6 Day Kilimanjaro Marungu Route

The transfer from your hotel in Arusha to Marangu Gate is a comfortable ride of about 120 km in a private minibus. You will be picked up early in the morning and drive through scenic landscapes, including the town of Moshi and local villages, before arriving at the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park.

From Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
The first day of the Marangu route starts at Marangu Gate (1,870 m) with registration, followed by an 8-km gradual walk through lush montane rainforest. The trail is well-maintained and shaded, often filled with monkeys and exotic birds. After about 4-5 hours of hiking, you will reach Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where you will spend the night and begin your acclimatisation.

On the second day, the trail climbs from Mandara Hut (2,700 m) to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) over a distance of about 12 km. The hike takes six to eight hours and takes you from rainforest to heath and swamp land, with panoramic views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The gradual ascent helps with acclimatisation, and along the way you often spot unique alpine plants such as giant lobelia. You stay overnight at Horombo Hut to rest and further acclimatise to the altitude.

The acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) is crucial to get used to the increasing altitude and to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Trekkers usually make a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000 m), a striking geological formation, and then return to the hut. This moderate trek helps your body adjust while offering impressive views of the surrounding landscape. The rest of the day is dedicated to resting, drinking well and preparing for the climb to Kibo Hut.

The trek from Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Kibo Hut (4,700 m) covers about 10 km and takes 5-7 hours. The trail leads through an alpine desert with a steady ascent and thin air, making the hike tougher. You walk on the saddle ridge between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks and are surrounded by vast, desolate landscapes. After arriving at Kibo Hut, you rest and prepare for the night summit assault to Uhuru Peak.

The summit day begins just after midnight with a challenging climb from Kibo Hut (4,700 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Africa’s highest point. The steep and demanding climb takes six to eight hours and goes via Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) and Stella Point (5,756 m). After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, followed by another 3 to 4-hour descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m), where you spend the night. It’s a long and exhausting day, but with unforgettable rewards.

The last day of the trek consists of a steady 20-km descent from Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Marangu Gate (1,870 m), a trek of about 5-7 hours. You follow the same trail back through moorland and lush rainforest, enjoying Kilimanjaro’s impressive ecosystems one last time. On arrival at the gate, you’ll sign out and receive your well-earned summit certificate.

Transfer from Marangu Gate to hotel in Arusha
After checking out at Marangu Gate, you will be picked up by your driver for the drive back to Arusha – a distance of about 120 km, covered in 2.5 to 3 hours.