Overview
This 6-day Marangu itinerary adds an extra acclimatization day to our standard 5-day climb on Kilimanjaro's original route — widely considered the easiest and most accessible path to the summit, and the only one with proper sleeping huts rather than tents at every campsite.
The trail itself is well-developed and the ascent is steady and moderate throughout, with the approach to the summit itself being the one genuinely demanding stretch of the whole climb. Accommodation in simple mountain huts is a real advantage over the camping routes for climbers who'd rather not deal with tents and sleeping mats — a proper bed and solid walls each night, even if the huts themselves are basic and communal.
The extra day compared to our 5-day Marangu option can be spent resting at Horombo hut, or used to climb the smaller peak of Mawenzi for those who want an additional challenge along the way — either way, it meaningfully improves your acclimatization compared to the shorter version of the same route.
See our guide to route length and success rates, or contact us to book your 6-day Marangu climb.
A real elevation profile for the Marangu Route — 5,895m at the summit, from a 1,860m start.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (6 days)
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you are welcomed by our mountain guide who will usher you into a waiting vehicle and transfer you to the Mvuli hotel in Arusha Our tour coordinator will have a short climbing briefing session with you at the lodge and leave you to relax and have dinner. Bed and Breakfast booked
After breakfast, depart Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro forests to Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Have your picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the day is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 1500hrs and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Health
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge then back to Horombo Hut
This extra day and night at Horombo are ideal for body acclimatization. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing through Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization.
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
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Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Heath
After breakfast continue your ascent into the Alpine desert, passes the last water point at 13550 ft/4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night's time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). The summit is now a further 3921ft /1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Go to bed around 1830hrs and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Kibo Hut to Summit then back to Horombo Hut
Around 2330hrs, you will wake up and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer point (17225ft/5250m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (18639ft/5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone screed, requiring a great physical and mental effort.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, end the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last trek on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. At Marangu Gate, you will sign for departure. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (18652ft/5685m) are issued with silver certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (1 9341ft/5895m), receive gold certificates. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha.
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km | 12 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation and food
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.
