6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route Tour with 2 Reviews by Aardvark Expeditions Limited

6 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

10 - 65 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

5895mHighest point reached

Starts

Arusha, Tanzania

Ends

Arusha, Tanzania

Highlights

Walk from Gillman’s point along the crater rim to the summit of Uhuru Peak

Climb with experienced mountain guides and porters

Stay in comfortable huts along the way

Enjoy the view from Uhuru Peak dubbed the 'Roof of Africa'

Itinerary

For families and seasoned trekkers alike, summiting Africa’s highest peak doesn’t have to be daunting. This 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tour follows the Marangu Route—often called the ‘Coca-Cola’ route for its popularity and accessible path. Expert guides lead the way as you ascend through diverse climate zones, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, before reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.

Each night, rest in comfortable, solar-lit huts that provide a welcoming break from the day’s moderate trekking. The standout feature of this trip is its suitability for less-experienced adventurers, offering a guided, supportive climb with unforgettable views and the thrill of conquering the ‘Roof of Africa’.

day 1 - Marangu Gate (1,830 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

At 8:00 am, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After completing the necessary paperwork, your trek commences. The national park's gate (1,830 m) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations.

After completing the entrance formalities, we begin the hike up through an attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing, where lies Mandara Hut (2,700 m.), our stop for the day.

At the hutment, the largest cabin has a downstairs dining area and an upstairs dormitory outfitted with comfortable mattresses. There are also smaller huts that can accommodate eight persons. The total capacity of the huts is sixty persons. There is also a running water and flush toilet facilities, courtesy of the spring just above the encampment.

Also, the volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, which makes for a good afternoon excursion site. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich bird-life at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well.

Duration:3 - 4 hours

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

Meals:Lunch, Dinner

day 2 - Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

After an early breakfast, we will leave Mandara Hut and soon reach the crossroads between Horombo Hut and Maundi Crater. Heading in the direction of Horombu Hut, the vegetation will change to shrubs and you will cross the open moorland to reach your destination. Looking back, our path will already be shrouded in clouds and looking forward we will catch glimpses of Mawenzi Peak, Kibo Peak and Masai Steppe.

After evening meal, we will drift off to sleep.

Duration:4–6 hours

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 3 - Horombo Hut – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut

Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today. It's a short hike, which will help our bodies acclimatize to the altitude. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named so after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation.

We will return to Horombo Hut just in time to enjoy a hot lunch. The rest of the afternoon is for rest and leisure. Enjoy the spectacular views around you and regain your strength for tomorrow’s hike.

Duration:4.5 hours

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 4 - Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

After breakfast, a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits us. As our hike progresses, the vegetation slowly changes into alpine desert and we will pass the “last water point” on our way to the so-called “saddle”, a plateau situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

We will arrive at the Kibo Hut in about six hours and go to bed straight after dinner, as the summit calls for an early start at 23:00 hrs.

Duration:5 - 7 hours

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 5 - Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut

The summit day has finally arrived! At around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, we will start our ascent. Our path will be strenuous with only our headlight to light the way. We will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 meters and slowly make our way up. We will reach Gilman’s Point at 5,715 meters as the sun rises over the crater rim.

We will soldier on for another two hours or so to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The cold is soon forgotten as we stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the rays of the morning light. After a well-deserved photo opportunity, we will descend along the same path. The lava ash will now have thawed, allowing for a faster descent.

Upon our arrival at Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits us. We will rest for a couple of hours afer lunch before continuing down to Horombo Hut.

Duration:5 - 7 hours

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 6 - Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha

We return today after breakfast. The surrounding vegetation becomes greener as we continue our descent and soon we will arrive at Mandara Hut, where a hot lunch awaits us. The journey back to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate gives us another chance to observe the beautiful tropical rainforest and spot anything we have missed on the way up, like the Impatiens Kilimanjari Flower, is endemic to the rainforest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Arriving at the gate, we will say our goodbyes to our mountain crew and journey back to the Venus Premier Hotel. Enjoy a shower and celebrate your success of reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro once you have arrived at the hotel.

Duration:6 - 7 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at Venus Premier Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route

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What's Included

Professional, English-speaking guideMountain crew including cook and portersOvernight stays in hotels and mountain hutsMeals according to the itineraryDrinking waterAll national park feesAll mentioned transfers

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about 6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route

5.0

based on 2 reviews

Juan Dela CruzVerified Traveler

Apr 7, 2025

5.0

5.0 out of 5

Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Climb

Our Kilimanjaro climb happened on 1st January, 2025 was an experience of a lifetime. The guides including Gabriel were highly professional and ensured we were comfortable every step of the way. The porters and cooks were fantastic, making sure we had delicious meals and enough rest. Their expertise made the summit possible! 100% recommend!

Saba SugunavelVerified Traveler

Dec 18, 2023

5.0

5.0 out of 5

Personalized attention!

A customized trip that made our trip most memorable and enjoyable! Thanks to the dependable team, our family of 3 summitted Kili, relaxed the following in some choice accommodations across parks of Tanzania - Serengeti, Ngorongoro and such! Highly recommended!

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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 801 customer reviews from

Emmanuel

Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!

1 week ago

Itinerary

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Wildlife, landscapes and nature

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Special interests and hobbies

Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Marangu Gate (1,830 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

day 2 - Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

day 3 - Horombo Hut – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut

day 4 - Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

day 5 - Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut

day 6 - Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Climb

Personalized attention!

Tour Availability

Monthly Price Comparison

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

Why Book with Bookmundi

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

Emmanuel

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Itinerary

day 1 - Marangu Gate (1,830 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

day 2 - Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

day 3 - Horombo Hut – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut

day 4 - Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

day 5 - Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut

day 6 - Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha

Altitude Map