5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Hike to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

Distance: 8 km, Hiking Time: 3 hours

• Take a short drive from Moshi town to Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro Park, located on the outskirts of Marangu village, an attractive town with many small coffee and banana plantations.
• After completing the immigration formalities, trek through an attractive primaeval forest to reach the clearing at Mandara Hut. The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. Alternatively, you can rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. Birdlife is abundant around the cottages, and monkeys are also frequently seen.

Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5 hours

• The first part of the trek is a steep climb through the forest, but the route quickly opens onto grassy moorland and, in good weather, offers good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
• Gradually trek through the moorland area containing large heather and ground coffee plantations to finally reach Horombo Hut. The sunrises and sunsets here are often very impressive, the site is close to the glacier dome of Kibo Peak, and being above the clouds is a real experience.

Distance: 9 km, Hiking Times: 5 hours

• Hike very slowly toward the Saddle Moon desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain changes to sandstone, and there is a desert feel at high altitudes.
• You will usually arrive at Kibo Hut at the base of the crater wall around noon, and the afternoon is free to watch the climb to the summit.
• Spend the rest of the day resting and eating in preparation for the final hike before going to bed very early. [4-5 hours walk from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut].

Distance: 9 km, Hiking Time: 5 hours

• Around 1 a.m., start the ascent by torchlight so that you can reach Gillman's Point at sunrise. The initial trail is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some nicely graded switchbacks, and a slow but steady pace takes you up to Gillman's Point. Rest here and spend some time watching the sunrise.
• Continue hiking from Gillman's Point along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, passing the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly quick, and you return to Horombo Hut for the night.

• After breakfast, begin with a pleasant walk across the moorland to Mandara Hut and then continue through a beautiful forest to the Marangu Gate, before heading on to Arusha/Moshi town. The green, lush forest is quite a contrast to summit day and really lets you see how varied the landscape on Kilimanjaro is.
• Then, return to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.