6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Spot blue monkeys as you hike through Kilimanjaro's tropical rainforest
• 02 Take in views of Kibo and Mawenzi, two of Kilimanjaro's volcanic peaks
• 03 Cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
• 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa
• 05 Watch a magnificent sunrise from Gilman's Point over Mawenzi Peak

Plan a trek to Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, where the trail climbs through a stunning tropical rainforest with chances to spot blue monkeys near the upper forest edge. As you ascend, the path opens to reveal beautiful hillsides, high moorland, and views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Continue across varied landscapes, from lush rainforest and alpine meadows to the lunar desert of the Saddle, before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with what is likely to be the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut through Rainforest

• Depart from Moshi for Marangu Gate to complete the necessary formalities before beginning the trek.
• The hiking trail begins with an ascent through a beautiful tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we may spot blue monkeys. The trail then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides before we reach Mandara Hut.

2

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut across Moorland

• Start the day by continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland.
• We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that form the summit of Kilimanjaro.

3

Day 03

Acclimatization Hike on Mawenzi Ridge

• This extra day is meant for acclimatization and can be spent hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
• After spending some time exploring the area, we head back to Horombo Hut.

4

Day 04

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut via the Saddle

• 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. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day.

5

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak

• 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 (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with what is likely to be the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
• Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• After taking in the plains of Africa and celebrating your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut.
• Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

6

Day 06

Descent to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

• On our last day, we have a long trek, mostly downhill, through the tropical rainforest.
• Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, we collect our summit certificates. Transportation will then take us back to the hotel in Moshi.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Guide
• Park fees
• Tax
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Gate transfer
• Crew wages
• Fair and sustainable salary crew wages
• Environment fees
• During the climb, you will sleep in huts
• 4 breakfasts
• 5 lunches
• 5 dinners
• Drinking water
• Porters
• Cook

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Items of a personal nature
• Laundry services
• Tips to the mountain crew

Know before you go

The six-day Marangu Route climb is also referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route, as it is considered the easiest path on the mountain due to its gradual slope and direct path. It is the oldest and most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers dormitory-style sleeping huts. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. The 6-day Marangu Route Climbing Kilimanjaro Trekking & Hikes tour is, unfortunately, less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent follow the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. We offer Marangu Route climbs for five and six days.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Marangu, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.