From Nairobi: 6 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route in Tanzania

Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

Destination: Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Overnight: Mandara Huts.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your day commences with a trip to Marangu Gate to finalize the required permit registration and formalities prior to embarking on the climb. This route rises through verdant tropical rainforest, bordering the upper edge where you might observe lively blue monkeys. As you progress upward, the trail expands to showcase the picturesque hillsides of Kilimanjaro, ultimately guiding you to the Mandara Huts.

Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

Destination: Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath / Moorland

Overnight: Horombo Huts.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

On your second day on the Marangu Route Kilimanjaro trail, you’ll start with a steep climb through the lush forest before emerging into the high moorland. If the weather is clear, you'll be rewarded with your first view of Kibo and Mawenzi, two of the three volcanic peaks on Kilimanjaro that form the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Horombo Huts (Aclimatization Day)

Destination: Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Overnight: Horombo Huts.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This day is set aside for the purpose of acclimatization. You will embark on a brief hike either towards or all the way to Mawenzi Huts before returning. Throughout the journey, the unique landscape of Kilimanjaro provides breathtaking views of both Kibo and Mawenzi.

Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Destination: Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Overnight: Kibo Huts.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s Marangu Route Kilimanjaro hike begins with a gradual ascent before crossing the barren lunar landscape of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll arrive at the Kibo huts campsite nestled at the base of Kibo’s crater wall, where you’ll have time to rest, enjoy an early lunch and light supper, and get ready for the summit attempt.

Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

Destination: Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 22 km

Hiking Time: 10-13 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Overnight: Horombo Huts.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

You will wake up in the middle of the night to begin the final push toward the Roof of Africa. The trail to Gilman’s Point is steep, and the climb will be taken at a slow, steady pace. From Gilman’s, you’ll traverse the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak. After a brief stop at the Uhuru summit to take photos and admire the most breathtaking views, you will begin your descent back to Horombo Huts Camp.

Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

Destination: Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro National Park

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Overnight: Panama Garden Resort & Spa

Meals Plan: Breakfast, & Lunch

This day entails an extensive hike along the Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro; however, the majority of the path is downhill. Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro National Park headquarters located at Marangu Gate, you will be awarded a certificate recognizing your achievement before being transported by vehicle to your mid-range accommodation in Moshi.

Moshi to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

You will be taken to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO for your departure.