Trek

Kilimanjaro — Marangu Route, 6 Days

The only hut route on the mountain — a bed and a roof every night.

Marangu is the oldest route and the only one with permanent huts, so there is no tent and no sleeping on the ground. It ascends and descends the same path, which makes it the least scenic of the main routes, and its short profile is why we run it in six days rather than five.

Highlights

  • Sleeping in huts with bunks and a dining hall
  • The gentlest walking gradient on the mountain
  • An acclimatisation day at Horombo
  • Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

The itinerary, day by day

  1. 01

    Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

    2,700 m · 4–5 hours

    A steady climb through rainforest, with an optional walk to the Maundi crater at camp.

  2. 02

    Mandara to Horombo Hut

    3,720 m · 5–6 hours

    Out of the forest into open moorland, with giant lobelia and the first clear view of Kibo.

  3. 03

    Acclimatisation day at Horombo

    3,720 m · 4–5 hours

    A walk up towards the Zebra Rocks at 4,000 m and back down. This is the day that makes the route work.

  4. 04

    Horombo to Kibo Hut

    4,700 m · 5–6 hours

    Across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a bleak alpine desert. Early night.

  5. 05

    Summit day — Uhuru Peak, down to Horombo

    5,895 m · 12–14 hours

    Midnight start for Gilman's Point, then the rim to Uhuru, and all the way back down to Horombo.

  6. 06

    Horombo to Marangu Gate

    1,860 m · 5–6 hours

    A long descent through moorland and forest to the gate.

What is included

  • Park, hut or camping fees and rescue fees
  • Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
  • All meals on the mountain and drinking water
  • Tents and mess tent where the route is camped
  • Return transfers from Moshi or Arusha

Not included

  • International flights and visa
  • Hotel before and after the climb
  • Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear (rental available)
  • Tips for the mountain crew
  • Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m

Questions about this trip

Is Marangu the easy route?

It has the gentlest gradient, but it is short, and short is what makes Kilimanjaro hard. Its success rate is the lowest of the main routes for exactly that reason — which is why we do not sell it in five days.

What are the huts like?

Simple bunk rooms with mattresses and a shared dining hut. Bedding is not provided; bring or hire a sleeping bag.

Plan this journey

Tell us your dates and we will build it around you.

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