6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek on the Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek the scenic Marangu Route with views of Mawenzi, Kibo, and the vast Masai steppe
• 02 Summit Uhuru Peak on one of Kilimanjaro's oldest trails
• 03 Experience Kilimanjaro's diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna as you climb
• 04 Acclimatize on the mountain to improve your chances of reaching the summit

Embark on a transformative 6-day Kilimanjaro trek through the iconic Marangu Route and discover the diverse ecosystems of Africa's highest peak. Ascend through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine landscapes as you make your way toward the glaciers at Uhuru Peak. Along the way, enjoy stunning vistas, expert guidance, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the summit.

You will set off into the darkness of the midnight skies with a curious mix of minor fatigue and raw adrenaline that will carry you to the summit.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

From Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through the Rainforest

• Arrival at the international airport in Arusha. We will then proceed to the Marangu Gate. The drive takes approximately one hour. There will be a chance for you to acquaint yourself with the chefs, guides, and porters in Moshi.
• After registration at the gate, we will embark on our 6-day Marangu Route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• The trek begins in Kilimanjaro's rainforest - referred to as the mountain's timbered skirting - where emerald folds are hemmed by silver streams and shimmer with floral sequins.
• We will stop at the halfway point, Kisambioni, where an appetizing picnic lunch will be served. The trail through the rainforest continues until we reach Mandara Hut.
• Once we arrive at camp, you may choose to relax for the rest of the day or saunter to Maundi Crater. You will not regret logging a few extra miles once you catch the first glimpse of the spectacular view of Taveta in the east. On a clear day, facing the northwestern region reveals the wonderful jagged edges of Mawenzi Peak. Dinner will be served in the dining area.

2

Day 02

Trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across the Moorland

• After breakfast, we will begin our trek to Horombo Hut. Today's terrain, Kilimanjaro's moorland, is a total contrast to the rainforest. Desert-like plants are scattered across the rocky landscape, and in the distance, the presence of Uhuru Peak and Mawenzi is unmistakable.
• When we get to Kambi ya Taanu, we will take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. Pleasant blue skies will allow you to marvel at the scenic views of Mawenzi and the peaks of Kibo.
• We will arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, and you will have the opportunity to unwind for the rest of the day. The Horombo Huts are the 'luxury' huts on Kilimanjaro. These classic huts can accommodate up to eight people and are used by both ascending and descending hikers. Up to one hundred and twenty people can stay at Horombo, and there is more space for cooks, guides, and porters here than at the other huts.

3

Day 03

Acclimatization Hike from Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Hut

• The purpose of day three is to help you acclimatize and increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. We suggest aiming to hike to Mawenzi Hut to enable maximum acclimatization. Another rewarding advantage of this hike is that the view of Kibo is spectacular from this angle. A delectable lunch will be served, and we will lounge at the huts for the rest of the day.

4

Day 04

From Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Through the Alpine Desert

• An energy-dense breakfast will be served in the dining area, and then we will embark on the final part of our 6-day Marangu Route. We will hike through the alpine desert of Kilimanjaro's upper altitudes. After an hour, we will arrive at the Maua River and encounter our first milestone, a small mountain stream.
• As you continue walking, you will notice that the terrain gradually flattens and the vegetation starts to vanish. Once we come across Middle Red Hill, we will take a break and eat lunch. The incline of Kilimanjaro's Saddle is steady, and we will hike along the trail for approximately two hours. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a desolate desert and vegetation is sparsely scattered across the land, the splendid views of Kibo and Mawenzi enhance the scenic pleasure and add colour to the golden surroundings.
• We will reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon. It is recommended that you prepare for your midnight climb and attempt to rest as early as possible.

5

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

• We will begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa's rooftop. You will set off into the darkness of the midnight skies with a curious mix of minor fatigue and raw adrenaline that will carry you to the summit.
• The hike begins with a gruelling five-hour trek to Gillman's Point, located on the perimeter of the crater. This trail is tremendously difficult, irrespective of the fact that it is considered the easiest ascent path. It takes approximately two hours to reach the first major rest stop, William's Point. It is positioned at 500 meters, and you will continue for another thirty minutes before encountering the rocky terrain that leads the way to Gillman's Point (5,681 meters).
• The actual hike to Gillman's Point does not have a great level of technical difficulty, but when combined with the high altitude, it becomes tiring and long. You will hike for a further two hours before reaching your goal, Uhuru Peak.
• Before our descent begins, you can take photos of the magnificent landscape and your group. You will realize that the route down from the summit has remarkable views that were out of sight while ascending.
• We will stop at Kibo Hut to give you a chance to catch your breath. In the afternoon, we will arrive at Horombo Hut. You can relax and savour your last night on the mountain.

6

Day 06

Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Transfer Out

• After enjoying your last breakfast in the dining area, you will begin your final trek. The descent to Marangu Gate includes one of the most beautiful sights on Kilimanjaro - its cloud forest. Marvel at the rays of light and mysterious puffs of white that gleam through the underpass of branches. Please remain alert while walking, as the path tends to get slippery.
• Our vehicles will take you back to Moshi when you arrive at Marangu Gate. You will have the opportunity to purchase sodas and souvenirs that will remind you of your 6-day Marangu Route for years to come.
• A driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect to your flight. If you have decided to go on a safari, that is a different adventure, and we will be thrilled to arrange it for you as well.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All applicable park entry fees as per the program
• Government taxes and local levies
• Services of highly experienced English-speaking guide(s), porters, and a cook
• Camping equipment such as mountain tents, mattresses, and more
• Pre- and post-climb accommodation (B&B)
• Accommodation type: camping or hut
• Pick-up and drop-off at the airport, as well as transport from the hotel to the park gate and from the park gate to the hotel
• Meals on a full-board basis during the trek, as indicated in the program
• Unlimited drinking water, as specified in the day-by-day section
• Refreshments during the trek
• Rescue fees, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter, and first aid kit
• Guides' and porters' accommodation and their entry fees on the mountain
• Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority

What's Not Included

• International flights (from/to home) and domestic flights
• Medical/luggage insurance
• Sleeping bag
• Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport, etc.)
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
• Any extra orders at meals are not included. Set menu meals are part of the package.
• Portable flush toilet

What to bring

• Rain/wind-proof (Goretex) shell jacket
• Insulated rain/wind (Goretex) climbing pants
• Wool or fleece gloves - medium-weight
• Wind/waterproof gloves - heavyweight
• Hiking boots
• Walking stick
• Sleeping bag
• Pocket knife and 1 litre water bottle
• Headlamp and spare bulb

Know before you go

• The climb up Kilimanjaro should always be taken seriously because of the risk of altitude sickness in all its forms: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), with its more serious variants of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Because there is less oxygen in the air at altitudes over 8000 feet, your body cannot take in as much oxygen as it needs, which can result in AMS. The symptoms of mild AMS can vary between individuals and include:
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath
• Symptoms are usually worse at night. Although they are often treatable with rest and hydration, ibuprofen or paracetamol for a headache, and promethazine for nausea, the best way to prevent AMS is to acclimatize slowly. HACE is swelling of the brain caused by a lack of oxygen and can develop within a very few hours.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour start

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.