6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via Marangu Route

If you’ve opted for airport transfers, we’ll collect you from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Later in the day, we’ll conduct a pre-trek briefing to go over the climb, check your gear, and help you rent anything you may need. It’s important to arrive in Moshi at least one day before your trek begins.

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Moshi and a detailed trek briefing, you will be driven for approximately one hour to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Marangu, located at an altitude of 1,860 meters (6,100 feet). Once the park formalities are complete, the hike begins through a lush montane forest known for its towering eucalyptus trees, vibrant birdlife, and playful Colobus monkeys. The trail leads gradually uphill, and a short side trip to Maundi Crater offers expansive views of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. By the end of the day, after hiking approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) over 3 to 4 hours, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, situated at an elevation of 2,700 meters (8,875 feet). The night is spent here in wooden huts surrounded by the forest, and meals include lunch upon arrival and a hot dinner in the evening.

After breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest behind and climbs into the heathland zone. As you ascend through rolling moorlands, the vegetation changes and views of the volcanic peaks begin to dominate the horizon. You’ll pass through fields of giant lobelias and senecios while enjoying clear views of Mawenzi and the snow-capped Kibo summit in the distance. The hike today covers a distance of 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and usually takes about 5 to 6 hours. You’ll reach Horombo Hut by mid to late afternoon, resting at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,200 feet). This area may begin to show signs of the thinning air, so pacing and hydration are important. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

This day is set aside to help you adapt to the high altitude and improve your chances of reaching the summit. You’ll remain at Horombo Hut, still at 3,700 meters (12,200 feet), with the option to take a short acclimatization hike toward Mawenzi Peak, which is both scenic and helpful for conditioning your body to the altitude. Whether you choose to hike or rest at camp, the entire day is dedicated to preparing your body for the days ahead. All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are served at the hut.

After breakfast, the trek continues as you leave behind the last vegetation zone and enter the alpine desert. The trail leads across a wide, barren saddle between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Along the way, you’ll pass the last reliable water point at about 4,130 meters. As the terrain turns to volcanic dust and rock, the air becomes noticeably drier and thinner. The day’s hike covers approximately 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) and usually takes 5 to 6 hours. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, located at 4,700 meters (15,500 feet), where you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and sleep in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

Summit day begins shortly after midnight, usually between 12:00 and 2:00 am, under a blanket of stars. Equipped with headlamps and warm clothing, you’ll start the most physically demanding part of the trek—an ascent up steep, loose volcanic scree toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,685 meters (18,650 feet). After a brief rest, you’ll continue around the rim for another hour or two, reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), the highest point in Africa. After taking in the views and capturing the moment with photos, the descent begins. You’ll return to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut at 3,700 meters (12,200 feet). The total journey for the day is approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles), with about 6 to 8 hours of climbing up and 5 to 6 hours descending. Meals include a pre-summit snack, a hot lunch at Kibo, and dinner at Horombo.

After your final breakfast on the mountain, you begin your descent back through the heath and moorland to Mandara Hut. After a short break, the final stretch takes you through the forested trail back to Marangu Gate at 1,700 meters (5,500 feet). This last day covers a total distance of 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) and typically takes 4 to 5 hours of walking. At the gate, you’ll receive a certificate acknowledging your summit achievement. From there, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-earned shower, rest, and celebration.