Itinerary for 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing Marangu route
Explore our day-by-day itinerary for a 6-day climbing up the Marangu Route of Mount Kilimanjaro. Get all the information you need to plan your trip.
Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
The first day of 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing Marangu Route will begin with a drive from Moshi town to Marangu gate, upon reaching the gate you will have to complete the national park formalities you will. Then start your hike from Marangu gate to Mandara hut which will take you 3 to 4 hours to hike a distance of 8 kilometers to reach the hut
Time and distance:3 to 4hrs a hiking of 8km distance
Elevation:1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo hut
On The second day of 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing Marangu Route you will hike for 5 to 6hrs through the moorland forest heading to Horombo hut, which is a distance of 12 kilometers.
On your hike for this 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing Marangu you will enjoy the view of Lobelias, groundsels, and the great view of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo, reaching the Horombo encampment.
Elevation:2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Meal plan:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Acclimatization day while staying at Horombo hut
For climbers of 6 days Marangu Route will have this extra day different from that of the 5 days Kilimanjaro climb. Which is a served day purposefully for adopting the altitude changes as you will be ascending to high altitude on the next day.
This is to increase the success rates for the summit of Uhuru Peak. The day will be taking a hike up to Zebra Rock and then back to Horombo hut for lunch and continue relaxing and collecting some strength for the adventure itself ahead on the next day.
You will have to walk for a distance of 5 Kilometers up from Horombo to Zebra Rock and back to Horombo which will take a 4-hour hike seeing some black and white rocks.
Time and distance:4hrs a hiking of 5km distance
Elevation:Zebra Rocks 4020m/Horombo Hut 3700m
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
The day will be of 5 to 7 hours walking through the saddle of the Kilimanjaro between the two cones of Kibo and Mawenzi. It will be a walk for a distance of 9.5 kilometers reaching the Kibo hut as you will be walking through the desert you will enjoy the sight of the water stream and hardly any grass.AtKibo hut will be your last ascending stop and overnight before your summit.
Time and distance:5 to 7hrs a hiking of 9.5km distance
Elevation:3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Day 5: Summit and descend to Kibo then to Horombo
This is the summit day of 6 days of Kilimanjaro climbing the day to be certified with the diploma of reaching the highest peak in Africa and the World’s highest freestanding Mountain peak.
The day starts at midnight leaving the Kibo hut to the summit on steep heavy scree or sometimes snow up to Gilman’s point. This is on the crater rim and from Gilman’s, you take a high ascend to the Huru Peak “CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE REACHED THE HIGHEST PEAK IN AFRICA, THE UHURU PEAK OK Kilimanjaro MOUNTAIN”.
Due to the weather you will not last long here you will take some photos at the signpost of the Uhuru point and start your descent through the Marangu Route. Where you will have a stop at the Kibo hut for your Lunch and trek down to Horombo for your overnight stay and dinner.
Time and distance:6 to 8 hours Ascending distance of 6km and 15 km, descending to Horombo
Elevation:4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Day 6: Horombo to Marangu gate and back to Moshi
The day will start with your morning breakfast at Horombo and take your trek down up to Marangu gate passing through the Mandara hut. Reaching the gate you will meet the porters already there with your luggage and the driver who will pick you up from the gate to Moshi town.
On your descent on this day you will be walking through the moorland and lush forest for 4 to 5hrs which is a distance of 20 Kilometers reaching the Marangu gate.
Time & Distance:4 to 5hrs descending of 20km distance
Elevation:3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Training and Preparation
To increase your chances of a successful climb, it is recommended to undertake a comprehensive training program before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro. This should include cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance-building activities such as hiking or stair climbing. Additionally, practicing at higher altitudes or using altitude simulation equipment can help your body adapt better to the challenges of high elevation.
Comfortable Accommodation: The Marangu Route is the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro that provides dormitory-style accommodation in huts throughout the trek. This eliminates the need for camping
Well-Defined Path: The Marangu Route follows a well-established and well-maintained way, making navigation easier compared to some other routes. The path is well-marked, allowing climbers to focus more on the trek and the surroundings.
Quicker Summit Option: The 6-day duration of the Marangu Route is one of the shorter options available for reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. This can be appealing to climbers who have limited time available or prefer a quicker ascent and descent.