5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

• Meet your tour guide, who will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• Depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning the trek. The hiking trail starts by ascending through a beautiful tropical rainforest.
• See blue monkeys at the upper edge of the forest line. The trail then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides until you reach Mandara Hut. Acclimatize at the Maundi Crater rim.

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

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

• Start the day by continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland.
• Enjoy the 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 lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. Your camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. Once here, 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

• Begin the summit hike early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
• Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
• Arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and 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

• Start a long trek, mostly downhill, through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you here and drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

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

Distance: 21 km/12 miles

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest