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Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 6 Days is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular – mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers. This could partly be a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier. This is not always the best way, due to a shorter acclimatization period, so we recommend taking the Marangu route as 6 days trek.
Tour Pricing
Tour Pricing
| Price From | Max People | Min Age |
|---|---|---|
| $1,850.00 | 15 | 5+ |
| Number of People | Cost Per Person in US($) Classic Package | Cost Per Person in US($) Premium Package |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,524 | $2,100 |
| 2 People | $1,404 | $1,870 |
| 3 People | $1,394 | $1,820 |
| 4 People | $1,374 | $1,790 |
| 5 People | $1,369 | $1,770 |
| 6 People | $1,369 | $1,760 |
| 7 People | $1,362 | $1,750 |
| 8 People | $1,354 | $1,740 |
| 9 People | $1,352 | $1,730 |
| 10 People + | $1,349 | $1,720 |
Tour Accommodations
| Classic Package | Premium Package |
|---|---|
| 2 nights Accommodations at your own choice of hotel according to your budget | 2 nights Accommodations on BB at either of the following Panama Garden resort or Ameg Lodge |
Tour Map
The Marangu route does however offer you the many options of spending acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends the Marangu route to a 6-day trek greatly increasing your chances of success. However, the success rate with the Marangu route is much lower compared with other Kilimanjaro routes.
Shared hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. The main itinerary difference between the Marangu 5-day and 6-day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. Kibo Huts are always recommended to have at least 1 day in town before starting your trek.
This route is a great choice for those coming during the rainy season (March through June -because let’s face it, camping is no fun in the rain!). Taking this route over 6 days will greatly help you with an extra day of acclimatization.
This route has wonderful views and opportunities of both peaks of Kilimanjaro (Kibo and Mawenzi). It is worthwhile noting that it is the only route of Kilimanjaro where you ascend and descend using the same route.
Tour Highlights on Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 6 Days
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request
- Season: All year round
- Suitable for: Moderate fitness with previous trekking experience ideal
- Pros: One of the shorter routes, this may be an option for those on a tight time frame and/or budget. With accommodation in huts it can also be a good option during rainy season.
- Cons: Trek goes ascends and descends via the same path and approaches the summit from the steeper route via
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO), where you will meet an Go Ahead Trip representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essential for a comfortable stay : cozy rooms , hot water , a swimming pool and internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Day 2
Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar-generated lighting. Next to the central hut, there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack and then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest
Day 3
Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Following breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4
Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization Day
At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut and lunch will either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.
Day 5
Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).
Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6
Summit Attempt - Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.
At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 7
Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive Kilimanjaro certificates. After receiving the certificates, you will drive back to your hotel in Moshi.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 27 kilometers
Day 8
Departure
Rest in the hotel before the transfer to the airport for your flight home.
- Two way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
We aim to keep the size of the public groups to a minimum, as we feel that a group that is much larger than ten trekkers is cumbersome and trekkers lose the sense that they are in a wilderness if there are too many people. That said, if you are a single, private group, then there is no problem accommodating you whatever the size of the group, as, of course, you will be aware before arriving in Tanzania of the number of people you will be trekking with.
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own Tanzanian company. So you can rest assured that whoever you speak to in our company has climbed Kilimanjaro – and probably many times.
There are no charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro. We recommend bringing Power Banks and spare batteries. There are charging ports in our safari vehicles.
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese, and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken, and meat. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will be available as well.
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
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