6 Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Highlights

• Arrival:
• Upon your arrival, our guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. This provides an ideal opportunity to rest and adjust to the African atmosphere. While a day of acclimatization at the hotel is recommended, you may opt to begin your climb the following day.
• Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts – (Elevation Gain: 870 m, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5–7 hours, Zone: Rainforest). Your journey begins with a scenic trek through coffee and banana plantations, leading into lush rainforest. Be prepared for humid conditions and consider rain gear. Upon reaching Mandara Huts, you can either relax or explore the nearby Maundi Crater for stunning views.
• Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts – (Elevation Gain: 1,020 m, Distance: 10 km, Time: 5–6 hours, Zone: Heather and Moorland). As the forest transitions to open plains and moorland, you’ll enjoy clear views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. An optional afternoon hike to Zebra Rocks helps with acclimatization and prepares you for the journey ahead.
• Optional Acclimatization Day at Horombo Huts: Spend an extra day here to explore the area, including a hike toward Kibo Huts. This additional day significantly improves your chances of successfully summiting by reducing altitude sickness risks.
• Day 3: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts- (Elevation Gain: 980 m, Distance: 10 km, Hiking time: 4–5 hours, Zone: Alpine Desert). The landscape becomes barren as you approach Kibo Huts, with little vegetation and fewer shelters. This challenging hike prepares you for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the big day.
• Day 4: Summit Day – (Elevation Gain: 1,195 Elevation Loss: 2,175 m, Distance: 16 km, Hiking Time: 9–14 hours, Zone: Arctic). The summit attempt begins before dawn. Guided by flashlights, you’ll ascend steep paths to Gilman’s Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate your achievement at Africa’s highest point and enjoy breathtaking sunrise views. Descend to Kibo Huts for a rest before continuing to Horombo Huts.
• Day 5: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate – (Elevation Loss: 1,890 m, Distance: 18 km, Time: 5–6 hours, Zone: Moorland and Rainforest. The final leg of your journey is a descent through Kilimanjaro’s enchanting forest. At Marangu Gate, you’ll gather with your group to celebrate this incredible accomplishment.