6 Days Marangu Route

Hut Accommodation

Offers sheltered hut accommodations instead of tents, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout the climb, especially during unpredictable weather.

Well-Established Infrastructure

This route is well-maintained with clearly defined paths and regular resting points, making it one of the safest routes for climbers.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

• Distance: 12 km
• Time: 6-8 hours
• Terrain: Moorland
• The trail moves out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. This part of the route is longer and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including views of the summit of Kilimanjaro (if the weather is clear). You will spend the night at Horombo Hut, which is a more substantial hut offering more facilities.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

• Distance: 10 km
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Terrain: Alpine Desert
• Today’s hike is through the alpine desert zone. The landscape becomes more barren and desolate as you approach Kibo Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt. This is an important day to rest and acclimatize. Kibo Hut is where climbers rest before attempting the summit in the early morning hours.

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

• Distance: 21 km (round trip)
• Time: 12-14 hours (for summit day)
• Terrain: Alpine Desert, Summit
• You will begin the summit attempt around midnight or early morning to reach the summit before sunrise. The hike from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is long and tough, passing through the crater rim to the summit. At the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views. After spending some time at the summit, you will descend back to Horombo Hut for the night.

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)

• Distance: 12 km
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Terrain: Moorland, Rainforest
• After summiting, the descent begins. It’s a bit easier on the body as you head back down to Mandara Hut, passing through the moorland and rainforest zones again.

Day 6: Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)

• Distance: 8 km
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Terrain: Rainforest
• On the final day, you’ll continue descending through the rainforest back to Marangu Gate. You’ll likely be greeted with congratulations from the staff, and your successful climb will be marked with a certificate.

Summary of the 6-Day Marangu Route Itinerary:

• Day 1: Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
• Day 2: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
• Day 3: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
• Day 4: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
• Day 5: Horombo Hut → Mandara Hut
• Day 6: Mandara Hut → Marangu Gate

The Marangu Route is considered less physically demanding in terms of the steepness of the climb compared to some of the other routes, but the summit day can still be a tough challenge, especially due to the altitude. The route’s advantage is its hut accommodation, making it the only route on Kilimanjaro with permanent structures for sleeping.