6-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route with Huts

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)

Elevation Gain: 943 meters (3,000 feet)
Walking Time:3-4 hours
Distance:7km

In the morning, your guide will take you from the hotel to Marangu Gate, The trek begins in Kilimanjaro’s rainforest – it is referred to as the mountain’s timbered skirting, and the emerald folds are hemmed by silver streams and shimmer with floral sequins. We will stop at the halfway point, Kisambioni, where an appetizing picnic lunch will be served. The trail in the rainforest continues until the site of the Mandara Hut. There is an option of relaxing for the rest of the day or sauntering to the Maundi Crater once we arrive at the camp. You will not regret logging a few extra miles once you catch the first glimpse of the spectacular view of the Taveta in the east. On a clear day, facing the northwestern region will reveal the wonderful view of the jagged edges of the Mawenzi Peak. Dinner will be served at the dining area.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

Elevation Gain: 977 meters (3,200 feet)
Walking Time:5-6 hours
Distance:11km

After breakfast, we will begin our trek to the Horombo Hut. Today’s terrain, the Killimanjaro’s moorland, is a total contrast to the rainforest. Desert-like plants are scattered across the rocky landscape, and in the distance, the presence of Uhuru Peak and Mawenzi is acknowledged. When we get to Kambi ya Taan, we will take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. Pleasant blue skies will allow you to marvel at the scenic views of Mawenzi and the peaks of Kibo. We will arrive at the Horombo Hut in the afternoon, and you will have the opportunity to unwind for the rest of the day. The Horombo Huts are the ‘luxury’ huts on Kilimanjaro. The classic huts can accommodate up to eight people, and they are used by ascending and descending hikers. Up to one hundred and twenty people can stay at Horombo, and there is more space for cooks, guides, and porters than at the other huts.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut (3720m12200ft) to Mawenzi Hut (4600m15100ft) to Horombo Hut (3720m12200ft)

Elevation Gain and Loss: 880 meters (2,900 feet)
Walking Time:4-5hours
Distance:8km

The purpose of day three is to acclimate yourself to increase your chances of reaching the Uhuru Peak. We suggest that you aim to hike to Mawenzi Hut to enable maximum acclimatization. The other reward of taking the hike is that the view of Kibo is spectacular from this angle. A delectable lunch will be served and lounged at the huts for the rest of the day.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters (3,380 feet)
Walking Time:6-8hours
Distance:10km

We will embark on the final section of the Marangu Route. After breakfast, we’ll start our hike through the alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s higher altitudes. We’ll reach the Maua River after about an hour, our first milestone, a small mountain stream. As we continue, the terrain flattens, and vegetation begins to disappear. After passing the Middle Red Hill, we’ll stop for lunch and take a break. The steady incline of Kilimanjaro’s Saddle will guide us for the next two hours. As we make our way to Kibo, the environment feels more like a desert, with very little vegetation, but the breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi add color to the barren landscape, making the journey feel magical. We’ll arrive at Kibo Huts in the afternoon, where it’s essential to rest and prepare for the midnight summit climb. The air is thinner here, so resting early will help you conserve energy for the final ascent.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Summit Attempt

Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters (3,760 feet)
Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters (7,140 feet)
Walking Time:11-13hours
Distance:18km

We begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, at midnight. With a mix of fatigue and adrenaline, we’ll trek for five hours to reach Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, comes after two hours, at 500 meters. From there, we continue for another 30 minutes before facing rocky terrain leading to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters). Though not extremely difficult, the altitude makes the hike challenging. After another two hours, we’ll reach Uhuru Peak. At the summit, take in the breathtaking views and capture photos of the landscape. The descent offers new perspectives, previously hidden during the climb. We’ll stop at Kibo Hut to rest before continuing down to Horombo Huts in the afternoon. Once there, you can relax and reflect on your achievement, enjoying your last night on the mountain.

Main Destination:

Mt Kilimanjaro Summit

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut (3720m12200ft) to Marangu Gate (1800m5905ft) to Hotel

Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters (6,295 feet)
Walking Time:5-6hours
Distance:19km

After enjoying your last breakfast in the dining area, you will start your last trek. The descent to the Marangu gate includes one of the most beautiful sights, Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Marvel at the rays of light and mysterious puffs of white that gleam through the underpass of branches. Please remain alert when you are walking as the path tends to get slippery.
This is a wonderful five to six-hour walk through the beautiful forests of Kilimanjaro. Your guide then takes you to your hotel, where you get a well-deserved rest.
If you’ve decided to go on a safari – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll be thrilled to arrange it for you as well!

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.