6 Days Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure

Elevation: 1,200m to 1,750m to 2,750m
Distance: 9 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Marangu Gate for registration. Begin your trek through lush montane forest, home to blue monkeys, exotic birds, and towering fig trees. The trail is shaded and cool, offering a gentle introduction to the mountain. You’ll break for lunch on the trail and continue trekking until reaching Mandara Hut, nestled in a forest clearing. Depending on time and energy, take a short hike to Maundi Crater for scenic views of the surrounding area. Dinner is served in the communal hut where you’ll also spend the night, preparing for the altitude gain ahead.

Elevation: 2,750m to 3,807m
Distance: 13 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
Habitat: Moorland
Depart Mandara after breakfast and head into the open moorland. The rainforest gives way to tall grasses and unique alpine vegetation like giant groundsels and lobelias. The trail climbs steadily and reveals your first full views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Keep an eye out for birds and small mammals adapted to the higher altitude. The air becomes thinner, and it’s important to pace yourself for acclimatization. Arrive at Horombo Hut by afternoon for rest, dinner, and a breathtaking sunset view. This site is shared by both ascending and descending trekkers, giving it a lively and communal atmosphere.

Elevation: 3,807m (acclimatization to ~4,000m)
Distance: ~5–8 km (round trip) | Hiking Time: 2–4 hrs
Habitat: Moorland to Alpine Desert
This extra day at Horombo is critical for acclimatization. After breakfast, take a short acclimatization hike to either Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Ridge, both offering fantastic views and helping your body adjust to the altitude. You'll ascend to around 4,000m and return to Horombo for lunch. Use the afternoon to relax, hydrate, and prepare mentally for the higher altitudes. This day improves your summit success rate and gives you a deeper appreciation for the high-altitude environment. All meals are provided at the hut, and you’ll have another night to rest in preparation for the push toward Kibo Hut tomorrow.

Elevation: 3,807m to 4,720m
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trail passes the last water point and moves into the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape is stark and dry, dominated by alpine desert and volcanic rock. The terrain is gently undulating, but the altitude makes the hike challenging. You’ll have lunch on the trail and arrive at Kibo Hut by early afternoon. It’s vital to rest and hydrate as much as possible here—summit day begins just after midnight. Eat an early dinner, organize your gear, and get some sleep. The air is thin, and anticipation builds for your summit push to Uhuru Peak.

Elevation: 4,720m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,690m
Distance: 4 km ascent + 14 km descent | Hiking Time: 10–15 hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Wake around midnight for the final ascent. With headlamps and cold-weather gear, begin the steep climb over scree and switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,681m). After a short rest, continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point. Watch the sunrise from the Roof of Africa—an unforgettable experience. After photos, descend to Kibo for rest and a meal before continuing to Horombo Hut. The descent is long and tough on the knees, but oxygen levels increase and the temperatures warm. Celebrate your summit with a hot dinner and a well-earned rest at Horombo.

Elevation: 3,690m to 1,830m
Distance: 18 km | Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs
Habitat: Moorland to Montane Forest
After breakfast, begin your final descent through moorland and montane forest. The air is rich with oxygen and the sights and sounds of the forest return—birds, monkeys, and lush greenery. Break for lunch at Mandara Hut before continuing to the park gate. At Marangu Gate, sign out and receive your summit certificate if you reached Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak. Your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Moshi. It’s a time to reflect on your incredible journey and celebrate your achievement. Dinner and overnight at your hotel (if arranged), or continue your Tanzanian adventure.