6 Day Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Trek

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). A driver will meet you after immigration and customs and transfer you to the hotel. Trek orientation with your guide will take place today. Rental items can be collected, and extra luggage can be left at the hotel.

Accommodation: Chanya Lodge – Mid-range
Meals: None included

Day 2: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut (BLD)

After breakfast, drive 45–60 minutes to Marangu Gate. Begin the trek through rainforest to Mandara Hut. Optional side trip to Maundi Crater offers views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for Colobus monkeys, birds, and towering eucalyptus trees.

• Elevation: 1,860m → 2,700m (6,100 → 8,875 ft)

• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest

Accommodation: Mandara Hut – Basic dorms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (BLD)

Climb from rainforest glades to open moorland en route to Horombo Hut. Stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Watch giant lobelias and groundsels; altitude effects may begin.

• Elevation: 2,700m → 3,700m (8,875 → 12,200 ft)

• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Heathland

Accommodation: Horombo Hut – Basic dorms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Rest Day at Horombo Hut (BLD)

Acclimatization day with optional hike to Mawenzi Peak or around surrounding hills.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut – Basic dorms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (BLD)

Ascend through upper heathland onto the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The vegetation disappears into alpine desert “moonscape.” Prepare for summit night.

• Elevation: 3,700m → 4,700m (12,200 → 15,500 ft)

• Distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Kibo Hut – Basic dorms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Summit Climb – Horombo Hut (BLD)

Depart midnight–2:00 AM for summit attempt. Climb to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). Enjoy breathtaking views and photos. Descend to Kibo Hut for lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut.

• Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,700m

• Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down (4 mi up / 9 mi down)

• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up / 4–5 hours down

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Horombo Hut – Basic dorms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha (BL)

Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Vehicle transfer back to Arusha (approx. 1 hour). Celebration and optional tips for guides and porters.

• Elevation: 3,700m → 1,700m

• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Forest

Accommodation: Lodge – Mid-range
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Depart Arusha (B)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or your next destination. Optionally continue on a safari.

Meals: Breakfast