6-Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb with Acclimatization Day

6 Days Round trip from Marangu Gate Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the classic six-day Marangu Route
  • 02 Benefit from an additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut before the summit attempt
  • 03 Trek through rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and the high arctic zone
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, on the classic six-day Marangu Route. This challenging guided trek includes an additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut before the summit attempt, helping you prepare for the ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. Along the way, pass through lush rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and the high arctic zone, while staying in mountain huts with the support of a mountain guide, crew, and porters.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through Rainforest

  • After breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive to Marangu Gate.

  • Complete park registration and meet your mountain guide and support crew.

  • Begin trekking through the lush montane rainforest toward Mandara Hut.

  • Depending on time and conditions, an optional short walk toward Maundi Crater may be arranged.

  • Arrive at Mandara Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Elevation: approximately 1,860 m to 2,700 m

  • Distance: about 8 km

  • Hiking: 4-5 hours

  • Habitat: Montane rainforest

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner

  • Overnight: Mandara Hut

2
Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across Moorland

  • After breakfast, leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone.

  • Continue gradually upward through open highland vegetation with views toward Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

  • Arrive at Horombo Hut, enjoy dinner, and rest overnight.

  • Elevation: approximately 2,700 m to 3,720 m

  • Distance: about 12 km

  • Hiking: 5-7 hours

  • Habitat: Heath and moorland

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Overnight: Horombo Hut

3
Day 03

Acclimatization Hike from Horombo Hut

  • Spend an extra day at Horombo Hut to improve acclimatization.

  • After breakfast, take a guided hike toward Zebra Rocks or the Mawenzi area, depending on weather and mountain conditions.

  • The aim is to climb higher and return to Horombo Hut to sleep at a lower altitude.

  • Enjoy lunch and rest while preparing for the summit stages.

  • Elevation: approximately 3,720 m

  • Acclimatization hike: about 2-4 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Overnight: Horombo Hut

4
Day 04

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Across the Saddle

  • After breakfast, trek toward Kibo Hut.

  • Cross the upper heathland and the alpine desert known as the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.

  • Vegetation becomes sparse as you approach Kibo.

  • Arrive in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest before the midnight summit attempt.

  • Elevation: approximately 3,720 m to 4,703 m

  • Distance: about 9-10 km

  • Hiking: 5-7 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine desert

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Overnight: Kibo Hut

5
Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

  • Wake around midnight for a light breakfast and begin the summit attempt.

  • Trek slowly toward Gilman's Point and continue around the crater rim toward Stella Point.

  • When conditions permit, continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.

  • After photographs and a short celebration, descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and meal, then continue to Horombo Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Summit: 5,895 m

  • Ascent: about 6 km

  • Descent: about 15-17 km

  • Total trekking: approximately 12-15 hours

  • Habitat: Arctic/high alpine to heath and moorland

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Overnight: Horombo Hut

6
Day 06

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Arusha or Moshi

  • After breakfast, make the final descent through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate.

  • Complete park exit formalities, meet your vehicle, and transfer to Arusha or Moshi.

  • Depending on arrangements, receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate and celebrate the completion of your climb.

  • Elevation: approximately 3,720 m to 1,860 m

  • Distance: about 18-20 km

  • Hiking: 5-7 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

  • End: End of trekking program

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Marangu Gate 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transfers between Arusha/Moshi and Marangu Gate as specified
  • Professional English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guide
  • Experienced mountain crew and porters
  • Kilimanjaro National Park entry and applicable park fees
  • Mountain hut accommodation during the trek
  • All meals on the mountain as specified
  • Drinking water during the trek, subject to mountain logistics
  • Guided acclimatization hike on Day 3
  • Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate for successful summit participants

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa and entry requirements
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing
  • Sleeping bag unless specifically arranged
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and support crew
  • Alcoholic drinks and personal beverages
  • Laundry and personal expenses
  • Accommodation before or after the trek unless included in the booking
  • Optional services not stated in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Warm layered clothing

  • Waterproof clothing

  • Hiking boots

  • Gloves

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Headlamp

  • Personal medication

  • A suitable sleeping bag

Know before you go

  • Summit success depends on weather, trail conditions, altitude, and the trekker's health and fitness.

  • Reaching Uhuru Peak cannot be guaranteed because mountain conditions can change.

  • Follow the mountain guide's instructions and maintain a slow, steady pace for acclimatization.

  • Appropriate travel insurance and medical preparation are strongly recommended.

  • The itinerary may be adjusted by the guide when necessary for safety, weather, or park regulations.

  • Mountain accommodation: the Marangu Route uses mountain huts rather than tents. Overnight accommodation is arranged at Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut according to the itinerary. Facilities are basic, and sleeping areas are shared.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup is available from any hotel, lodge, or accommodation where guests are staying in Arusha or Karatu. Our safari guide will meet you directly at your accommodation at the agreed pickup time.
Tour start
Marangu Gate
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Marangu Gate.

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Starting from

USD 1,955 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,955.00 — $2,115.00
Double Sharing $1,955.00 — $2,115.00
Triple Sharing $1,955.00 — $2,115.00

When

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