6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Hike via Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

• After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hostel or hotel in Moshi and driven to the starting point at Marangu Gate, approximately 45 minutes away.
• Complete registration and begin your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest.
• Along the way, you'll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide explains some of the local flora and fauna.
• This is also a perfect chance to witness Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly coloured birds. Mandara Hut is a group of dormitory-style wooden huts with solar-generated lighting. The camp accommodates up to 60 hikers and has all necessary facilities, including water and toilets.

Elevation Gain: 870 meters / 2,900 feet

Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

• On your second day, you'll embark on a hike along a slightly steeper trail to Horombo Hut. The trail passes through more Montane Forest before transitioning into the moorland vegetation zone, where you'll find rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees.
• Once in the open moorland, you'll also have the opportunity to see plants such as giant lobelia and giant groundsel, which can grow to an impressive 16 feet in height.
• After approximately six hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut, where you'll have hot water to wash, an evening meal, and an overnight rest. Horombo is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara but with a total capacity of 120 climbers.

Elevation Gain: 1,020 meters / 3,300 feet

Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours

Habitat: Moorland

• An extra day at Horombo Hut gives you the opportunity to acclimatize and improve your chances of reaching the summit. There are several walks in the vicinity of the huts, all strongly recommended to further support the acclimatization process. The most popular hike is to Mawenzi Saddle, passing Zebra Rocks along the way. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly (pole, pole).
• After the 4 to 5-hour round-trip hike, you'll enjoy an evening meal before heading to bed early for a good night's rest.

• Wake up early to catch the sunrise and take some great photos. After a full breakfast, you will continue trekking at a slow pace through the heathland, which quickly turns into an almost lunar-like landscape as you enter the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. During this hike, you may begin to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, so pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed.
• From here, you will start to get fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit before arriving at Kibo Hut - a drystone-walled hut with dormitories and limited facilities. Rest for the evening at Kibo Huts and prepare for your final ascent to the summit.

Elevation Gain: 980 meters / 3,200 feet

Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• This is where the going gets really tough. Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree, following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
• After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal - Uhuru Peak. Congratulations! You have now made it to the "Roof of Africa".
• Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will spend there, but it is important to start your descent in good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Horombo Huts. After your rest, you'll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Horombo Huts (3,720m), where you'll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep.

• After breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro, following a scenic path through the forest to Marangu Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate.
• Then it's time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer.

Elevation Loss: 1,890 meters / 6,200 feet

Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest