6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trekking

Depart Arusha/Moshi around 0800hrs to Marangu Gate for the Mountain Climb Registration. Begin your Kilimanjaro trek by walking along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, day one’s halfway point. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Mahundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are striking on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort.

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.

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.

After breakfast continues 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.

Around 11:30 PM, you wake up for tea and biscuits before beginning the toughest part of the climb. The trail starts with a rocky ascent to Hans Meyer Point (5,250m/17,225ft), a good resting spot, before zigzagging steeply up to Gilman’s Point (5,681m/18,639ft) on the crater rim. This demanding section requires significant physical and mental effort. From there, snow is typically present all the way to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. After taking summit photos—weather permitting—you descend for three hours to Kibo Hut for a short rest, collect your gear, and continue another three hours to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay, a final mountain dinner, and well-earned sleep.

After breakfast, descend through Kilimanjaro’s lush cloud forest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive a summit certificate—silver for Gilman’s Point (5,685m) and gold for Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Vehicles will be waiting for the return to Arusha. Accommodation is in huts with dining areas, and meals are prepared by an experienced cook. Porters carry food, and drinks are available for purchase. Purified water is provided, and high-energy snacks are recommended. To prevent altitude sickness, drink plenty of water and walk slowly. Diamox can help with acclimatization, but it’s essential to listen to your guide and avoid pushing forward if unwell.