5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

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

Acclimatize at Maundi Crater Rim.

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

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

• Start the day by continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. You may 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

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

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

Distance: 9 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Very early in the morning, around midnight, begin your 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 one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see over Mawenzi Peak.
• Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• After spending a few moments in the plains of Africa and celebrating your accomplishment, descend to Horombo Hut.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 19 km

Hiking Time: 7-9 hours

Habitat: Arctic

• On your last day, enjoy a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest.
• Reach the park headquarters at Marangu Gate to collect your summit certificates.
• Drive back to your hotel in Moshi.

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

Distance: 21 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest