6-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro
6-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Overview
The 6-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its popularity is due in part to its affordability and the availability of hut accommodation, which sets it apart from other camping-based routes. While the Marangu Route can be completed in five days, this shorter itinerary allows for limited acclimatization, which may reduce summit success rates.
The extended 6-day itinerary includes an additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit safely and comfortably. This route is unique in offering shared hut accommodation at each camp, providing a level of comfort not found on other routes. Refreshments such as bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks are available for purchase at the huts.
All gear and supplies are carried by porters, and meals are prepared by a dedicated mountain chef, allowing you to focus entirely on the trek and the extraordinary scenery around you.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,715m)
Your journey begins with a 1.5-hour drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate, passing through the scenic village of Marangu on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at the gate, you will register with the park authorities and finalize preparations. Porters will organize and carry supplies including food, water, and camping equipment, while you retain essentials in your daypack such as drinking water, packed lunch, and extra clothing.
The trek starts along a well-cleared forest trail ascending through lush rainforest, home to various wildlife. An optional scenic route branches off near the start, following a stream and rejoining the main trail closer to Mandara Hut. Your first overnight stop is at Mandara Hut, which offers shared bunk accommodation (6–8 beds per hut) equipped with solar lighting.
Accomodation: Mandara Hut
Distance: Approximately 8.1 km
Hiking Time: Around 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinne
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,715m) to Horombo Hut (3,705m)
Departing Mandara Hut, the trail briefly continues through the forest before transitioning into heath and moorland. Shortly after, the path skirts the base of Maundi Crater. A brief detour to the crater rim offers rewarding panoramic views, including your first glimpse of the distant Kibo summit, glistening under the morning sun when skies are clear.
As the landscape opens, trekkers are introduced to Kilimanjaro’s unique flora, including the giant lobelia and the towering groundsel—plants adapted to the harsh alpine environment. The trail gently ascends through this surreal terrain for approximately six hours, culminating at Horombo Hut. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with warm washing water, followed by a well-deserved rest, a hot meal, and overnight accommodation in shared huts.
Accomodation: Horombo Hut
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,705m)
Horombo Hut, a busy camp situated on a small plateau, serves as a central point for both ascending and descending climbers. With a capacity of up to 120 guests, it offers a lively atmosphere filled with anticipation and camaraderie.
This day is dedicated to acclimatization, which is essential for increasing your chances of summit success. A recommended acclimatization hike leads toward Mawenzi Hut, passing the striking Zebra Rocks—a geological formation with distinctive black and white stripes. The round trip takes approximately 4.5 hours (3 hours up, 1.5 hours down).
This light hike helps your body adjust to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. It is important to stay well-hydrated and maintain a slow, steady pace. All meals are served at the hut, and climbers are encouraged to rest early in preparation for the days ahead.
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,705m) to Kibo Hut (4,730m)
Following breakfast, the ascent continues into the stark and windswept alpine desert. The trail leads across the “Saddle,” the expansive plateau between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Two route options are available: the upper route (right fork), which is more rugged and was partially used during the acclimatization hike, or the recommended lower route (left fork), which is less strenuous and more direct.
This path passes the final water source at 4,130m—be sure to fill your bottles, as there is no natural water at Kibo Hut. The hut, a stone-built structure with bunk space for 60 climbers, is basic but functional. Soft drinks and bottled water may be purchased at the camp office.
Spend the afternoon preparing for the summit attempt: check thermal gear, ski poles, headlamp, and spare batteries. Carry water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing. Retire early—around 19:00—for much-needed rest before the midnight summit ascent.
Elevation (m): 3705m to 4730m
Distance: Approximately 9.6 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,730m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then Descend to Horombo Hut (3,705m)
You will begin your summit attempt around 23:30 after a light snack of tea and biscuits. The initial stretch ascends over rocky terrain to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), a suitable rest point. The trail then zigzags steeply through loose scree to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim—often considered the most physically and mentally challenging part of the climb.
From Gilman’s, snow is typically present along the final ridge to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Upon reaching the summit, enjoy a brief celebration and photos before descending approximately 3 hours back to Kibo Hut for rest. Afterward, you continue another 3 hours down to Horombo Hut.
This demanding day involves around 14 hours of trekking. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest, with refreshments available for purchase at camp.
Distance: 16 km / 9.6 miles
Trekking Time: 13–15 hours
Zone: Arctic Summit, Alpine Desert, to Rainforest Zone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,705m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)
After breakfast, you begin your final descent through the moorland and lush rainforest, retracing your steps past Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate. The descent takes approximately six hours. It is advised to wait until all gear and porters have arrived safely at the gate before distributing tips.
At Marangu Gate, you will sign the climbers’ register and receive your official summit certificate. Climbers who reached Gilman’s Point (5,685m) are awarded green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.
Following formalities, you are transferred back to Moshi or Arusha, where a hot shower, well-earned rest, dinner, and celebration await. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of your 6-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro adventure.
No Accommodation
Elevation (m): 3705m to 1860m
Distance: Approximately 19.7 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Cost includes
All transfers
Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters
Rescue fees
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Clean purified water
Accommodation before climbing
All entry fees
All meals during your trekking
Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food nbvc
Cost Excludes
Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable
Flight ticket
Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.)
Anything not mentioned above