6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route with Hut Stays

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft

• Depart from Moshi on a 45-minute drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
• Wait for the permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
• Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide explains the local flora and fauna.

At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

• After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels.
• Continue up into open moorlands, where small shrubs are the main vegetation.
• Stop halfway for lunch and enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi.
• Arrive at the Horombo Huts in the late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

• Spend a full day and a second night at Horombo.
• Either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to Mawenzi Base Camp.
• Return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help with acclimatization and further understanding of the mountain's weather and altitude.

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

• After breakfast, continue through the dwindling heathland, which blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo.
• Stop for lunch.
• Cross this surprisingly large saddle and examine the summit climb up Kibo, which will begin in just a few hours.

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3690m/12,100ft

• Start early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
• Continue to the summit in a switchback formation, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead.
• Ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman's Point on the crater rim. Experience the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
• Complete the remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Encounter snow all the way.
• Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
• After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment.
• Descend to Horombo Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest.

We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Horombo Hut.

Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft

• After breakfast, and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with the crew, it's time to say goodbye.
• Continue the descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch.
• Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since they will be leaving from here.
• Return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates.
• As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
• From the gate, a vehicle will drive back to the hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.