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6 Days Marangu Trek
Tour Overview
The 6-day Marangu Route is the only path on Kilimanjaro that offers comfortable hut accommodations, providing a warm and restful environment after each day of trekking. This route is well known for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems, making it a fantastic choice for climbers seeking both comfort and unforgettable views.
During the trek, you will pass through lush rainforests filled with unique wildlife, enjoy the picturesque moorlands adorned with vibrant wildflowers, and experience the stunning alpine desert as you ascend towards the summit.
The trek culminates at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa—where you will have the incredible opportunity to stand on the Roof of Africa and take in breathtaking panoramic views. This route is perfect for those who prefer a shorter climb along a well-defined path, allowing you to focus on the experience without the challenges of rugged tent accommodations. With the Marangu Route, you’ll get to enjoy the thrill of reaching the summit while still benefiting from a comfortable and enriching trekking experience.
What to Expect
Scenic Trekking: Enjoy a beautiful and well-paced 6-day trek on the Marangu Route, featuring diverse landscapes and stunning views.
Expert Guides: Benefit from high-altitude guides with years of experience leading successful expeditions on Kilimanjaro.
Diverse Ecosystems: Experience everything from lush rainforests to the magical alpine desert, finally culminating at Uhuru Peak.
Acclimatization Day: Included acclimatization day helps your body adjust to the altitude, improving your chances of success.
Celebration at Summit: Reach Uhuru Peak, and celebrate with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.
Relaxed Return: After summiting, enjoy a leisurely descent back to Marangu Gate, reflecting on your incredible journey.
6 Days Marangu Route Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Your journey starts at Marangu Gate, where you will register with Kilimanjaro National Park. The trek begins through a beautiful rainforest, filled with tall trees, ferns, and colobus monkeys. You will walk on a well-maintained path, making it an easy start to your adventure.
- Elevation Gain: 840 meters
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Key Highlights:
- Walking through a lush rainforest filled with wildlife
- Seeing blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys
- Arriving at Mandara Hut, your first overnight stay
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Today, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone, where the trees become shorter and the air feels cooler. You will pass by Maundi Crater, a great spot for photos and breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak. As you continue, you will see giant lobelias and senecios, unique plants found only in high-altitude areas.
- Elevation Gain: 1,020 meters
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Habitat: Moorland
- Key Highlights:
- Visiting Maundi Crater for stunning views
- Seeing Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks in the distance
- Staying at Horombo Hut, where you might meet climbers descending from the summit
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude. You will take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m), named after its black-and-white striped rock formations. This helps improve your chances of reaching the summit.
- Elevation Gain: 300 meters (to Zebra Rocks), then return to Horombo Hut
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Habitat: Moorland
- Key Highlights:
- Learning how your body adapts to high altitude
- Exploring the Zebra Rocks, a famous geological feature
- Enjoying extra rest and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
The landscape changes today as you enter the alpine desert—a dry, rocky area with little vegetation. The air gets thinner, and the hike becomes more challenging, but your goal is near! You will pass through the Saddle, a vast, open area between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, before arriving at Kibo Hut, the final stop before the summit attempt.
- Elevation Gain: 983 meters
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Key Highlights:
- Walking through The Saddle, a surreal, Mars-like landscape
- Preparing mentally and physically for summit night
- Sleeping early at Kibo Hut, ready for the big climb
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,703m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
This is the toughest and most rewarding day! You will wake up around midnight and start climbing in the freezing cold. The trail is steep and challenging, but your determination will push you forward. After about 6-7 hours, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From there, you continue for another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa!
After celebrating your achievement, you will descend to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
- Elevation Gain: 1,192 meters to Uhuru Peak; descent of 2,175 meters to Horombo Hut
- Hiking Time: Ascent: 6-8 hours; Descent: 6-8 hours
- Distance: Ascent: 6 km (3.7 miles); Descent: 16 km (9.9 miles)
- Habitat: Arctic at the summit; descending through alpine desert and moorland
- Key Highlights:
- Reaching the Roof of Africa! Standing at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- Watching the sunrise over Tanzania from the summit
Feeling a huge sense of achievement after conquering Kilimanjaro!
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)
Your final day is a relaxing walk back down through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. After celebrating, you will say goodbye to your guides and porters before heading back to your hotel.
- Elevation Loss: 1,860 meters
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Habitat: Moorland and rainforest
- Key Highlights:
- Enjoying the last moments on Kilimanjaro
- Receiving your official summit certificate at the gate
- Saying asante sana (thank you) to your mountain crew
Why Choose This Trek?
Comfortable Accommodation: The Marangu Route is the only path that offers hut accommodations, allowing for a more restful experience compared to tent-based treks.
Gradual Ascent: The well-maintained trail provides a clear and straightforward path to the summit, making it suitable for climbers of all experience levels.
Stunning Scenery: Traverse through diverse ecosystems, from vibrant rainforests to expansive alpine deserts, all offering breathtaking views and unique flora and fauna.
High Success Rates: The manageable ascent and acclimatization schedule enhance your chances of reaching the summit.
Experiential Learning: Gain insights from experienced guides about Kilimanjaro’s ecology and the challenges of high-altitude climbing.
Adventure and Achievement: Enjoy the thrill of technical climbs and the accomplishment of reaching Uhuru Peak, all while staying within the comforts of hut accommodations.
Tour Price: Ask for a quote
Our 6 Days Marangu Trek offers flexibility to suit your desires. Contact us for a quote, and we can discuss your budget and specific requirements.