Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek with Christmas summit attempt

6 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Ascend through the beautiful tropical rainforest with sightings of blue monkeys
02 Experience breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the trail
03 Witness a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak at Gilman's Point
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa
05 Collect your summit certificate at Marangu Gate after the descent

Embark on an unforgettable Christmas expedition through the Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro, ascending through lush tropical rainforest with chances to spot playful blue monkeys. As the trail opens up, take in breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks and spend an extra day acclimatizing with a hike toward Zebra Rocks and Mawenzi Ridge. The summit day is mentally and physically challenging, but the reward is magnificent sunrise views over Mawenzi Peak from Gilman's Point and reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with 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 Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Moshi / Arusha to Marangu Gate and Mandara Hut

Before beginning our trek, we depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful tropical rainforest. We can see blue monkeys at the upper edge of the forest line. The trail then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

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

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

We continue 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 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

Day 03

Acclimatization Hike to Zebra Rocks

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.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Heath

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath

Day 04

Horombo Hut to Kibo 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. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05

Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

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 while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with 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 your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Day 06

Descent to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi / Arusha

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.

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

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

The route