The 6-Day Marangu Route is the traditional, historical path up Kilimanjaro and the only route to offer the comfort of hut accommodation every night. This itinerary includes a crucial extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization, which significantly increases your chances of a successful and safer summit compared to the 5-day version. We handle all logistics, providing a smooth journey from your JRO arrival to the summit of Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft).
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a friendly GEOMURO TRAVEL representative will warmly greet you and provide a comfortable, shared transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Your accommodations are selected for comfort, featuring cozy rooms, reliable hot water, a swimming pool, and complimentary Internet access. In the early evening, you will meet with our managers and head guide for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing. We will review the route, check your gear, and outline the ascent plan, ensuring you are fully prepared to begin your climb.
Logistics Note: Private tour packages include shared airport transfers. Please coordinate your group’s arrival times to avoid additional individual transfer charges.
After breakfast, we drive to the Marangu Gate (6,046 ft). The trek begins through the lush, misty montane rainforest. The path is well-graded, setting a comfortable, steady pace for the first day. Keep an eye out for Colobus Monkeys! We arrive at Mandara Hut (8,858 ft), located right on the edge of the forest, where you can settle into your unique hut accommodation (dormitory-style).
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: approx. 8,858 ft.
We leave the dense forest behind and climb into the open moorland zone. The views expand dramatically, offering your first clear sightings of the jagged Mawenzi Peak and the immense Kibo Peak. The ascent is steady, leading us to the lively hub of Horombo Hut (12,205 ft). We settle in here, preparing for tomorrow’s crucial rest day.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: approx. 12,205 ft.
This is the most crucial difference between the 5- and 6-day routes: a dedicated acclimatization day. We spend the day resting, hydrating, and taking an optional short, guided hike up towards Mawenzi Hut or the Zebra Rocks (climb high, sleep low). This extra time at altitude significantly prepares your body for the summit, dramatically improving your chances of success.
Hiking: 1-3 hours (optional acclimatization walk).
Overnight Altitude: approx. 12,205 ft.
We leave Horombo and traverse the vast, high-altitude alpine desert plateau, known as ‘The Saddle,’ which links the two main peaks. The landscape is stark and dramatically beautiful. We arrive early at Kibo Hut (15,430 ft), your exposed base camp at the foot of the crater wall. The afternoon is dedicated entirely to resting and preparing your gear for the midnight start.
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Overnight Altitude: approx. 15,430 ft.
The final test begins at midnight. We ascend into the darkness up the difficult scree slopes, aiming for Gilman’s Point and ultimately Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) for the glorious sunrise. After celebrating the triumph at the “Roof of Africa,” we begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a quick lunch and continue all the way down to Horombo Hut (12,205 ft). This is a massively long day of 12-15 hours.
Hiking: 7-9 hours ascent, 5-7 hours descent (Total 12-16 hours)
Summit Altitude: approx. 19,341 ft.
After a well-earned rest, we make the final descent through the familiar moorlands and rainforest to the Marangu Gate. Here, we enjoy a celebratory lunch, present your official summit certificates, and bid farewell to your dedicated mountain team. Our private transfer will take you back to your Arusha hotel for a celebratory dinner and hot shower, with onward transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) scheduled according to your flight.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
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