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

Elevation: 5,500 ft (1,700 m) to 9,000 ft (2,740 m)
Distance: 7 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Climatic Zone: Montane Forest
Meals: L, D
Hut: Mandara Hut

After breakfast and a briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), complete registration, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A visit to Maundi Crater is a great way to see the surrounding area, including northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 9,000 ft (2,700 m) to 12,100 ft (3,700 m)
Distance: 11 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Climatic Zone: Heathland/Moorland
Meals: B, L, and D
Hut: Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path across the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. The views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Elevation: 12,100 ft (3,700 m) to 15,400 ft (4,700 m)
Distance: 10 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals: B, L, and D
Hut: Kibo Hut

Ascending further, you pass the last watering point and walk into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The upper heathland vegetation gradually gives way to "moonscape" vegetation. After arrival, enjoy dinner, rest, and make preparations for the summit.

Elevation: 15,400 ft (4,700 m) to 19,300 ft (5,895 m); 19,300 ft (5,895 m) to 12,100 ft (3,700 m)
Distance: 4 km up; 14 km down
Time: 10-15 hours
Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals: B, L, and D
Hut: Horombo Camp

Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 a.m., commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From there, continue ascending to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are extraordinary views at every turn, and you will have time to take pictures at the summit to show your friends and family.

From here, descend and stop for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly, "pole pole," and keeping an optimistic attitude will get you there.

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m
Distance: 18 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Meals: B

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue down the bush forest path to the National Park Gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!