6 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route from Arusha in Tanzania (2026 - 2027)

Moshi - 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

You’ll begin the day by heading to Marangu Gate to complete the necessary registration and formalities before starting the trek. The trail ascends through lush tropical rainforest, skirting the upper edge where you may spot playful blue monkeys. As you continue, the path opens up to reveal scenic hillsides, eventually leading to the Mandara Huts Campsite.

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

Horombo Huts to Mawenzi Huts to Horombo Huts (Acclimatization 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 additional day is dedicated to acclimatization. You will hike either towards or all the way to Mawenzi Huts and then return. Along the way, the distinctive landscape provides inspiring 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 hike begins with a gradual ascent before crossing the barren lunar landscape of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll arrive at the campsite nestled at the base of Kibo’s crater wall, where you’ll have time to rest, enjoy an early dinner, 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 ascent toward the Roof of Africa. The path 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 summit to take photos and admire the breathtaking views, you will begin your descent back to Horombo Huts.

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: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, & Lunch

Today involves a long trek, but the route is mostly downhill. Upon reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park headquarters at Marangu Gate, you will receive a certificate recognizing your accomplishment before being transferred by vehicle to your hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

On this day, you will depart by being transferred to Arusha or the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight.