6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

• We will head to Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rainforest near the upper edge of the forest line, where we sometimes see playful blue monkeys. The path then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

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

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Hut: Mandara Hut

• Our second day on the trail starts with a steep ascent through the forest and then opens into high moorland. If the sky is clear, we might get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, the two volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath / Moorland

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

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

• On this day, we climb gently and then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp, we rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for summit day.

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

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• We will wake up 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 will be slow and steady.
• From Gilman's Point, it is a traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak.
• We will stay at the summit for a short time to take photos and enjoy the views before retracing our steps all the way back to Horombo Hut.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 22 km

Hiking Time: 10-13 hours

Habitat: Arctic

• A long trek is in store for today; however, it is mostly downhill.
• Once we reach park headquarters at Marangu Gate, we pick up our certificate that proves our achievement and catch our vehicle transfer to the hotel in Moshi.

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

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest