Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara hut (2715m): Hiking time 5hrs, Distance Approximately 8.1 km, habitat Montane Forest

• The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 40 min. MyTrip2Tanzania team will pick you at the hotel and drive through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the park office and make their final preparations for the climb and start you 6 Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment.

Day 2: Mandara hut (2715m) – Horombo hut (3705m), Hiking time 6hrs, distance approximately 11.6 km, habitat Moorland

• From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun.

Day 3: Horombo hut (3705m) – Acclimatisation Day Hiking time: 4 ½hrs, distance approximately 4km uphill / 4km downhill, habitat Alpine desert

• Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings like Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides, and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.
  This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut (4 310m), passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1, 5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.

Day 4: Horombo hut (3705m) – Kibo hut (4730m) Hiking time 6hrs, distance approximately 9.6 km, habitat Alpine desert

• After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) should be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day (on your acclimatization hike) towards Mawenzi hut. This section is very stony and eroded.
  The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour shorter, and it also passes the last watering point at 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). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!

Day 5: Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m) Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 – 8 hours to descend to Horombo.

• You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
  From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 6: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m) Hiking time 6hrs, distance approximately 19.7 km

• After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi after 6 Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route for a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!

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