5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

After breakfast, make the short journey from your hotel in Marangu to the national park gate for the necessary formalities. Begin the climb through fascinating tropical rainforest and continue to Mandara Hut for dinner and an overnight stay. Alternatively, you can simply rest and relax in the beautiful forest around the camp.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,700 m): 5-6 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there is no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

Today, the first part of the walk is a steep ascent through the forest, but the path soon opens out into moorland and, in clear weather, there are great views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut by mid-afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around the camp.

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m): 4-6 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there is no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

Today, climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. This 6-7 hour walk is taken at a slow pace until you reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m), where you will spend the night in a comfortable hut. There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent, followed by a very early night.

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m): 4-6 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there is no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

Wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness. Begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree with some well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater at Gillman's Point (5,685 m). Rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, descend to Kibo Hut amazingly fast and stop there for some refreshment before continuing down to Horombo Hut.

Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut (3,720 m): 13-15 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there is no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

Today, descend past Mandara Hut to Marangu National Park, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. From here, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate: 6-7 hours walking.

Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

Departing day: after saying goodbye to your team of guides, your private departure transfer is included from Marangu to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight, unless you choose to add a short safari or another option to be discussed.

Departure day - no accommodation booked for tonight.