5-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek with Christmas Day Summit

5 Days Round trip from Marangu Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, on Christmas Day
02 Trek the Marangu Route through rainforest, heath, moorland, and alpine terrain
03 Enjoy wonderful views from Maundi Crater over the Kenyan interior
04 Take in fantastic vistas of Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide Masai steppe from Horombo Hut
05 Complete the midnight summit push via Hans Meyer Cave and Gillman's Point

Join this Christmas climb on the Marangu Route from 22 to 26 December and aim to stand on Uhuru Peak on Christmas Day. Trek through dense rainforest, heath and moorland, and the stark alpine saddle as you ascend Africa's highest mountain. Along the way, enjoy views from Maundi Crater and Horombo Hut across Mawenzi, Kibo, and the Masai steppe. After your summit push, descend to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut through Rainforest

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu Gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you may glimpse some primates as you head to Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior.

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut across Moorland

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4-6 hours later, Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700 m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut via the Saddle

Today's stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the

Day 04

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Back to Horombo Hut

Today is "The Big Day" - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, and it will be long and strenuous. Passing Hans Meyer Cave at 5220 m, the climb slowly but surely continues upward. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman's Point (5681 m) - the crater rim of Kilimanjaro - where the sun will slowly warm the land. You will soon have forgotten the cold of the night, and after a further hike of 1-2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you, followed by a 1-2 hour break before continuing back to Horombo Hut.

Day 05

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Descent

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to Mandara Hut (2700 m), where a warm lunch awaits you. Soon, you will once again pass through the tropical rainforest, and after 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860 m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Marangu 3 cities · 5 Days

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
3 breakfasts
4 lunches
4 dinners
Drinking water
Guide
Porters
Cook

What's Not Included

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

Know before you go

Hiking starts from 22nd December to 26th December, so you can be on top of Mount Kilimanjaro on 25th December, Christmas Day. If you are still wondering what to do over the festive season, why not spend your Christmas on Mount Kilimanjaro? Mountain climbing can be an exhilarating experience and is a perfect adventure for you and your best friend or spouse. Kilimanjaro, especially, is one of a kind. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Also known as the Roof of Africa, the mountain is quite "walkable," so reaching the summit is not particularly challenging. Essentially, most people can do it if they are fit and healthy.

Logistics