6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Via Marangu Route 6 days

Day 1 Marangu Gate (1860m) - Mandara Hut (2700m)

You will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi/ Arusha and transferred to the start of your Kilimanjaro hike. On the way, we’ll pass through the village of Marangu located on the lower slopes of the mountain before arriving at the park gate where we prepare for the climb ahead. Your first afternoon hiking is through the forest and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for Colobus Monkeys before arriving at Mandara Hut, a charming group of A-frame huts in a forest clearing.

Approximate distance and altitude: 8km and estimated hiking hours is 5 (1980m to 2700m).

Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.

Day 2 Mandara Hut (2700m) - Horombo Hut (3700m)

The trek today quickly clears the forest canopy as we skirt the base of the Maundi Crater. The terrain changes from rainforest to moorland and if you have the energy you can take a short detour up to the rim of Maundi Crater for your first glimpse of the impressive Kibo Crater - the highest of the three volcanic cones that make Kilimanjaro. If you’re lucky enough to get a clear day, you can see the glaciers on the crater glisten in the distance. On the moorland you can appreciate Kilimanjaro’s unique flora, including the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3m high.

Approximate distance and altitude: 12km and estimated hiking hours is 6 (2700 to 3720).

Dinner and overnight Horombo hut.

Day 3 Zebra Rocks (4020m) - Horombo Hut (3700m)

This morning as we continue our ascent, the scenery morphs into alpine desert. We trek to the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, filling our water bottles at the last watering point on the way. Kibo Hut is nestled in barren alpine desert, making this a stark and dramatic landscape. At the hut we will prepare for the last push to the summit which we will begin in the evening.

Approximate distance and altitude: 10km and estimated hiking hours is 6 (3720 to4700).

Dinner and overnight Horombo hut.

Day 4 Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut

Today is an extra acclimatisation day. This is beneficial to allow your body time to adjust to the change in altitude. Your chance of success is much higher if you take the time to acclimatise. You will take short walks to higher altitudes before returning to the camp for an extra night.

Dinner and overnight Kibo Hut.

Day 5 Kibo Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3700m)

This is the last big push to the summit and the toughest day of the climb. You’ll arise just before midnight, have a quick snack and begin hiking through the early hours of the morning. The route zigzags up to Gillman’s point which is located on the crater rim. This section is the most demanding section of the entire route and requires great physical and mental stamina but the view at the top is worth the effort. From here you may encounter snow as you make your way up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After this exhilarating summit, you’ll start your descent back towards Kibo Hut and onwards to Horombo Hut. Tonight you’ll enjoy your last dinner with your fellow walkers with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office and celebrate a fantastic achievement.

Approximate distance and altitude: 22km and estimated hiking hours is 8 to the summit and 6 hours to Horombo Hut (4700m-5895m-3720m)

Dinner and overnight Horombo hut.

Day 6 Horombo Hut (3700m) - Marangu Gate (1860m)

In the morning you’ll begin your hike back to Marangu Gate passing Mandara Hut on the way. At the gate you can sign the register and successful climbers will receive a summit certificate. We’ll then transfer you to hotel in Arusha/ Moshi where services end. Due to the pooled service on this tour accommodation may be shared on single bookings.

Approximate distance and altitude: 20km and estimate descending hours is 6 (3720m to 1980)