Tanzania · Trekking

5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

5 Days Round trip from Marangu Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert landscapes on Mount Kilimanjaro
02 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 metres and witness sunrise from Africa's highest point
03 Stay in comfortable mountain huts along the Marangu Route
04 Admire spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak along the trail

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Marangu Route and experience one of Africa's most iconic trekking adventures. Hike through lush rainforest, alpine moorland, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes while staying in comfortable mountain huts along the trail. Ascend gradually toward Uhuru Peak at 5895 metres, the highest point in Africa, and witness a spectacular sunrise from the summit. This guided trek offers breathtaking scenery, well-supported trekking, and an unforgettable journey across diverse ecosystems on Kilimanjaro.

Ascend gradually toward Uhuru Peak at 5895 metres, the highest point in Africa, and witness a spectacular sunrise from the summit.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through Rainforest

Begin the trek at Marangu Gate and hike through lush rainforest on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Cover a distance of approximately 8 km in about 4 to 5 hours.
Ascend from an altitude of 1860 metres to 2720 metres.
Spot monkeys, birds, and giant ferns along the trail.
Arrive at Mandara Hut for an overnight stay.

Enjoy dinner and rest with an early night for acclimatisation.

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across Moorland

Continue trekking from Mandara Hut through open moorland and scenic valleys.
Cover approximately 12 km in about 6 to 7 hours.
Ascend from 2720 metres to 3720 metres.
Observe unique alpine plants such as giant lobelias and groundsels along the trail.
Reach Horombo Hut and take an optional acclimatisation hike nearby.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut in the Alpine Desert

Depart from Horombo Hut and hike through the alpine desert zone.
Trek approximately 11 km in about 6 to 7 hours.
Ascend from 3720 metres to 4700 metres.
Enjoy dramatic views of Mawenzi Peak along the trail.
Arrive at Kibo Hut, located at the base of the summit cone.
Rest early to prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Day 04

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

Begin the midnight summit push from Kibo Hut toward Gilman's Point.
Continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 metres, the highest point in Africa.
Cover approximately 17 km over 10 to 12 hours.
Ascend from 4700 metres to 5895 metres before descending to 3720 metres.
Witness sunrise from the summit.
Descend back to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.

Day 05

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Descent

Depart from Horombo Hut and trek down through moorland and rainforest.
Cover approximately 20 km in about 5 to 6 hours.
Descend from 3720 metres to 1860 metres.
Return to Marangu Gate for celebration certificates and departure.

Where this trip takes you

Marangu Gate, Mandara Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Marangu 2 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional guides and porters for safety and support
Park fees and rescue fees for Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on the mountain
Sleeping bag and basic hut bedding
Transport from Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate and back
Summit certificates upon reaching Uhuru Peak
Water and hot drinks during trekking
Emergency oxygen and first aid kits

What's Not Included

Flights to and from Tanzania
Visa fees and travel insurance
Personal gear (trekking clothes, boots, gloves, hat, etc.)
Alcoholic drinks or personal snacks
Tips for guides and porters (optional but appreciated)
Accommodation in Moshi or Arusha before or after the climb (unless booked separately)
Extra activities outside the climb (e.g. sightseeing, cultural tours)

What to bring

Waterproof jacket and pants
Warm insulated jacket, down or synthetic
Thermal base layers, top and bottom
Fleece or warm mid-layer
Trekking pants and shirts
Warm hat and sun hat
Warm waterproof gloves
Several pairs of hiking socks
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Comfortable shoes or sandals for huts
Warm sleeping bag rated to about minus ten degrees
Daypack, 30 to 40 litres, for personal items
Duffel bag for porters to carry
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses with UV protection
Trekking poles
Water bottles or hydration system, 2 to 3 litres
Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal items
Personal first aid kit and medications
Toiletries and wet wipes
Energy snacks
Camera or phone for photos
Passport and travel insurance documents

Know before you go

Good physical fitness and stamina are important when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Regular hiking, cardio, and endurance training before the trek will help prepare your body.
The summit reaches 5895 metres at Uhuru Peak, where altitude sickness can occur. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and follow your guide's instructions to acclimatise properly.
The best months to climb are January to March and June to October, when weather conditions are generally clearer and drier.
The Marangu Route offers mountain huts instead of camping, making it one of the more comfortable trekking routes on the mountain.
Temperatures vary greatly, from warm rainforest conditions at the base to below freezing near the summit, so layered clothing is essential.
All climbs must be done with licensed guides and porters, who carry equipment and help ensure safety during the trek.
Carry a valid passport, Tanzanian visa, and travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Respect the mountain environment and follow the Leave No Trace principle to help preserve Mount Kilimanjaro for future climbers.