6 Days

Marangu Route

  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari

6 Days Marangu Route

The 6-day Marangu Route is a classic Kilimanjaro trek, featuring comfortable hut accommodations. Starting at Marangu Gate, trekkers pass through rainforests and moorlands, gradually ascending to Uhuru Peak. Its steady climb makes it suitable for climbers seeking adventure with comfort, while proper altitude acclimatization ensures a safe and rewarding summit experience.

6 Days Marangu Route Climbing

Tour Summary & Map

Day 1 – Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts

Day 2 – Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts

Day 3 – To Mawenzi Ridge/Acclimatization Day

Day 4 – To Kibo hut

Day 5 – To Uhuru Peak

Day 6 – Descend to Marangu Gate

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts
Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts

We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach to Mandara Hut.

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft

Day 2 - Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through the heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Day 3 - To Mawenzi Ridge/Acclimatization Day
To Mawenzi Ridge/Acclimatization Day

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft

Day 4 - To Kibo hut
To Kibo hut

We climb gradually then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Day 5 - To Uhuru Peak
To Uhuru Peak

You will wake up at 11pm for tea, snacks and dress warm, very early in the morning at 12 am, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft/5685m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. You will hike for I hour to Stella Point (18800ft/5756m), Finally, you will arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Day 6 - Descend to Marangu Gate
Descend to Marangu Gate

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Includes & Excludes

Include & Exclude
6 Days Marangu Route

Mid Range

Luxury

Top Luxury

Discover Africa's Best Mountain Packages

Mount Kilimanjaro offers several scenic routes to its summit, each varying in difficulty and duration. Popular paths include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit. These routes showcase diverse landscapes—from rainforest to alpine desert—culminating at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.

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6 Days Marangu Route FAQs

How do I choose a Kilimanjaro tour operator?

Choosing the right Kilimanjaro Tour Operator is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when hiking Africa’s highest peak.

It is often advised to look for a registered and experienced operator that has good reviews, professional mountain guides, and follows proper safety practices.

A good company should also take care of its crew, provide fair wages, reasonable porter loads, and appropriate meals. Don’t just go with the cheapest option.

A reliable operator provides superior support, high-quality equipment, and a safer experience on the mountain.

The cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro usually ranges between $2,000 and $5,000. This depends on the route, the number of days, whether the climb is group or private, and the services included.

Remember, cheaper companies may cut corners on staff welfare or safety equipment.

A reasonable price usually includes park fees, experienced guides, meals, tents, porters, and airport transfers.

Therefore, always ask for a detailed cost breakdown before booking.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons. January to mid-March and June to October offer the most stable weather and clearer views.

These months are ideal for achieving summit success and enjoying comfort. The long rains (late March to May) and short rains (November) make the trails slippery and reduce visibility.

While climbing during the rainy seasons is possible, it’s not ideal unless you’re prepared for wet, muddy, and more difficult conditions.

The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes are known for beautiful scenery and good acclimatization. 

Machame is the most popular, offering a dramatic and varied landscape. 

Rongai is less crowded and drier, great for those seeking quiet trails. 

Marangu is the only route with hut accommodations, but it offers less time for acclimatization.

Hence, your choice should depend on your fitness, time, and comfort level with altitude.

Climbing Kilimanjaro should not be rushed. The longer you spend on the mountain, the better your chances of acclimatizing properly and reaching the summit safely.

Most climbers choose a seven or 8-day route. These extra days allow your body to adjust gradually to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes shorter than 6 days often lead to lower summit success and more health issues.

The weather on Kilimanjaro changes dramatically with altitude. You’ll experience five different climate zones, from tropical rainforest at the base to arctic conditions at the summit.

Days are warmer on the lower slopes (around 20–27°C / 68–80°F), while nights are much colder at higher altitudes.

Near the summit, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F), especially before sunrise. Be ready for sun, wind, rain, and freezing temperatures—all in one climb.

The essential items that are a must-have when climbing Kilimanjaro include:  waterproof hiking boots, thermal base layers, an insulated jacket, waterproof pants and jacket, gloves, a hat, a warm sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a daypack.

The support team carries your large duffel bag (up to 15 kg), while you have only a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and a jacket. We always provide a complete Kilimanjaro Packing List.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you must be physically prepared by doing some intensive training for Kilimanjaro. The best way to train is by doing long-distance hikes with elevation gain while carrying a backpack.

Build your endurance 2–3 months before the trip with regular walking, stair climbing, strength training, and cardio.

Aim for 4–6-hour hikes at a steady pace. Most of all, get used to walking uphill and downhill for several days in a row.

Kilimanjaro is considered a non-technical mountain, but the high altitude can be risky. Good operators take safety seriously. Trained guides monitor your health every day using pulse oximeters and ask questions to check for signs of altitude sickness. Oxygen cylinders, first-aid kits, and emergency evacuation plans are standard. If you climb with an experienced team and follow their advice, the climb is safe and well-managed.

If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Budget operators often cut costs by paying porters unfair wages, overloading staff, using worn-out gear, or skipping proper meals and safety checks. These practices are not just unethical; they also affect your overall experience. Reputable companies charge more because they take care of their team, use better equipment, and focus on your safety and success.

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"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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