6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Itinerary
Distances, elevations and walking times below are approximate. Weather, trail conditions, group pace, park procedures and guide safety decisions can change the timing of each day.
Day 1: Marangu Gate (about 1,860 m) to Mandara Hut (about 2,700 m)
After breakfast, we transfer to Marangu Gate for park registration and crew preparations. The trek begins through montane rainforest toward Mandara Hut. The forest can be wet or muddy, so keep rain protection accessible and follow the pace set by your guide.
- Approximate distance: 9 km
- Approximate walking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane rainforest
- Overnight: Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut (about 2,700 m) to Horombo Hut (about 3,720 m)
After breakfast, you leave the forest and continue into heath and moorland. The trail passes the Maundi Crater area and gradually opens to wider views of Kilimanjaro's upper slopes when weather allows. You finish the day at Horombo Hut.
- Approximate distance: 13 km
- Approximate walking time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Heath and moorland
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 3: Horombo Hut Acclimatization Day
Day 3 is reserved for acclimatization while you remain based at Horombo Hut. Depending on weather, trail conditions, your health and the guide's plan, the day can include an acclimatization walk before returning to the hut to rest and sleep at a lower elevation than the day's high point.
Use the day for steady movement, hydration, meals and honest reporting of headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or other altitude symptoms.
- Base: Horombo Hut
- Purpose: Additional acclimatization before moving to Kibo
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 4: Horombo Hut (about 3,720 m) to Kibo Hut (about 4,703 m)
You leave Horombo and trek into increasingly dry high-altitude terrain between Mawenzi and Kibo. The route passes the last reliable water area before continuing across the saddle toward Kibo Hut.
At Kibo, the priority is food, hydration, warm clothing, equipment checks and rest before the summit attempt begins late at night.
- Approximate distance: 13.7 km
- Approximate walking time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then Descend to Horombo Hut
The summit attempt normally begins around midnight. You climb toward Gilman's Point on the crater rim and, if your health, weather and your guide's safety assessment allow, continue toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Reaching the summit is the objective, but it is not guaranteed.
After the summit attempt, you descend to Kibo for a short rest and continue lower to Horombo Hut. This is the longest and most demanding day of the itinerary.
- Summit altitude: 5,895 m
- Approximate ascent distance: about 4–6 km depending on measurement points used
- Approximate total walking time: commonly around 10–15 hours
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, then Return to Moshi
After breakfast, you descend through moorland and rainforest, passing Mandara on the way to Marangu Gate. Park exit formalities are completed at the gate, and certificates are issued according to the point reached.
Our vehicle then transfers you from Marangu Gate to the agreed Moshi-area drop-off point.
- Approximate distance: 18–20 km
- Approximate walking time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland and rainforest
- Transfer: Marangu Gate to agreed Moshi-area drop-off