6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb

The route with sleeping huts instead of tents: a structured, less rugged climb with a rest day at Horombo Hut before the summit.

Highlights

1. Day 1Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

   Registration and a guide briefing, then a gentle, well-defined trail through tropical rainforest with tall trees, birds and monkeys. Optional short walk to Maundi Crater after arrival.

   1,870 m → 2,700 m8 km4–5 hoursRainforestOvernight: Mandara HutMeals: L, D

2. Day 2Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   Leave the rainforest for moorland with giant lobelias and open views of Mawenzi Peak — and Kibo on a clear day. A longer but steady day.

   2,700 m → 3,720 m12 km6–7 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Horombo HutMeals: B, L, D

3. Day 3Acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut

   An optional hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000 m), named for their black-and-white stripes — 'climb high, sleep low' — then rest and prepare for higher altitude.

   3,720 m → 4,000 m → 3,720 mOptional hike2–4 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Horombo HutMeals: B, L, D

4. Day 4Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   Cross 'the Saddle', the dry alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, at a slow 'pole pole' pace. Early dinner and rest before the midnight start.

   3,720 m → 4,700 m10 km6–8 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Kibo HutMeals: B, L, D

5. Day 5Summit day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Horombo Hut

   Wake around midnight and climb steeply and slowly in the dark to Gilman's Point, then on to Uhuru Peak for sunrise above the clouds. Descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and down to Horombo Hut.

   4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m22 km10–14 hoursStone scree and ice-capped summitOvernight: Horombo HutMeals: B, L, D

6. Day 6Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

   An easier downhill walk through moorland and rainforest. Summit certificate at Marangu Gate, then transfer to your hotel.

   3,720 m → 1,870 m20 km5–7 hoursMoorland and rainforestMeals: B, L

Meals: B = breakfast · L = lunch · D = dinner

Prices per person

In US dollars, per person, for your own private trip. The more people travel together, the lower the price for each person.

Children aged 3–11 pay 70% of the adult price. International flights, visas and tips are not included. Prices can change in the Christmas and New Year weeks — your quote confirms the final price.

Prices are charged in US dollars. Other currencies are a guide only.

Elevation profile

When to go

This trip runs all year. Here is how each month usually feels — the rainy months are quieter and often cheaper.

What guests say

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