Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Summit

6 Days Round trip from Moshi Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route, the mountain's oldest and most well-established trail
02 Stay in dormitory-style mountain huts instead of camping on Kilimanjaro
03 Admire views of Kibo and Mawenzi, two of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic peaks
04 Trek through tropical rainforest, high moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit terrain
05 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu, the oldest and most well-established route on the mountain. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodation instead of camping, and it also includes an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. Over 6 days, trek through rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and arctic summit terrain as you make your way to Uhuru Peak, greatly increasing your chances of success.

At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut through Rainforest

Depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning the trek.
The hiking trail begins by ascending through a beautiful tropical rainforest.
At the upper edge of the forest line, there is an opportunity to see blue monkeys.
The trail then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides until you reach Mandara Hut.

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut across Moorland

Start the day by continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland.
Get your first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks - two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath

Day 03

Acclimatisation Hike from Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

This extra day is meant for acclimatisation and can be spent hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
After spending some time exploring the area, head back to Horombo Hut.

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Heath

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath

Day 04

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut via the Saddle

Climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Your camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

Very early in the morning, around midnight, begin the push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek, and the wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
Ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, descend to Horombo Hut.
Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Day 06

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Return to Arusha

On the last day, enjoy a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest.
Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, collect your summit certificates.
A vehicle will meet you here and drive you back to the Outpost Lodge in Arusha.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Where this trip takes you

Rainforest trails, Mandara Hut, Mawenzi Ridge, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

2 nights' accommodation in Arusha included
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
Professional, experienced, English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guides
All park fees
Rescue fees
All meals while on the mountain
Arrival and departure transfers
Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Accommodation
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Crisis management and safety procedures
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Sleeping mattress
Quality mess tents with table and chairs
Emergency evacuation by Flying Doctor Society of Africa

What's Not Included

Tips & gratuities
Personal expenses

What to bring

Refillable water bottle
Thermal underwear
Thermal hiking socks
Gloves, preferably mittens
Warm head protection
Raincoat
Sunglasses
Sun protection cream
Hiking boots
Hiking or running shoes
Walking stick or ski-pole
Outer jacket
Balaclava
Shorts
Sweaters
T-shirts
Plastic bags for packing items individually
Headlamp with new batteries
Camera with new batteries
Wet wipes
Snacks such as energy bars
Thermal flask
Water purification tablets
ASA 200 or 100 film if using a film camera
Small portable tripod if you are a serious photographer

Know before you go

Before the climb
Be properly equipped
- An essential part of your preparation is ensuring that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print the final checklist and mark it off to make sure you are ready.
Be physically prepared
- It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. A fitness training program will help you get your body in shape for your Kilimanjaro summit expedition.
Mental preparation
- It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully, and many before you have succeeded. This should be top of mind when preparing for your summit attempt. Always remain in a positive state of mind, but do not be overly arrogant. Try to anticipate different scenarios you may encounter on the mountain and work out the most suitable course of action mentally, either by yourself or as a group. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru, easier to complete. Remember, if you are properly equipped, have taken everything indicated on the final checklist, are physically prepared, and have all the knowledge gained from this guide, you will be mentally confident for the physical challenge of Kilimanjaro.
- Adequate travel insurance
- Ensure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance that also covers your climb up Kilimanjaro.
On the mountain
Go slowly
- Go slowly -