6-day Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route with safari

Six days to the summit, then wildlife on the savannah

A 6-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Marangu Route combines the climb to Uhuru Peak with a full-day safari in Tarangire National Park. You sleep in mountain huts, trek through rainforest and alpine desert, and descend through herds of wildlife. An English-speaking guide leads the entire journey, handling logistics and safety while you focus on the climb and the game drive that follows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

• Depart Moshi for Marangu Gate
• Complete formalities at Marangu Gate
• Hike through tropical rain forest
• See blue monkeys near forest edge
• Reach Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

• Hike through forest to high moorland
• View Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
• Arrive at Horombo Hut

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Climb gradually to alpine desert
• Cross lunar desert “Saddle”
• Reach Kibo Hut and rest

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

• Start summit climb around midnight
• Ascend in darkness with breaks
• Watch sunrise at Gilman’s Point
• Reach Uhuru Peak summit
• Descend to Horombo Hut
• Enjoy last dinner on mountain

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

• Hike downhill through tropical rainforest
• Arrive at Marangu Gate
• Collect summit certificates
• Drive back to Moshi

Day 6: Tarangire National Park Day Trip

• Depart early from Moshi or Arusha
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Begin full-day game drive
• Have picnic lunch inside park
• Continue game drive
• Return to Moshi or Arusha

The experience

The trek starts at Marangu Gate and follows a well-established path through five camps over four days. Day one takes you through tropical rainforest for 4 to 5 hours to Mandara Hut, where you sleep in wooden cabins. The second day climbs into high moorland for 6 to 8 hours, opening views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Day three crosses the lunar desert of the Saddle to Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters, where you rest and eat early before the summit push. The hardest day comes next: you leave around midnight and climb 5 kilometers in 6 to 8 hours through arctic conditions to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, watching the sunrise over Mawenzi before descending back to Horombo Hut. The final mountain day is mostly downhill through rainforest back to Marangu Gate, where you collect your summit certificate.

After the climb, a vehicle drives you to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. You depart early and spend 6 to 8 hours on the savannah along the Tarangire River, where elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and zebras gather for water. A picnic lunch happens inside the park, and you return to Moshi or Arusha in the evening. Your guide speaks English and handles all driving. The private 4x4 has a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing.

All meals are included throughout the trek and safari. Mountain huts provide bunk-style beds and basic facilities. Private transportation collects you from Moshi and returns you there at the end. The operator manages permits, park fees and taxes. You bring fitness and determination.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Moshi.
• professional English-speaking guide for the entire 6 days.
• all park fees, permits and taxes.
• accommodation in mountain huts with bunk beds.
• all meals during the trek and safari.
• private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof for the Tarangire game drive.
• picnic lunch inside the park.
• summit certificate upon descent.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearby

Operated by Africa Comfortable Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're climbing Kilimanjaro and want a full safari day afterward. The 6-day timeline lets you do both without cutting either short. Choose Marangu if you prefer sleeping in mountain huts each night over camping, which breaks up the climb into more manageable days.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Marangu Route like compared to other Kilimanjaro paths?

The Marangu Route is the most established trail on the mountain, with hut accommodation every night instead of camping. It ascends through distinct habitats (rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and arctic zone), and descends the same way, so you see the landscape change as you climb and again as you come down.

How much climbing happens on summit day?

Summit day starts around midnight from Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters and climbs 5 kilometers to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, taking 6 to 8 hours. The ascent is steep and cold, with frequent short breaks. You reach Gilman's Point at 5,681 meters and watch the sunrise over Mawenzi Peak before the final push to the summit.

What wildlife will I see on the Tarangire safari?

Tarangire is known for large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and seasonal swamps. The game drive along the Tarangire River offers chances to spot lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and numerous bird species, especially during the dry season when animals concentrate around the water.

Do I need experience climbing mountains to do this trek?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trek is not technical, but altitude and the long daily distances, up to 8 hours of hiking, demand endurance and acclimatization. Your guide manages the pace and safety throughout.

What's included in the price?

The package includes private transportation from Moshi, professional guide services in English, all park fees and taxes, meals throughout the trek and safari, accommodation in mountain huts, and a private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof for the game drive. Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver are optional.