6 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu Route

ARRIVAL DAY

Arrive in Moshi and check into your hotel. On this day, you will have an orientation and briefing about the Kilimanjaro trek, including safety guidelines, route overview and daily schedule. You will also receive and be fitted with your trekking equipment such as backpacks, walking poles, and other gear. Use the rest of the day to relax, acclimatize and prepare for the trek ahead. Dinner and overnight stay are included.

 

DAY 1: MOSHI TO MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Moshi to Marangu Gate for registration. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, where dense vegetation, towering trees, giant ferns, and moss-covered trails create a rich, green canopy. Keep an eye out for blue monkeys and a variety of colorful birds.

The hike to Mandara Hut takes approximately 3–4 hours through the rainforest, offering a gentle introduction to the climb. Full board meals are included.

Overnight at Mandara Hut.

DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

Leave the lush rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone, where the landscape becomes sparse and dramatic. Giant heathers, lobelias, and alpine vegetation dominate as you hike, enjoying breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak and, on clear days, the snow-capped Kibo Peak.

The hike to Horombo Hut takes about 5–6 hours. Full board meals are included to help with acclimatization.

Overnight at Horombo Hut.

DAY 3: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT HOROMBO HUT

Spend the day acclimatizing at Horombo Hut. You can take a short hike to Zebra Rocks or further explore the surrounding moorland. This day is important to prepare your body for the higher altitudes and to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Full board meals are included.

Overnight at Horombo Hut.

DAY 4: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

After breakfast, continue across the Saddle, the vast alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This exposed section is physically demanding but offers otherworldly landscapes of rocks, sand, and sparse alpine vegetation.

Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, where you can rest and have an early dinner in preparation for the midnight summit attempt. Full board meals are included.

Overnight at Kibo Hut.

DAY 5: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK AND BACK TO HOROMBO HUT

Your summit attempt begins around midnight under a starry sky. Moving at a slow, steady pace, you’ll reach Gillman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and capturing photos at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and continue to Horombo Hut.

Full board meals are provided to keep you energized throughout the journey.

Overnight at Horombo Hut.

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE TO MOSHI

Descend through moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, you will be awarded your summit certificates in recognition of your achievement.

You will then be transferred back to Moshi or to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for departure or onward travel plans. The hike takes approximately 5–7 hours. A half-board meal plan is included.