6-Day Marangu Route Trek
trip overview
Africa's highest peak, by the classic hut-based route.
The Marangu Route is the oldest and best-established route up Mount Kilimanjaro, and the only one with sleeping huts rather than tents. This 6-day trek climbs through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert, staying at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo Huts, with a full acclimatisation day at Horombo before a pre-dawn push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. You'll be supported by experienced guides, porters and a cook throughout, and descend by the same route to Marangu Gate.
Trip Highlights
day-by-day itinerary
Where you walk, how high you climb, and where you sleep each night.
You'll sleep at Mandara Hut on Night 1, Horombo Hut on Nights 2, 3 and 5, and Kibo Hut on Night 4. Hours and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and the conditions.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, your guide collects you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drives you to Marangu Gate, where you register with the park and meet your crew. You'll begin walking through the lush montane rainforest, with a chance of spotting colobus monkeys along the way.
You'll arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon, where you'll have dinner and your first night in the mountain huts.
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You'll leave the rainforest behind as the path climbs into open heather and moorland, with views of Mawenzi and Kibo opening up ahead. The pace is slow and steady to help your body adjust to the altitude.
You'll arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay, with a good chance of clear evening views over the clouds.
Acclimatisation Day at Horombo Hut
Today is a rest and acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut. After breakfast, you'll take a slow, steady hike up towards Zebra Rocks, at around 4,000 m, with views across to the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before returning to Horombo for lunch.
Climbing high and sleeping low is one of the best ways to prepare your body for summit night, and the rest of the afternoon is free to relax, drink plenty of water and enjoy the views over the clouds.
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today you'll cross the Saddle, the high alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, a stark and open landscape with very little vegetation. The air is thinner and the walking is slow.
You'll arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon for an early dinner and a few hours of rest before the summit attempt, with your guide briefing you on the night ahead.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Horombo Hut
You'll be woken around midnight for tea and a light snack, then set off in the dark for the summit. The climb up the steep scree slope to Gilman's Point is the hardest part of the trek, and you'll reach the crater rim around sunrise.
From there you'll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After time at the summit, you'll descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and meal, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate — Trek Ends
After breakfast, you'll walk down through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate if you reached Gilman's Point or Uhuru Peak, and say goodbye to your crew.
You'll have lunch at the gate before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your trek.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Licensed English-speaking mountain guide and assistant guides
- Porters and a mountain cook
- 5 nights in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
- All meals on the mountain, as listed above
- Drinking water on the mountain
- Kilimanjaro National Park, hut & rescue fees
- Transfers between your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and Marangu Gate
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Tips for your mountain crew — we'll share a guideline before the climb
- Personal climbing gear — ask us about rental options
- Hotel nights before or after the trek
- Meals in town and drinks not listed above
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
Important to know before booking
- Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — ask us when booking if you need a night either side.
- Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route with sleeping huts, which are shared bunk-style rooms rather than private rooms. Facilities on the mountain are basic.
- The 6-day schedule includes a dedicated acclimatisation day at Horombo, which gives you a better chance of reaching the summit than the 5-day climb.
- Summit night is long and cold, with temperatures well below freezing — warm layers, a headlamp and good boots are essential.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m is required for all climbers.
- A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
- A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your transit country. Reaching the summit depends on weather, altitude and fitness and cannot be guaranteed.
what to bring
Your packing list for the climb.
The trek passes from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so layers are the key. Here's what to pack for the 6 days.
- Moisture-wicking base layers, top and bottom
- 2–3 quick-dry t-shirts and hiking trousers
- Fleece or insulated mid layer
- Warm down or synthetic jacket for summit night
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat and a sun hat or cap
- Neck gaiter or buff and UV sunglasses
- Thin liner gloves and warm waterproof gloves
- Waterproof hiking boots, already broken in
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks, plus warm socks for the huts
- Headlamp with spare batteries — essential for summit night
- Trekking poles
- Daypack (25–35 L) with rain cover
- Soft duffel bag for the porters to carry
- Warm sleeping bag for freezing temperatures
- 2–3 litres of water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Personal first aid kit, blister plasters and any prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and toilet paper
- Energy bars and snacks you enjoy
- Power bank and camera
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries
- Passport and Tanzania e-Visa
- Travel insurance details covering trekking to 6,000 m
- Yellow fever certificate, if required
- Small US dollar notes for crew tips
- Printed or saved copies of your documents
- Camp shoes or light sandals for the huts
- Warm layers for evenings, which get cold from Horombo upwards
- Earplugs for the shared huts
- A book, journal or cards for the evenings
- Zip-lock or dry bags to keep gear dry
Packing tips
- Your main bag is carried by the porters, while you carry only your daypack. Pack the main bag in a soft duffel, and we'll confirm the weight limit when you book.
- Dress in layers: the trek moves from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so being able to add and remove layers matters more than any one item.
- Ask us if you'd rather rent some of the heavier items, such as a sleeping bag, jacket or trekking poles, than bring them.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-day Marangu Route trek 5 nights in mountain huts, all meals on the mountain, park fees included | $2,400 | Per person |
Payment & extras
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost.
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro?
Reach out and we'll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
The trek starts at Marangu Gate on Day 1, with a pick-up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, and ends at the gate on Day 6 before you are driven back to your hotel.
You'll sleep in shared mountain huts: Mandara Hut on Night 1, Horombo Hut on Nights 2, 3 and 5, and Kibo Hut on Night 4. Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route with huts rather than tents.
The path is well-defined and gradual until summit night, which is steep, cold and long. A good level of fitness and some hiking experience helps. No technical climbing is needed.
Yes. Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — just let us know when booking.
Most nationalities need a Tanzania e-Visa, available at immigration.go.tz. A yellow fever certificate may also be required depending on your transit country — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.
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