Kilimanjaro Hiking Marangu Route 6 Days

11 Days
  • 12
  • 65
  • Bus, Mini Van
  • 3 Stars Hotels & Camping
  • 5,895 metres
  • Kilimanjaro (JRO)
  • Jan-Mar, June-Oct & Dec
  • Trekking, Hiking
  • All meals during the trek
  • English, Spanish, French, Chinese
  • Easy to Moderate
  • 2-15

Overview

The Marangu Route is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular – mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers.

Unique and Affordable Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route 6 days Budget Climb Start a $ 650 guiding serves per person. The budget conscious are often attracted to the cheaper price point of this route. Taking this route over 6 days will greatly help you with an extra acclimatization day.

• Suitable for: Moderate fitness with previous trekking experience ideal
• Pros: One of the shorter routes, this may be an option for those on a tight time frame and/or budget. With accommodation in huts it can also be a good option during rainy season.
• Cons: Trek goes ascends and descends via the same path and approaches the summit from the steeper route via

The Marangu Route is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular – mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier. This is not always the best way, due to a shorter acclimatization period, so we recommending to taking Marangu route 6 days trek.

The Marangu route does however offer you the many option of spending an acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends Marangu route 6 days  trek is greatly increasing your chances of success. However, the success rate with the Marangu route is much lower compared with other Kilimanjaro route.

Shared hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. The main itinerary difference between the Marangu 5 day and 6 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. Kibo Hut are always recommend to have at least 1 day in town before starting your trek.

This route and it is a great choice for those coming during rainy season (March through June -because let’s face it, camping is no fun in the rain!). Taking this route over 6 days will greatly help you with an extra day of acclimatization.

This route has wonderful views and opportunities of both peaks of Kilimanjaro* (Kibo and Mawenzi). It is worthwhile noting that it is the only route of Kilimanjaro where you ascend and descend using the same route.

Highlights

  • Hut accommodation throughout (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo) for warmer, weather‑proof nights
  • Classic scenery progression: rainforest → moorland → alpine desert → arctic summit
  • Extra acclimatization at Horombo with hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Viewpoint
  • Summit push from Kibo via Gilman’s Point along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
  • Professional guiding team with daily health checks and safety briefings
  • Best seasons: January–March and June–October (year‑round departures available)
  • Ideal for climbers who prefer huts and a steady, well‑marked trail

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

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

    Hiking time: 3-4 hours

    Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers

    Habitat: Montane forest

    After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rain-forest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar generated lighting. Next to the central hut there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!

    4 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    02

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

    Hiking time: 6 hours

    Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

    Habitat: Moorland

    Following breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and can climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720 m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks, then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    03

    Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization Day

    At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut and lunch will either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.

    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    04

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

    Hiking time: 6 hours

    Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

    Habitat: Alpine desert

    Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Day
    05

    Summit Attempt - Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

    Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo

    Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent

    Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

    Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

    8 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    06

    Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

    Hiking time: 6 hours

    Distance: Approximately 27 kilometers

    Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive Kilimanjaro certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to your hotel in Moshi.

    6 hour
    Breakfast
    Mountain Camping

Number of PeopleCost Per Person in US($)
1 Person2,050
2 People1,850
3 People1,800
4 People1,750
5 People1,700
6 People1,650
7 People1,600
8 People1,550
9 People1,500
10 People and above1,450

The Cost Includes

  • All transportation in destination location
  • Hotel accommodations, before and after the trek
  • All government taxes and park entrance fees
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Emergency oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete expedition medical kits
  • Comfortable sleeping mats
  • All group camping equipment (sleeping tents, dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • Portable radios – Taken on every trek to enable convenient communication.
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, chefs, etc.)
  • Experienced professional mountain guides
  • Salaries for the trekking crew
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Environment-friendly trek

The Cost Excludes

  • Personal gear rentals
  • Tanzania Visa fee
  • Tipping to the trekking crew
  • Travel insurance
  • Any private expenses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’m interested in booking, but our group is quite large. Will that be an issue?

We generally aim to keep our public group sizes small, usually no more than ten trekkers, to maintain a more personal experience and preserve the feeling of being in the wilderness. However, if you’re booking as a private group, we’re happy to accommodate you regardless of size, as everyone in your group will already be familiar with one another before arriving in Tanzania.

Can I Book a Private, Fully Customizable Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Absolutely! Your Kilimanjaro adventure can be tailored entirely to your preferences. We’ll collaborate with you to craft a personalized trekking experience, designed around your chosen travel companions, ideal departure date, preferred route, hiking pace, and desired duration. It’s your mountain, your way.

In which country is Mount Kilimanjaro located, and how close is it to the equator?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, in East Africa. It lies approximately 350 kilometers south of the equator, with the closest major towns being Moshi and Arusha.

What is the elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain on Earth and the tallest in Africa, reaches an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level at its highest point, Uhuru Peak, located on the Kibo crater.

Do I need any prior experience to take part?

No previous experience is required, but having some background in hiking or climbing can be beneficial. It’s important that you are physically fit, in good health, and equipped with well-worn, sturdy hiking boots. The better your fitness level, the more enjoyable the experience is likely to be.

How long does the hike to Uhuru Peak take?

There are at least six different routes to the summit of Uhuru Peak, ranging in distance from 53 to 73 kilometers, depending on the path you choose. The shortest and most challenging is the 5-day Umbwe Route. Adding extra days to your trek is highly recommended to allow for better acclimatization, which significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit. The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular option. While it can be completed in five days, we typically allocate six days to ensure a safer and more comfortable ascent.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

I am a vegetarian. What kind of food will be available for me during the trek?

As a vegetarian, you will be provided with a variety of regular vegetarian options such as potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, cheese, sandwiches, and fruit. Please make sure to inform your tour operator in advance if you have any food allergies or medical dietary requirements. For non-vegetarians, meals may include sausages, chicken, and meat. Beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will also be available.

Is tipping the hiking crew customary?

Yes, tipping is both expected and greatly appreciated. The recommended amount typically ranges from $150 to $300 per hiker, depending on the length of the trip. All tips are pooled and distributed among the entire crew. Please bring US dollar bills for this purpose.

Is it possible to charge electronic devices while on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Charging electronic devices on Mount Kilimanjaro is not possible, as there are no charging stations available on the mountain. We highly recommend bringing fully charged power banks and extra batteries to keep your devices powered during the trek. However, if you’re combining your climb with a safari, our safari vehicles are equipped with charging ports for your convenience.

Who operates your treks in Tanzania?

We do. We’re not intermediaries or agents; we organize and lead all our treks through our own locally based Tanzanian company. You can be confident that anyone you speak to on our team has firsthand experience climbing Kilimanjaro, often multiple times.

How can you protect yourself from the sun in Tanzania?

Since Tanzania is located close to the equator, the sun remains intense for much of the day. This strong sunlight can lead to sunburn and heat-related illnesses like sunstroke. To stay safe, it’s important to wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a high SPF.

Do you have any special dietary needs?

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose intolerant, or have any allergies, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your requirements.

Do You Provide Private and Fully Customizable Kilimanjaro Climbing Expeditions?

Your Kilimanjaro adventure is completely tailored to you. We collaborate closely to create the perfect Tanzanian mountain experience that matches your vision. Choose your own team, set your preferred departure date, select your route, and determine the pace and duration of your climb.

Is the Crater Camp Stop Available on Kilimanjaro Climbs?

An overnight stay at Crater Camp is an optional addition to customized Kilimanjaro climbs, typically included on routes lasting eight days or more, such as Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Machame. This unique and extraordinary campsite is visited by fewer than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 climbers who summit Kilimanjaro each year, offering a rare and unforgettable highland experience in northern Tanzania.

How many hours can I expect to trek each day?

On most routes, daily trekking typically lasts between 4 and 7 hours. However, some routes include longer days where you might trek for 10 to 15 hours.

Will I encounter wildlife during the trek?

Before the climb begins, you’ll have an acclimatization day featuring nature walks and opportunities to observe local wildlife. While trekking through the rainforest, you can expect to see black-and-white Colobus monkeys, various tropical birds, and other fascinating creatures.

What meals can I expect to eat?

Each day, expert chefs prepare three hot, nutritious meals along with trail snacks and afternoon tea. You’ll enjoy your meals in a sunlit dining tent alongside your fellow trekkers and the head guide. We offer delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty options. Just let us know in advance. If you’d like, we can also send you a sample menu, just ask!

What accommodations can I expect during a Kilimanjaro trek?

On your Kilimanjaro adventure, expert camp porters set up and take down the mountain camps daily. You’ll stay in double-occupancy, all-weather tents equipped with full-ground pads to keep you and your belongings dry. Each camp features private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents furnished with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing. For those on the Grand Traverse route, accommodations are upgraded to solar-lit, walk-in-height sleeping tents furnished with mountaineering beds and mattresses for added comfort.

Who manages your operations in Tanzania?

We manage all operations directly. We are not agents for any third party; instead, we conduct the treks ourselves through our own locally registered Tanzanian company.

Do you provide airport pickup and drop-off services?

Yes, we offer airport transfer services. Kindly send your request to Safari for arrangements.

Which travel documents are required?

You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, along with a properly endorsed entry or re-entry visa.

What is the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is climbable year-round, most hikers choose the dry seasons, from December to March and June to October, for more favorable weather. Among these, January, February, and September are often regarded as the best months for the climb.

Two Nights' Hotel Accommodations Before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure, we recommend the following options: Stay two nights with bed and breakfast at Parkview InnPanama Garden Resort, Shose Farmhouse and Chalets, Brubru Lodge, or Salinero Hotels.