6 Days Marangu Route
Extended Marangu Route with extra acclimatization day for better success rate.
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Route Details
Route Highlights
The 6-day Marangu Route offers better acclimatization than the 5-day option. An extra day at Horombo Hut allows your body to adjust to the altitude, significantly improving your chances of reaching the summit.
Why Choose This Route?
Hut accommodation
Difficulty Breakdown
Moderate
Good fitness and some hiking experience recommended
Physical Requirements
- ✓Good fitness level
- ✓Ability to walk 6-8 hours per day
- ✓Some hiking experience preferred
- ✓Regular exercise routine
Challenges to Expect
- !Steeper sections
- !Longer days
- !Altitude effects
Training Recommendations
Cardiovascular Training
- • 3-4 times per week
- • 30-60 minutes per session
- • Hiking, running, or cycling
- • Include hill training
Strength Training
- • 2-3 times per week
- • Focus on legs and core
- • Squats, lunges, step-ups
- • Build endurance
Note: Altitude affects everyone differently. Even with excellent fitness, proper acclimatization is essential. Our 6-day itinerary is designed to maximize your chances of success through gradual altitude gain.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Begin at Marangu Gate (1,860m), the most developed trailhead on Kilimanjaro. After registration, trek through beautiful montane rainforest on a well-maintained path. The forest is rich with wildlife - look for colobus monkeys and colorful birds. The trail climbs steadily through lush vegetation. Arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700m) after 4-5 hours. The hut complex includes sleeping quarters, dining hall, and solar lighting - a comfortable first night.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Leave the forest and enter moorland with giant heather and volcanic rocks. The landscape opens dramatically with views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Cross the "saddle" between the peaks with expansive vistas. The trail climbs steadily through increasingly sparse vegetation. Reach Horombo Hut (3,720m) after 5-7 hours. This large hut complex sits on a plateau with spectacular mountain views.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
A crucial acclimatization day that significantly improves summit chances. Take a day hike toward Mawenzi Peak, climbing to around 4,200m before returning to Horombo. The hike offers spectacular views and allows your body to adjust to altitude. Alternatively, rest at camp and explore the surrounding area. The extra day dramatically improves the success rate compared to the 5-day option. Spend the afternoon hydrating, resting, and preparing for the summit push.
Trek across the lunar-like landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks known as the "saddle." All vegetation disappears as you enter high-altitude desert. The terrain is barren volcanic scree and rock. Views are spectacular but the altitude is challenging - walk slowly. Reach Kibo Hut (4,700m) after 5-7 hours at the base of the summit cone. The basic hut provides shelter before the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate well, check equipment, eat early dinner, and sleep before midnight departure.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Begin around midnight, climbing steeply through darkness toward Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. The scree path is extremely challenging in the thin air. Reach Gilman's Point at sunrise for spectacular crater and glacier views. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa's highest point. The achievement is incredible after the week's effort. Descend back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m). This 11-16 hour day is the ultimate physical and mental challenge.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Summit Day Tips
- Start very early (midnight to 2 AM)
- Dress in warm layers
- Bring headlamp with extra batteries
- Stay hydrated and maintain slow, steady pace
Final descent through moorland and back into lush rainforest. Stop at Mandara Hut (2,700m) for lunch and a rest. Continue through beautiful forest as the air becomes warmer and richer. The trail can be muddy especially after rain. Arrive at Marangu Gate (1,860m) after 5-7 hours total. Sign out and receive your summit certificate - gold for Uhuru Peak. Transportation awaits to return you to your hotel for celebration and a hot shower.
Professional Mountain Guides
Serengeti Times Luxury Safaris employs the finest talent for Kilimanjaro expeditions. Our guides and their mountain crews are true professionals who have led hundreds of successful climbs.
Seasoned mountain professionals
Wilderness First Responders
What's Included
- ✓All meals and accommodation during the trek
- ✓Professional mountain guides and porters
- ✓National park fees and climbing permits
- ✓Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kit
- ✓High-quality camping equipment
- ✓Two medical check-ups daily for altitude monitoring
Route Map
Loading map...Why This Route
Hut accommodation
Choose Your Perfect Duration
We offer three different itineraries for this route. Compare them below to find the best option for your fitness level and schedule.
6-Day Itinerary Details
Why Choose 6 Days?
- Fastest route option
- Good for experienced hikers
- Budget-friendly
- Less acclimatization time
Considerations
- Extra acclimatization day
- Crater camp option
- Lower success rate
Ready to book the 6-day itinerary?
Expert Tip
For first-time climbers, we strongly recommend the 7 or 8-day itinerary. The extra acclimatization time significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit and makes the experience more enjoyable. The 6-day option is better suited for experienced high-altitude trekkers.
6 Route - Summit Success Rate
We've gathered detailed statistics on all Kilimanjaro routes over the years. Here are the success rates for reaching the Crater Rim and Uhuru Peak on the 6 route.
Crater Rim
of our climbers reach the Crater Rim (5,685m / 18,652ft)
Uhuru Peak
of our climbers reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
Total Climbers
successful summits with Serengeti Times Luxury Safaris since 2015
Success Rates by Itinerary Duration
Based on data from thousands of our climbers
| Itinerary | Crater Rim Success | Uhuru Peak Success |
|---|---|---|
Lemosho 6-day | 85.5% | 84.1% |
Lemosho 7-dayBEST | 96.5% | 94.9% |
Lemosho 8-day | 95% | 93.8% |
Why Our Success Rates Are Higher
Optimal Acclimatization
Our itineraries are designed for maximum acclimatization, with gradual altitude gain and strategic rest days.
Experienced Guides
All our guides have 7+ years of experience and undergo regular training in wilderness first aid and high-altitude medicine.
Superior Equipment
We provide high-quality camping equipment, emergency oxygen, and comprehensive medical kits on every climb.
Twice-Daily Health Checks
Our guides monitor oxygen saturation and vital signs twice daily to catch altitude issues early.
Nutritious Meals
Our mountain cooks prepare fresh, high-calorie meals to keep your energy levels up and support acclimatization.
Flexible Pacing
We maintain the "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) philosophy, allowing your body time to adapt to the altitude.
⚠️Important Note
Why the 8-day option has a slightly lower success rate: The reason lies in the type of climbers it attracts. Many trained hikers choose the 6-day trek and, thanks to their skills, reach the summit despite the greater difficulty. In contrast, the 8-day trek is popular among beginners with no trekking experience at high altitudes. This lack of experience makes the climb more challenging for them, even on the route option that offers a better acclimatization profile.
Kilimanjaro Packing List
Get your gear ready! Here's a comprehensive checklist of everything you'll need for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Important Packing Tips
- • Weight limit: Porter duffel bags are limited to 15kg (33 lbs)
- • Layering is key: Weather changes dramatically from base to summit
- • Break in boots: Wear your hiking boots for at least 50 miles before the trek
- • Test your gear: Make sure everything works before you arrive in Tanzania
Don't Have All the Gear?
No worries! We offer high-quality gear rental services for all essential items including sleeping bags, trekking poles, and clothing.
- ✓High-quality, well-maintained equipment
- ✓Competitive rental prices
- ✓Reserve in advance or rent on arrival
Popular Rental Items
Join Our Group Departures
Choose from our scheduled group climbs and join fellow adventurers on your journey to the summit
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers! Here are the most common questions about climbing Kilimanjaro.
Still Have Questions?
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What Our Travelers Say
Hear from adventurers who have experienced this amazing journey with Serengeti Times
"Outstanding experience! The guides were professional and the organization was flawless."
"Best decision ever! Serengeti Times Luxury Safaris made our dream adventure come true."
"Incredible journey with amazing guides. Highly recommend Serengeti Times Luxury Safaris!"
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