6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

Before beginning our trek, we depart Moshi or Arusha for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities. The hiking trail begins by ascending through a beautiful tropical rainforest. During this phase, you should expect mild rain, fog, and mud. We may see blue monkeys at the upper edge of the forest line. The trail then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

Distance: 8km
Habitat: Montane forest
Time: 4 to 5 hours

After breakfast, hikers begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland. Along the way, you will pass Maundi Crater and can climb to its rim for a spectacular view of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. After about 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m), which is located on a small plateau.

Distance: 11km

Habitat: Moorland

Time: 5 to 6 hours

Today's purpose is to help your body acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization should not be underestimated, as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a trek to Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give this rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will await you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain strength for the following day's hike. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. An alpine desert characterizes the area, and this campsite has no water. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day.

Distance: 11km

Habitat: Alpine desert

Time: 5 to 6 hours

We begin our push to the summit very 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. We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (5685m), you will be rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. From the crater rim at Gilman's Point, you will trek to Stella Point (5756m) and continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and on the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking photographs at the Roof of Africa and celebrating your accomplishment, you will begin descending to Kibo Hut. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut, we rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After lunch, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Distance: 22km

Habitat: Alpine desert / Arctic summit / Moorland

Time: 7 hours to Uhuru / 3 hours back to Kibo / 3 hours to Horombo

On our last day, we trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Distance: 19km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Time: 6 to 8 hours