6-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek with New Year's Uhuru Peak

• 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 expose 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

• We continue the day 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

• This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After a few moments 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 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath

• 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

• 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

• 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. 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