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Marangu Route
6-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb
- 6 days / 5 nights on mountain
- Max altitude: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Difficulty: Challenging
Overview:
The 6-day Marangu Route adds an acclimatisation rest day at Horombo Huts (3,720 m) compared to the 5-day option. This extra day at altitude allows the body more time to adjust before the demanding push to Kibo and the summit, and meaningfully improves summit success rates. It is our recommended Marangu option for most climbers. The route uses the same hut accommodation at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts and follows the same south-east approach for both ascent and descent.
Trip Facts:
| Route | Marangu (south-east approach) |
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights on the mountain |
| Accommodation | Permanent huts (Mandara, Horombo × 2, Kibo) |
| Start/End | Marangu Gate (1,860 m) |
| Summit | Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Group size | Private or group joining available |
| Best months | January–February, July–September |
Price per person
Starting from $1,800 USD
Mid-range accommodation · price varies with group size
Day-by-Day Itinerary — 6-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb
01
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
- Altitude: 1,860 m → 2,720 m Distance: 8 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Depart Moshi by road to the Marangu Gate for registration and briefing. Hike through dense montane rainforest with colobus monkeys and forest birds. The trail is well-marked and consistently graded. Arrive at Mandara Huts (2,720 m) for dinner and overnight.
02
Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
- Altitude: 2,720 m → 3,720 m Distance: 12 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Exit the forest zone into heath and moorland. Giant groundsels appear as you gain altitude. The trail is open and exposed with wide views. Arrive at Horombo Huts (3,720 m) for dinner and overnight. This is the most significant altitude gain day of the climb.
03
Day 3: Acclimatisation Day at Horombo Huts
- Altitude: 3,720 m (rest day) Distance: 4–6 km optional walk Hiking time: Optional 2–3 hours
A full rest day at Horombo Huts. Your guide will lead a short acclimatisation walk to around 4,000 m to aid the process — "climb high, sleep low". This is one of the most important days of the climb. Eat well, hydrate consistently (3 litres or more), and rest in the afternoon. Your body is adapting to the altitude even when you are not moving. Pulse oximeter readings are taken at camp.
04
Day 4: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
- Altitude: 3,720 m → 4,703 m Distance: 15 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Leave the moorland and enter the alpine desert. Vegetation thins and disappears. Cross the Saddle plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo at approximately 4,300 m — a wide, flat lunar landscape. Arrive at Kibo Huts (4,703 m). Dinner is served early, rest is essential. Wakeup for the summit attempt is typically midnight.
05
Day 5: Kibo Huts — Summit — Horombo Huts
- Altitude: 4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m Distance: 21 km Hiking time: 12–16 hours total
Begin the summit ascent at midnight. The trail climbs steep volcanic scree in cold, dark conditions. Gilman's Point on the crater rim is reached after 5–7 hours. From Gilman's Point, the crater rim trail leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — approximately 1 additional hour. Celebrate at the summit, then descend to Kibo Huts for rest and hot food before continuing to Horombo Huts for overnight.
06
Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate
- Altitude: 3,720 m → 1,860 m Distance: 20 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Final descent through moorland and forest to the Marangu Gate. Summit and achievement certificates are issued at the gate. Transfer back to Moshi for your post-climb meal, shower, and rest.
Included
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
Camping/hut fees for all nights on the mountain
Rescue fee contribution (mandatory TANAPA fee)
Licensed lead guide
Assistant guide (1 per 3 climbers)
Porters (1 porter per climber, plus cook team)
Cook and all meals on the mountain (3 meals + snacks daily)
Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping mats)
Emergency supplemental oxygen
Pulse oximeter health monitoring at camps
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Moshi
Pre-climb briefing in Moshi
Not Included
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Personal travel and medical insurance (required)
Sleeping bag (available to rent in Moshi)
Trekking poles (available to rent in Moshi)
Personal clothing and equipment
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (expected — we advise on amounts)
Accommodation in Moshi before/after the climb
Drinks beyond drinking water (sodas, beer, etc.)
