last chance to enjoy the diverse scenery. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate—gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Gilman’s Point, or Stella Point.
Your driver from K & G Tanzania Travel Specialist will transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax, shower, and celebrate your successful adventure.