5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

• After breakfast and a consultation, a driver will take you to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), where hikers will register and begin the climb. You will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Hut area. A side trip to Maundi Crater is an excellent way to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look out for towering eucalyptus trees, Colobus monkeys, and attractive birdlife.

Rising: 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m

Stretch: 7 km

Hike time: 4-5 hours

Climatic Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: L, D

Shelter: Mandara Hut

• Hikers will leave the rainforest clearings and follow an ascending path to the Horombo Hut area on the open hills. Views of the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi are fantastic. Look out for groundsels and giant lobelias along the way. As you gain altitude, you may begin to feel its effects.

Rising: 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
Stretch: 11 km
Hike time: 6-8 hours
Climatic habitat: Heathland/ Moorland
Meals: B, L, D
Shelter: Horombo Hut

• Continuing on the Marangu Route, you will pass the last watering point and walk into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation begins as upper heathland and then disappears into a "moonscape." Hikers will eat, relax, and prepare for the summit climb.

Rising: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m
Stretch: 10 km
Hike time: 6-8 hours
Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Shelter: Kibo Hut

• Very early in the morning, from midnight to 2:00 am, hikers commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, located on the crater rim. From there, continue ascending to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are fantastic and unbelievable views at every turn, and hikers can have their picture taken at the summit to show friends and family. Afterward, descend and stop for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to Horombo Camp. This summit climb begins in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers and jackets. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Hikers are best advised to go slowly, "pole pole," and an optimistic attitude will help get you to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.

Rising: 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
Stretch: 4 km up / 14 km down
Hike time: 10-15 hours
Climatic Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Shelter: Horombo Camp

• 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 showing their success, and the driver will pick you up and take you to the hotel.