6-Day Kilimanjaro Hike via Marangu Route with Uhuru Peak Summit

Before beginning the trek, the hikers and driver head to Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities. The trail then climbs through tropical rainforest near the upper edge of the forest line, where we sometimes see playful blue monkeys. As the track widens, it reveals beautiful hillsides before reaching Mandara Hut campsite.

Our second day on the Marangu Route begins with a steep ascent through the forest before opening into high moorland. If the sky is clear and free of clouds, we may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi, two of the three volcanic peaks that form the summit of Kilimanjaro.

This extra day is used for acclimatization. We hike towards, or all the way to, Mawenzi Hut and then return to Horombo Hut. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

On day four, hikers climb gradually and then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp, hikers rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit hiking day.

The hikers and team wake in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa. The trail to Gilman's Point is very steep, and the ascent is slow and steady. From Gilman's, the route continues along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. The team stays at the summit for a short time to take photos and enjoy the views before retracing the route all the way back to Horombo Hut.

A long trek is in store for today; however, it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, hikers collect their certificate as proof of their achievement and then take the car transfer to the hotel in Moshi.