# Marangu route, 6 days

> The oldest route, and the only one where you sleep in huts with bunk beds instead of tents. Gentle gradients, up and down the same path, summiting via Gilman's Point. [NEEDS JOSEPH'S OK]

Guided by Joseph (Joseph Lazaro Kamil). Licensed mountain-climbing guide, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania. Licence no. 039257, valid until 31 Dec 2026.

Canonical page: https://guide-joseph.com/routes/marangu/
Last updated: 2026-10-16

## Key facts

- Duration: 6 days, 5 nights on the mountain
- Total distance: about 70 km (sum of daily distances)
- Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- Summit via: Gilman's Point
- Side of the mountain: South-east
- Start: Marangu Gate. Finish: Marangu Gate
- Drive to the start: About 1 hour from Moshi
- Sleeping: Huts
- Price: $1,650 per person (USD). Prices can change for larger groups. Message me for your final price.
- Other lengths: 5 days, $1,500 (https://guide-joseph.com/routes/marangu/5-days/)

## 5 or 6 days?

The 6-day version adds a rest day at Horombo Hut (3,700 m) with an optional walk towards Mawenzi. Without it you go from 3,700 m to the summit in two days. More days give you a better chance of reaching the summit. In the end it is your choice, but if you are at all concerned, or not a very fit or experienced hiker, I recommend the 6 days.

## What the price includes

- Park fees and hut fees
- All meals on the mountain
- Crew wages
- Hut accommodation
- Sleeping mattress [confirm for huts]
- Dining arrangements [confirm for huts]
- Transport from your hotel to the gate and back

Not included: Tips for your crew, travel insurance, gear (you can rent it from me), hotel nights before and after the climb, and any transport other than to and from the start and finish gates, such as airport transfers.

## Day by day

### Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and a briefing, we drive about 1 hour to the park gate at Marangu, register and start walking. The trail climbs through rainforest to Mandara Hut. Look out for towering eucalyptus trees, birdlife and colobus monkeys.

A short side trip to Maundi Crater gives views over northern Tanzania and Kenya.

- Altitude: 1,860 to 2,700 m (6,100 to 8,875 ft)
- Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Meals: Lunch, dinner

### Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

We leave the rainforest and climb through open moorland to Horombo Hut, with great views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Look out for giant lobelias and groundsels. This is where you may start to feel the altitude.

- Altitude: 2,700 to 3,700 m (8,875 to 12,200 ft)
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

### Day 3: Rest day at Horombo Hut

A rest day to acclimatise, with an optional walk towards Mawenzi.

- Altitude: 3,700 m (12,200 ft)
- Distance: Optional walk
- Hiking time: Optional walk
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

### Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

We pass the last water point and walk onto the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The upper heathland gives way to a bare moonscape. Dinner, rest, and preparation for the summit.

- Altitude: 3,700 to 4,720 m (12,200 to 15,500 ft)
- Distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

### Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut (summit day)

We start between midnight and 2 am, climbing steep, heavy scree (sometimes snow) with many switchbacks to Gilman's Point on the crater rim. It is dark and very cold until we start descending, so you need a headlamp and all your warm layers. This is by far the hardest part of the trek. Go pole pole, slowly, and stay positive.

From Gilman's Point we continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with incredible views on every side.

Then we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo Hut, before continuing to Horombo Hut.

- Altitude: 4,720 to 5,895 to 3,700 m (15,500 to 19,340 to 12,200 ft)
- Distance: 6 km up, 15 km down
- Hiking time: 6–8 h up, 6–8 h down
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

### Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to your hotel

A steady descent through the moorland to Mandara Hut, then through lush forest to the park gate at Marangu. Lower down it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and poles help. Shorts and a T-shirt are usually enough, but keep rain gear and a warm layer handy.

A vehicle meets you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 1 hour.

- Altitude: 3,700 to 1,860 m (12,200 to 6,100 ft)
- Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
- Hiking time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast

## Book

Message Joseph on WhatsApp: +255 745 044 958.