Kilimanjaro Trekking with Huts: 6 Days Marangu Route

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Explore Active guide will be there waiting for you. Then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax after your flight.

You will have a meeting with your guide before the start of your climb, where they brief you and offer advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Day 2: Hike Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) to Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft)

In the early morning, your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Marangu Gate, which is at an elevation of 1,860 meters. The first part of the trek takes you through coffee and banana plantations, as well as untouched rainforest. Take the opportunity to admire the stunning views of lush vegetation and diverse wildlife along the way.

After a seven-hour hike, you will arrive at the Mandara Huts. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Maundi Crater, a volcanic crater located near the huts, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. As this is your first day at this altitude, remember to drink plenty of water!

Day 3: Trek from Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

The scenery gradually changes from Mandara Huts. You will trek through picturesque scenery, come across unique flora and fauna, and soak up the majestic beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro. The higher you go, the less vegetation you see, and it starts to look more like a moonscape. Air also becomes thinner as you go higher. Enjoy the excitement of going higher as you head to the cozy and comfortable Horombo Huts for dinner and an overnight.

Day 4: Walk for acclimatization from Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) to Zebra Rocks and back

Today is your additional acclimatization day. After breakfast, you go for a hike to Zebra Rocks, the same distance as to Kibo Huts, and back for lunch and relaxation for the next day's plan. This gives your body ample time to get used to the altitude. After lunch, you have the opportunity to take some pictures of the Mawenzi volcano, discover the area, or just rest. Have a good night's sleep at the Horombo Huts again to be ready for the next day.

Day 5: Trekking from Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) to Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)

As you hike through a sort of Alpine desert to a location between the two well-known mountain peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, take in the striking change in scenery. Here, there is less shelter and a more open, bare landscape. Even though the hike is difficult, the excitement of reaching Mount Kilimanjaro's majestic summit motivates you to keep going. It's lunchtime when you get to Kibo Huts Camp. Remember to stay hydrated and unwind before the big day!

Day 6: Trek from Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft), then to Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) for the last night before returning to the hotel in Moshi the next day.

At night, you will start your ascent to conquer the majestic Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! The biggest challenge lies in the first part of this climb, until you reach Gilman's Point. From here, Uhuru Peak is not far away and relatively easy to climb. Once at the summit, enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! You descend through the Kibo Huts Camp down to the Horombo Huts, where you have dinner and stay overnight. You are on your feet for about twelve hours today, so prepare for a challenging but rewarding day!

Day 7: You will descend to Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) from Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft), then return to the hotel.

Your incredible journey will come to an end as you descend to Marangu Gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This wonderful five to six-hour walk will take you through beautiful forests. Once at Marangu Gate, your guide drives you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and a celebration of your remarkable achievement. Unforgettable memories, breathtaking views, and a true sense of accomplishment await and will stay with you forever!

Day 8: This will be a flight day to your home after the climb or an extra tour for your wishes.

Sad to say, all of your Kilimanjaro crew members will already be leaving like family members, especially after sharing a lot in about eight days together from day one to the end of your holiday, and it's time to go home. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Want more? You can also add a few days of safari or beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!