6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

• You will be driven to Marangu Gate (1800m) to begin the trek through a thick rainforest. The walk takes 3-4 hours to reach Mandara Hut (2727m). Mandara Hut is situated on the border of the forest belt below the Maundi Crater. Here, you will have dinner and stay overnight.

Distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

• After breakfast, walk for 5-6 hours at a slow pace, following a path through the forest and then through the heather and moorland zone. From here, you can view Kilimanjaro's two peaks and Moshi town, with an on-the-way lunch box. Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m) for dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath Land

• This is a perfect day for acclimatization and for seeing the amazing Zebra Rocks, which look just like zebra stripes. Hike for 2-3 hours and then return to Horombo Hut for lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Elevation Gain and Loss: 2,900 feet

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath Land

• This is a hard day as you climb to Kibo Hut (4703 m), taking 5-6 hours across the barren sub-alpine terrain of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, with a picnic lunch box along the way. You will relax on arrival to prepare for the next stage, which begins shortly after midnight. Starting very early at around 12:00, follow the zigzag path up the scree slope, frequently stopping to catch your breath in the starlit air. This is the steepest and most demanding section of the climb, taking five hours to reach Gillman's Point (5685m). Gillman's Point offers excellent views of the Eastern Ice Fields. See the sunrise behind Mawenzi Peak, illuminating the plain. Then walk a further 45 minutes around the crater and up to the highest point, Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the spectacular glaciers illuminated by the sunrise. After that, descend for 3-4 hours to Kibo Hut (3720m), with a rest at Kibo Hut en route. Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• This is a more leisurely day, as you have the luxury of walking downhill on the way to Horombo Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance: 4 km ascent, 14 km descent

Hiking Time: 10-15 hours

Habitat: Artic

• This is also a much easier day, as you walk downhill from Horombo Hut to the gate, where a waiting vehicle at Marangu Gate will transfer you to Moshi.

Distance: 18 km

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

End of trek.