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

• After breakfast and a briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register, and commence the climb.
• Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

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

Distance: 7 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Climatic Zone: Montane Forest

Meals: L, D

Hut: Mandara Hut

• This is a long day. After breakfast, you will begin with an hour's hike through rainforest glades before ascending through heathland and into the open moorlands, where the vegetation is sparse and dotted with small shrubs.
• Stop halfway for lunch and a short rest. You will be able to spot the two volcanoes at once - Kibo and Mawenzi - before reaching camp, where you will have dinner and stay overnight.

Elevation: 2720 m / 8976 ft to 3720 m / 12276 ft

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

• Ascending further, you will now pass the last watering point, walking into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation begins as upper heathland, then disappears into a "moonscape". Have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m

Distance: 10 km

Time: 6-8 hours

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Hut: Kibo Hut

• Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, located on the crater rim.
• Continuing on, ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are extraordinary views at every turn. You will have some pictures taken at the summit to show your friends and family.
• From here, descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation: 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

Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down

Time: 10-15 hours

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Hut: Horombo Camp

• After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the bush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
• A vehicle will meet you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration. Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport to conclude the tour.

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m

Distance: 18 km

Time: 5-7 hours

Meals: B