6 Days Kilimanjaro trekking Marangu Route

After breakfast, depart Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro forests to Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Have your picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the day is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 1500hrs and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.

Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 12 km | 7 miles

Habitat: Health

This extra day and night at Horombo are ideal for body acclimatization. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing through Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization.

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

Habitat: Heath

After breakfast continue your ascent into the Alpine desert, passes the last water point at 13550 ft/4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). The summit is now a further 3921ft /1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Go to bed around 1830hrs and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Around 2330hrs, you will wake up and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer point (17225ft/5250m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (18639ft/5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone screed, requiring a great physical and mental effort.

From Gillman’s Point, you will normally come across snow up to Uhuru peak (19341ft/5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs before the 3 hours descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest, you gather all the gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 6 km | 4 miles

Habitat: Arctic

After breakfast, end the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last trek on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. At Marangu Gate, you will sign for departure. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (18652ft/5685m) are issued with silver certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (1 9341ft/5895m), receive gold certificates. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha.

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 20 km | 12 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

The accommodation is in good huts, either dormitory or smaller four-bed A-frames. The lower huts have spacious dining rooms, where you will be served meals cooked by your cook. All food and utensils will be carried by the porters and cooked by an experienced cook. It will be plentiful and delicious. Beer and soft drinks are available at the huts. Your supply of chocolate and high-energy snacks is a good idea.

Water is available at several points and should be purified before drinking. All water at the huts will be boiled and some provided for drinking the next day. A comforting tip is to fill your bottle in the evening with boiled water for the next day and to use it as a hot water bottle overnight. There are water points between the huts – check with your guide.

Acclimatization is extremely important, both to let you enjoy your ascent and more importantly to avoid any serious complications. The route is planned to optimize the height gain, but you may still get a headache or feel nauseous. There are two important preventative measures: to drink copiously, even when it is really difficult, and to walk very slowly, avoiding as far as possible increased heart and breathing rates.

A drug, Diamox, is available from your GP and is well proven to help with acclimatization. This is taken as tablets for a few days before and then during your ascent. It is safe and has no serious side effects. It is important to remember that one possible effect of altitude is light-headedness and odd behavior, which can lead to foolish decisions. The danger here is of someone who is not well insisting on continuing