The Marangu Route (6 Days/5 Nights) itinerary is designed to improve acclimatization by adding an extra day at Horombo Hut. This increases the chance of successfully reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro while still enjoying the route’s unique features, such as its hut accommodations and stunning landscapes.

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

• Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Starting Elevation: 1,870 m / 6,135 ft (Marangu Gate)
• Ending Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft (Mandara Hut)

Description:
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration and a briefing by your guides. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, a vibrant ecosystem home to colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and other wildlife. The trail is well-maintained but can be muddy in places. Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon and settle into dormitory-style accommodations. If time allows, take a short hike to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.

• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Mandara Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

• Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Starting Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
• Ending Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft

Description:
Leave the rainforest behind as you enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes more open, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and unique vegetation like giant groundsels and lobelias. The terrain is rugged but manageable. Arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy expansive views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.

• Vegetation Zone: Moorland
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

• Hiking Distance: 5–10 km (optional)
• Hiking Time: 2–4 hours (optional)
• Starting Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft
• Ending Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft

Description:
Spend the day at Horombo Hut to improve acclimatization. Take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (about 5 km round trip), a striking geological formation with unique black-and-white striped patterns. Alternatively, you can trek toward Mawenzi Peak for spectacular views. Return to Horombo Hut to relax and prepare for the next day’s ascent.

• Vegetation Zone: Moorland
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Starting Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft
• Ending Elevation: 4,703 m / 15,430 ft

Description:
Continue your ascent through the alpine desert zone, a stark and barren landscape with unique features like the “Last Water Point” and Zebra Rocks. The trail becomes steeper as you approach Kibo Hut, which sits at the base of the summit climb. Arrive in the afternoon and rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

• Hiking Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
  • Kibo to Uhuru: 6 km (3.7 miles)
  • Uhuru to Horombo: 16 km (10 miles)
• Hiking Time: 10–15 hours
  • Ascent: 6–8 hours
  • Descent: 4–7 hours
• Starting Elevation: 4,703 m / 15,430 ft
• Uhuru Peak Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Ending Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft

Description:
Start your summit attempt around midnight. The climb to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m / 18,650 ft) involves a steep and challenging ascent over scree and switchbacks. From Gilman’s Point, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over the glaciers. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut for the night.

• Vegetation Zone: Arctic (Summit) to Moorland (Descent)
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

• Hiking Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Starting Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft
• Ending Elevation: 1,870 m / 6,135 ft

Description:
Descend through the moorland and lush rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, collect your summit certificate and transfer to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

• Vegetation Zone: Moorland to Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (optional, depending on package)