6 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
6 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
$ 1,650
$ 1,000
$ 0
- Adult
- Child
- Infant
Join us for an unforgettable 6 days climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route. This iconic trek spans 72 kilometers (45 miles) and approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. First, you will start at the Marangu Gate. This route leads you through stunning landscapes, culminating at Uhuru Peak, which reaches an impressive height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
During your 6 days climbing Kilimanjaro, you will traverse diverse terrain. Specifically, you’ll experience misty forests, moorlands, and the desert-like alpine area known as the Saddle. Moreover, the trail is well-maintained and offers breathtaking views. However, it is considered less scenic compared to other routes since the ascent and descent follow the same path. Additionally, expect to encounter rocky paths and possibly snow near the summit.
What sets the Marangu route apart is its dormitory-style hut accommodations. As a result, it is particularly appealing to novice hikers seeking comfort. The huts include Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut, where you will find communal facilities such as washrooms, showers, and dining halls. Thus, this 6 days climbing Kilimanjaro experience is often considered the easiest route due to its gentle slope and direct path. However, the shorter time frame can add to the challenge, so be prepared.
As you prepare for your trek, remember to take in the stunning scenery and embrace the adventure. Finally, for more information on climbing options, check our Kilimanjaro climbing guide and learn about different routes available.
Duration
6 days Days
5 Nights
Tour Type
Mid-Range
Language
English, Germany, France, Spain
Highlights
If time and budget allow, aim for at least a 6-day hike and avoid the 5-day option, as this will allow your body to acclimate to the altitude and will help you succeed in reaching the summit. Prepare a ‘Kilimanjaro playlist’ to listen to during your hike to help break the mental and physical exhaustion you will likely face during your hike – especially on the summit night! Take it easy and don’t try to rush to the top. Take a close look at your packing list to make sure you have all of the right gear, including footwear, clothing, snacks, and equipment. Remember: water is a hiker’s best friend, and staying hydrated could be the difference between reaching the summit or not.
Popular Features
Private Tour
Travel Itinerary
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Day 0
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Today you are welcomed by our mountain guide who will usher you into a waiting vehicle and transfer you to the hotel in Moshi. Our tour coordinator will have a short climbing briefing session with you at the lodge and leave you to relax and have dinner. BB booked at Kili Wonders Hotel
- 6 Hours
- Breakfast
Day 1
Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Elevation Change: +3117ft/+950 m Estimated Distance: 4.35 miles / 7 km Habitat: Montane Forest. 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.
- 6 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 2
Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Elevation Change: + 3379ft/+1030 m Estimated Distance: 6.84 miles / 11 km Habitat: Moorland. 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.
- 6 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 3
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Mawenzi Hut (4,600m/15,100ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Estimated Change: +2395ft/+730 m Estimated Distance: 4.35 miles / 7 km Habitat: Moorland. This extra day and night at Horombo is 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.
- 6 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 4
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Elevation Change: +3018ft/+920 m Estimated Distance: 7.46 miles Habitat: Alpine desert. After breakfast continue your ascent into the Alpine desert, passing 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.
- 1 Hour
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 5
Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Hiking Time (Ascent): 6-8 hours / (Descent): 5-6 hours Estimated Distance (Ascent): 4.35miles /7 km / (Descent):7.46 miles /12km Elevation Change: Gain; +3757ft /+1145 m/Loss; -7136ft/-2175m Habitat: Stone screed and ice-capped summit Around 2330hrs,you will wake up and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer point (17225ft/5250m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (18639ft/5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone screed, requiring a great physical and mental effort. From Gillman’s Point you will normally come across snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (19341ft/5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs before the 3 hours descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
- 6 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 6
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Elevation Change: -6161. 42ft /-1878 m Estimated Distance: 11.20 miles /18 km Habitat: Montane Forest After breakfast, end the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last trek on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. At Marangu Gate you will sign for departure. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (18652ft/5685m) are issued with silver certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (1 9341ft/5895m), receive gold certificates. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi- Arusha ready for safari next day. And you will stay at the Silver Pum Hotel with dinner.
- 7 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch
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Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s clarify your confusions. Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions which most of our client asks.
Have a question in mind
Looking for more info? Send a question to the tour agent to find out more.
When and where does the tour end?
Your tour will conclude in Moshi on Day 6 of the trip. There are no activities planned for this day so you're free to depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to give yourself time to fully experience the wonders of this iconic city!
When and where does the tour start?
Day 1 of this tour is an arrivals day, which gives you a chance to settle into your hotel Moshi. The only planned activity for this day is an evening welcome meeting at 7pm, where you can get to know your guides and fellow travellers. Please be aware that the meeting point is subject to change until your final documents are released.
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Definitely we have airport pick up and drop up facilities for our clients who have booked our full packages tour. We are also pleased to inform you that we don’t charge for the pick up and drop up facilities. Actually it’s free of cost. But for this you need to provide the arrival time and date.
What about the local language? Do we need guide services everywhere?
We provide English speaking chauffeurs for individual tours. For group tours, English speaking tour escorts would accompany the groups. During sightseeing involving historically important places or monuments, we provide English speaking local guides who are well knowledged in history and culture. We could even provide guides who speak French, German and Japanese, only on advanced booking.
Is tipping included in the tour cost? If not how much should it be for the trip?
Tipping is not included in any of our packages and it is left the discretion of the travellers. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected by one and all involved in the service industry. We would recommend carrying small change in your pocket. Tips to Guides or other services rendered (Highly recommended)
Tour Terms & Conditions
- All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
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Single supplements may apply.
- Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
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Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently. Please treat all pricing as a guide only
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Bookings are confirmed on receipt of a 30% deposit. Balance of payment is due 30 days before arrival date.