M&K African Adventures

Kilimanjaro Trek - Marangu Route

6-Day Scenic Trek to Africa's Highest Peak

5,895m (19,341 ft) Summit

Trek Overview

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our 6-day Marangu Route trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging nature, this path offers stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization opportunities. The Marangu Route is the most popular choice for trekkers due to its high success rate and breathtaking landscapes.

Trek Highlights

  • Climb Africa's highest peak - Uhuru Peak at 5,895m
  • Experience diverse ecosystems from rainforest to arctic summit
  • Excellent acclimatization with "climb high, sleep low" strategy
  • Conquer the famous Barranco Wall
  • Witness sunrise from the Roof of Africa

What's Included

  • All park fees and conservation charges
  • Experienced mountain guides and support team
  • All meals during the trek
  • Quality tents and camping equipment
  • Porters to carry equipment (15kg limit per person)

Not Included

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tanzania airport transfers
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
6
6 Days / 5 Nights

Route Details

  • Marangu Gate to Marangu Gate
  • Total Distance: ~72 km
  • Elevation Gain: 4,200m

Best Time to Trek

January-March & June-October

Difficulty Level

Challenging - requires good fitness

Route Overview

The Marangu Route offers stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization with its "climb high, sleep low" approach

Marangu Gate
1,800m
Mandara Hut
2,835m
Horombo Hut
3,850m
Barranco Camp
3,976m

3,995m
Kibo Hut
4,673m
Uhuru Peak
5,895m
Horombo Hut
3,110m
Marangu Gate
1,640m

Elevation Profile

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,800m)Mandara Hut (2,835m)
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,835m)Horombo Hut (3,850m)
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,850m)Barranco Camp (3,976m)
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,976m)Kibo Hut (4,673m)
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,673m)Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,110m)
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,110m)Marangu Gate (1,640m)

Detailed 6-Day Itinerary

Forest Hike

Begin your adventure at Marangu Gate (1,800m). Trek through lush rainforest for 5–7 hours, covering approximately 11km. Spot colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife as you ascend to Mandara Hut (2,835m).

Hiking Time:

5–7 hours

Distance:

~11 km

Elevation Gain:

+1,035m

Habitat:

Montane Forest

Meals:

Lunch, Dinner

Forest to Moorland

Ascend through heath and moorland zones for 4–6 hours, covering 5–6km. Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak as you reach Shira Plateau. Spend the night at Horombo Hut (3,850m), acclimatizing to the higher elevation.

Hiking Time:

4–6 hours

Distance:

~5–6 km

Elevation Gain:

+1,015m

Habitat:

Heath and Moorland

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization Day

Hike for 6–8 hours through alpine desert to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization. After lunch, descend to Barranco Camp (3,976m) through stunning valleys with giant senecios and lobelias.

Hiking Time:

6–8 hours

Distance:

~10 km

Elevation:

+780m / -654m

Habitat:

Moorland to Alpine Desert

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Barranco Wall to Base Camp

Conquer the famous Barranco Wall (a scramble rather than a climb) with breathtaking views. Traverse the Karanga Valley for a lunch stop, then continue to Kibo Hut. A longer hiking day (7–9 hours) positions you for the midnight summit push.

Hiking Time:

7–9 hours

Distance:

~10–12 km

Elevation Gain:

+697m

Habitat:

Moorland to Alpine Desert

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Summit Day

Begin your summit push at midnight. Trek 6–8 hours to Stella Point (5,756m) for sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa! After celebrations, descend to Horombo Hut (3,110m).

Hiking Time:

12–16 hours

Distance:

~17–19 km

Elevation:

+1,222m / -2,785m

Habitat:

Arctic to Rainforest

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Final Descent

Descend through the rainforest for 3–4 hours to Marangu Gate (1,640m). Receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement! Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Hiking Time:

3–4 hours

Distance:

~10 km

Elevation Loss:

-1,470m

Habitat:

Rainforest

Meals:

Breakfast

Why Choose the Marangu Route?

High Success Rate

The 6-day Marangu Route has a summit success rate of over 90% thanks to its excellent acclimatization profile. The "climb high, sleep low" strategy significantly reduces altitude sickness risks.

Stunning Scenery

Experience diverse landscapes - from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and the arctic summit zone. The Marangu Route offers the most varied scenery of all Kilimanjaro routes.

Smaller Crowds

While popular, Marangu has fewer trekkers than the Marangu Route. Our carefully planned itineraries avoid crowded campsites for a more peaceful experience.

Preparation Tips

Physical Training

Start training at least 3 months before your trek. Focus on cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Include hiking with a weighted backpack and stair climbing in your regimen.

Recommended:

3-4 cardio sessions per week, weekend hikes with elevation gain, strength training 2x/week

Packing Essentials

Quality hiking boots
Layered clothing system
4-season sleeping bag
Headlamp with extra batteries
Trekking poles
High SPF sunscreen

Health Considerations

Consult your doctor about altitude sickness medication. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m.

Ready to Conquer Kilimanjaro?

Join our expert-guided trek for an unforgettable adventure to the Roof of Africa