6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route

6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route

The Marangu route was the original route climbed by the first Europeans over 120 years ago, and the "easiest" route for those who want to trek the traditional direct route. On the Marangu route, we stay in A-frame huts, instead of tents. The climb is led by our highly trained and expert mountain guides, and we enjoy fine mountain grub prepared by our chefs who are trained annually.

Day 1: Arrive Tanzania - Moshi 

3,000-ft/ 914-m

We will pick you up at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and transfer to Moshi. You'll get breafing from your tour guide and make sure that you have taken all the gear necessary for the trek.

Day 2: Mandara Hut 

8,875-ft/ 2,705-m | 4.3 miles/ 7 km | 4-5 hours

A 1-½ hour drive to Marangu gate. We hike via the well-maintained track, climbing uphill for about 4-5 hours through the lush montane forest to Mandara Hut. The huts have running water and "flush" toilets, African style. Meals are prepared by your cooks and served up in a common dining area, where you meet climbers from all parts of the world sharing the excitement in the air.

Day 3-4: Horombo Hut 

12,850-ft/ 3,916-m | 7.14 miles/ 11.5 km | 6 hours

Soon after heading out, you'll trek through the heath and moorland zone. We arrive at Horombo Hut mid-afternoon, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery until your chefs have prepared dinner. We spend 2 nights at Horombo to acclimatize. On our extra day, we take a 4-hour round trip hike to Mawenzi Hut, passing Zebra Rocks along the way, returning to Horombo for lunch and a relaxing afternoon before dinner. Depending on your fitness level you may opt to stay here only 1 night...

Day 5: Kibo  Hut 

15,446-ft/ 4,708-m | 7.5 miles/ 12 km | 6 hours

After breakfast, we continue our trek into the Alpine desert habitat. Once across the barren Kibo Saddle, between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, we start our climb up to Kibo Hut, a stone blockhouse situated on the slopes of Kibo Peak. You'll be able to see Gilman's Point on the crater rim, a key landmark on our way to the summit. After arriving at Kibo around mid-afternoon, we relax, then have dinner and prepare for the midnight climb.

Day 6: Uhuru Peak | Horombo Hut 

Summit: 19,340-ft/ 5,895-m | 4.2 miles/ 6.7 km | 7-8 hours

Horombo Hut: 12,850-ft/ 3,916-m | 12.7 miles/ 20.5 km | 6-7 hours

Your guide wakes you up just before midnight with some hot tea and snacks. Today's the toughest day, and at sunrise, you see the most stunning views of Mawenzi, the Kibo Saddle and the plains below.  We slowly wind our way over the rocky outcrops and through the scree until we reach the rim of the crater at Gillman's Point.  The toughest part of the climb is over, as we only have about 2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit!  After a half hour celebrating at the summit, we head back down towards Horombo.

Day 7: Marangu Gate | Moshi

Gate: 6,102-ft/ 1,859-m | 12.3 miles/ 19.8 km | 6 hours

Moshi: 3,000-ft/ 914-m | 90 minute drive

This day we will descend down past the Mandara encampment to the base of the mountain, where you'll receive a well-earned certificate. The Shrike vehicle will meet you and drive back to your hotel for a hot shower. You will enjoy a farewell dinner with your guides.