6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route: An Unforgettable Adventure

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our professional driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in either Arusha or Moshi, depending on your preferences.

After check-in and settling in, you'll have the chance to relax and adjust to the local time zone. In the evening, our guide will meet with you for a comprehensive briefing about the trek, including the daily itinerary, necessary gear, safety tips, and altitude considerations. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask any final questions and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the journey ahead.

• Elevation: 1,860 m (6,100 ft) to 2,700 m (8,858 ft)
• Distance Covered: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from your hotel to Marangu Gate, the official starting point of the trek. Once the registration is complete, the hike to Mandara Hut begins through lush rainforest teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail ascends gradually, making it a gentle start. Along the way, your guide will highlight interesting plant life and bird species native to this region. Upon arrival at Mandara Hut, located at 2,700 meters, you'll settle in for the night and enjoy dinner surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

• Elevation: 2,700 m (8,858 ft) to 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
• Distance Covered: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest, Moorland

Today’s trek takes you through changing vegetation zones, leaving the dense forest behind and entering the open moorland. The trail offers panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, two of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. The landscape becomes more open and expansive, with giant lobelias and other high-altitude plants replacing the forest. After a steady climb, you will reach Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Elevation: 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
• Distance Covered: Optional short hikes
• Time: Full-day rest
• Habitat: Moorland

This day is set aside for acclimatization, crucial for increasing your chances of reaching the summit. You’ll stay at Horombo Hut, with an optional hike to Zebra Rocks or toward Mawenzi to gain additional elevation. The goal is to allow your body to adjust to the thinning air before ascending further. Spend the rest of the day resting, hydrating, and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Elevation: 3,720 m (12,205 ft) to 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
• Distance Covered: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The trail to Kibo Hut traverses the alpine desert, a barren and rocky terrain with sparse vegetation. The ascent is gradual but becomes more challenging due to the higher altitude and thinner air. Along the way, you’ll pass through the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Upon reaching Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters, you’ll rest, hydrate, and prepare for the early morning summit attempt.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Elevation: 4,700 m (15,420 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft), then descend to 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
• Distance Covered: 22 km (13.6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic Desert, Summit Zone, Moorland

Summit day begins just after midnight. You'll ascend the steep, winding path to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The air is thin, and the trail is tough, but the reward—sunrise from the summit—is breathtaking. After celebrating at the peak, you'll descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing to Horombo Hut for a well-earned night’s sleep.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Elevation: 3,720 m (12,205 ft) to 1,860 m (6,100 ft)
• Distance Covered: 20 km (12.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland, Rainforest

Your final day on the mountain begins with a descent through the moorland and back into the rainforest. The trail is easier going down, but it can be slippery, so careful footing is important. Once you reach Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out of the park and receive a summit certificate to commemorate your achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate completing this incredible journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch