6 Days Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route Tour

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a smooth, 3-hour drive to Marangu Gate for check-in. The day’s hike is predominantly uphill but pleasant, with opportunities to spot blue monkeys and appreciate the lush rainforest flora along the way.

Rainforest is the dominant feature of today’s scenery, so expect occasional showers as we ascend. We’ll continue hiking until we reach our hut around 4 PM, where you can refresh before dinner, served at 7:30 PM.

Driving Distance: 120 km / 3 hours
Walking Distance: 8.3 km / 5-6 hours
Starting/Ending Elevation: 1,860 to 2,700 meters above sea level
Nature of Trail: Well-maintained path with a gentle walk
Vegetation: Tropical Rainforest

Breakfast will be served at 07:00 hours, followed by a longer trek today compared to yesterday. Although the walk is extended, you’ll be rewarded with stunning landscapes throughout. Transition from the rainforest into moorland, passing the famous Maundi Crater. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings.

This day is crucial for acclimatization as we move from a fresher air zone to one with less oxygen due to the changing vegetation and altitude. After a short picnic lunch, we’ll continue our trek to Horombo Hut, arriving in time for dinner at 18:30 and staying overnight in dormitory-style accommodation.

Walking Distance: 11.5 km / 5-6 hours
Starting/Ending Elevation: 2,700 to 3,720 meters above sea level
Nature of Trail: Gradual Walk on a well-maintained path
Vegetation: Moorland and Alpine desert

After breakfast at 07:30, we will continue our ascent into the alpine desert. The trail splits, and we’ll take the southern (left-hand) route, stopping at the Maua River to replenish our water supply at approximately 4,000 meters. Initially steep with sparse vegetation, the path offers our first view of Kilimanjaro’s iconic ‘cones’.

We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at 13:00 before climbing towards the Mawenzi Ridge and crossing the arid Saddle area to reach Kibo Huts, located at the base of the Kibo summit. Dinner will be served at 17:30, and an early bedtime is recommended for the midnight summit departure. The stone Kibo Huts are basic, and the guide will brief you on necessary gear and clothing for the summit ascent.

Walking Distance: 9.5 km / 5-6 hours
Starting/Ending Elevation: 3,720 to 4,700 meters above sea level
Nature of Trail: : Gradual walk on a well-maintained path
Vegetation: Alpine desert

We will wake at 23:00 for a light snack of biscuits and tea before beginning our midnight ascent to the summit. Our key waypoints include William’s Point (5,131 meters), Hans Meyer Cave (5,258 meters), and Gillman’s Point (5,719 meters).

The focus today is on a slow, steady pace. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, we will celebrate, take photos, and then begin our descent to Kibo Hut around 11:00 for a well-deserved two-hour rest and a hot lunch. We will resume our descent at 14:00, arriving at Horombo by 17:00, where dinner will be served at 19:00.

Walking Distance: 4.9 km to Uhuru Peak, 18 km from Uhuru Peak to Horombo
Starting/Ending Elevation: 6-8 hrs to uhuru peak 8-10hrs descend to horombo
Nature of Trail: 4,700 meters to 5,895 meters to 3,720 meters above sea level
Vegetation: Moorland, Artic, Alpine, desert

After breakfast, we celebrate our achievement while descending towards Marangu Gate. We’ll enjoy the refreshing atmosphere provided by the rainforest as we traverse the lower zone of the mountain.

Upon reaching Marangu Gate, we’ll receive our certificates of achievement and enjoy a celebratory lunch before heading back to our hotel in Arusha. This is also a great time to show appreciation to your crew with a tip or reward.

Walking Distance: 20km / 5-7 hrs
Starting/Ending Elevation: 3720 – 1860 meters Nature of trail: Downhill
Vegetation: Tropical rainforest