6 Day Marangu Route - Tanzania Kilimanjaro Trekking

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you’ll receive a detailed briefing, complete a gear check, and finalize preparations for your trek. The rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to the environment. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals: Dinner | Altitude: ~900m (2,950ft)

Day 2: Moshi – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, a short drive takes you to Marangu Gate (1,860m), where park formalities will be completed before you begin your trek. Your journey starts through a lush rainforest alive with colobus monkeys and colorful bird species. After 4–5 hours of hiking and covering approximately 8 km (5 miles), you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700m), located near Maundi Crater, with spectacular views stretching toward Kenya.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s trek takes you into the heath and moorland zones. Giant lobelias and senecios characterize the landscape, and Mawenzi Peak becomes increasingly visible. After hiking 12 km (7.5 miles) over 6–8 hours and ascending 1,020 meters, you’ll reach Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you can relax and soak in the stunning surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 4: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut

Today is dedicated to acclimatization to improve your chances of a successful summit. You’ll embark on a short hike to Mawenzi Ridge (4,400m), offering breathtaking panoramic views, before returning to Horombo Hut for another overnight stay. This day helps your body adjust to the higher elevations, crucial for your upcoming ascent.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey across the Saddle, a stark alpine desert that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trek to Kibo Hut (4,703m) takes around 5–7 hours, covering 10 km (6 miles) and gaining 983 meters in elevation. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, rehydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt, which begins at midnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 6: Summit Attempt – Uhuru Peak and Return to Horombo Hut

At midnight, your summit attempt begins. You’ll ascend slowly via Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise from the roof of the continent. After celebrating your achievement, begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a short break, and then continue down to Horombo Hut for a much-needed rest. This challenging day covers approximately 22 km (14 miles) over 12–16 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi

Following breakfast, you’ll continue your descent through the vibrant rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificate. From there, a vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi, where you’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner and a final overnight stay at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend a relaxing morning in Moshi, exploring the town or simply resting, before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure—or the start of your next Tanzanian adventure.

Meals: Breakfast