Climbing Kilimanjaro via the 6-Day Marangu Route with Huts

The Marangu Route may be one of the quickest and most affordable ways to reach the summit, but it still has its share of unforgettable moments. You’ll experience the mountain’s breathtaking nature along the trails and take in the awe-inspiring view from the top.

However, there are some trade-offs: this route can be crowded during peak season, it allows less time for altitude acclimatization, and you’ll descend along the same trail, giving you fewer opportunities to explore different scenery.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax after your flight.

Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

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

In the early morning, your guide takes you from the hotel to Marangu Gate at 1,860 m. The initial part of the trek takes you through coffee and banana plantations, as well as untouched rainforest. Take this opportunity to admire the stunning views of lush vegetation and diverse wildlife along the way. After a seven-hour hike, you reach the Mandara Huts. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Maundi Crater, a volcanic crater 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: Marangu Route (2/6) | Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

From Mandara Huts, the landscape slowly changes. You trek through picturesque landscapes, encounter unique flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro. The higher you go, the less vegetation can be seen and the more it starts to look like a lunar landscape. The air also grows thinner with altitude. Experience the thrill of ascending higher, as you make your way to the cozy and comfortable Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Marangu Route (3/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

Today is your additional acclimatization day. After breakfast, you go for a hike towards Kibo Huts and back. 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: Marangu Route (4/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)

Witness the dramatic landscape change as your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The landscape here is more open and bare and offers less shelter. The hike is challenging, but the thrill of approaching the majestic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro drives you to keep going. You arrive at Kibo Huts Camp for lunch. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and make sure you relax for the big day ahead!

Day 6: Marangu Route (5/6) | Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

At night you 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 overnight. You are on your feet for about twelve hours today, so prepare for a challenging but rewarding day!

Day 7: Marangu Route (6/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - hotel

Your incredible journey comes to an end as you descend to Marangu Gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This wonderful five to six-hour walk takes 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: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday, and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!