This 6-day Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour will see you climb the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro standing at 5,895m at Uhuru peak on Kibo volcano cone, one of the 3 volcano cones on top of Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Via the Marangu route
The most established route on Kilimanjaro with hut accommodation with a dormitory style setting, a perfect choice for those who do not like sleeping in tents.
Has the most traffic of climbers as most tourists prefer using this route and also considered the least scenic yet it is the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro because climbers ascend and descend via the same route making it one of the most crowed routes.
The 6-day Marangu climb is a much better option to its 5-day variation as it offers a day for acclimatization.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara hut (1,860 – 2,700m)
- Day 2: Mandara hut to Horombo hut (2,700 – 3,720m)
- Day 3: Acclimatization Day: Horombo hut to Mawenzi ridge (4,389m), back to Horombo hut
- Day 4: Horombo hut to Kibo hut (3,720 – 4,703m)
- Day 5: Summit Day: Kibo hut to Uhuru peak to Horombo hut (4,703 – 5,895 – 3,720m)
- Day 6: Horombo hut to Marangu gate (3,720 – 1,860)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara hut (1,860 – 2,700m)
Drive from your hotel in Arusha / Moshi after your early morning breakfast and head to the Marangu gate to complete the necessary formalities and meet with your climb support crew, that is the route guide and the porters.
Thereafter you will start your 6-day climb on Kilimanjaro Mountain hiking through the beautiful lush rainforests where you could see some monkeys till you reach your destination for day 1 which is Mandara hut where you will have dinner and your first sleep on the mountain.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 2: Mandara hut to Horombo hut (2,700 – 3,720m)
This day brings forth views of 2 of the 3 peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro, that is the Mawenzi peak and Kibo peak, the main destination of this 6-day climb. Change of scenery as you climb out of the rainforest into the moorland vegetation zone. End your hike when you arrive at Horombo hut, your place of rest for the night and dinner.
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Day 3: Acclimatization Day: Horombo hut to Mawenzi ridge (4,389m), back to Horombo hut
A day set aside to help your body adapt to the high altitude of Kilimanjaro, helping to increase your chances of making it to the summit. Take a rewarding walk to the Mawenzi ridge which offers stunning views of Mawenzi peak. Enjoy the views and later ascend back to Horombo hut for your second night at this altitude.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 4: Horombo hut to Kibo hut (3,720 – 4,703m)
Today you will spend the night at the base of the Kibo crater wall in Kibo hut, your last camp to the summit. Ascend into the alpine desert crossing the Saddle that joins Kibo and Mawenzi peak. On arrival at the camp, you will have an early dinner, retire to your hut early and prepare for tonight’s last ascent to the summit, organizing your warm clothes, warm gloves and the headlamp.
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Day 5: Summit Day: Kibo hut to Uhuru peak to Horombo hut (4,703 – 5,895 – 3,720m)
The long-awaited day, summit day. You will start your finale ascent to Uhuru peak at midnight. This is the most strenuous climb that requires your physical and mental toughness. You will be at the peak by sunrise, take time and let your accomplishment sink in.
Yes, you made it to the top of Kilimanjaro amidst the harsh cold conditions. Capture the moments on your phone / camera and then prepare to descend to Kibo hut for a warm lunch and after continue further down to Horombo hut where you will spend the night.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours (ascent) 4-5 hours (descent)
Day 6: Horombo hut to Marangu gate (3,720 – 1,860)
After your breakfast, take a moment to thank and appreciate your Kilimanjaro climb support crew and at this point you can give them the tips and any other token of appreciation. Descend to Marangu gate, pick your summit certificated and your tour driver will drive you to your hotel in Moshi / Arusha
Hiking time: 4-5 hours (descent)
