The 6-Day Machame Route Expedition
From $1613Per Person
The 6-Day Marangu Route Odyssey
The 6-Day Marangu Route is the gold standard for those seeking the comfort of permanent huts while prioritizing safety. Unlike the 5-day version, this 6-day itinerary includes a vital acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, significantly increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. This route is famous for its steady climb through rainforests, moorlands, and the high-altitude “Saddle” desert.
Safari Highlights Overview
| Destination | Highlight | Nights | Accommodaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing (Arrival Day) | Pre-Trek Briefing (Arrival Day) | 1 | Hotel & Camping |
| Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut | Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut | 1 | Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut |
| Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut | Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut | 1 | Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut |
| Day 3: Acclimatization Day (Horombo Hut) | Acclimatization Day (Horombo Hut) | 1 | Acclimatization Day (Horombo Hut) |
| Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut | 1 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut |
| Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut | 1 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut |
| Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi | 0 | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi |
ITINERARY
Your journey begins with a warm welcome to Tanzania. Our lead guides will meet you at your hotel in Moshi for a vital pre-trek briefing. We will conduct a comprehensive gear check to ensure you are fully prepared for the mountain’s varied climate, finalize safety protocols, and discuss the specific strategy for your Marangu ascent.
- Accommodation: Not Included (Available as an optional add-on)
- Meals: Not Included (Available as an optional add-on)
After breakfast at your hotel, we drive for approximately 45 minutes to the Marangu Gate for registration. The trek begins on a winding trail through the lush tropical rainforest. Keep an eye out for Blue Monkeys and the black-and-white Colobus monkeys in the canopy. We reach Mandara Hut, located at the edge of the forest zone, by late afternoon.
- Elevation: 1,860m (6,102ft) to 2,700m (8,858ft)
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles) | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest | Meals: Lunch & Dinner
We leave the glades of the forest and enter the heath and moorland zone. The path opens up to provide spectacular views of the twin peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. You will pass through unique high-altitude vegetation, including giant lobelias and groundsels, before arriving at the lively Horombo Huts.
- Elevation: 2,700m (8,858ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft)
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is a critical day for your success. To help your body adjust to the thin air, we take a “climb high, sleep low” hike toward the Mawenzi Ridge (reaching 4,310m) for incredible views before returning to Horombo for lunch and rest. This extra night at Horombo is the secret to a successful summit.
- Elevation: 3,720m (Rest/Acclimatization)
- Strategy: High-altitude walk to Mawenzi Ridge for 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Moorland | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we cross the “Saddle”—a vast, high-altitude lunar desert between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape becomes stark and rocky with very little vegetation. We arrive at Kibo Hut early in the afternoon to have an early dinner and sleep by 7:00 PM in preparation for the midnight push.
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 4,703m (15,430ft)
- Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Summit Day. At midnight, we begin the final ascent by headlamp. This is a mental and physical challenge as we climb the steep volcanic scree toward Gilman’s Point (5,685m). From there, it is a short, snowy walk to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the Roof of Africa. After celebrating, we descend to Kibo for lunch and continue down to Horombo Hut for your final night.
- Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Summit) then down to 3,720m
- Distance: 21 km (13 miles) | Hiking Time: 13–15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Summit / Stone Scree | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a final “Tipping Ceremony” with your mountain crew, we descend through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. Here, you will sign the park register and receive your official summit certificates. Our vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi where the tour concludes.
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,860m (6,102ft)
- Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
INCLUDED
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
EXCLUDED
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- International and domestic flights
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)