6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route with Uhuru Peak Summit

6 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness breathtaking vistas along the trekking route
02 Experience the unique flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro
03 Trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert on the Marangu Route
04 Conquer Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa

Embark on a challenging journey up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, with a slightly more gradual ascent and an acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. Trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert as you make your way to Kibo Hut, the final base camp before the summit push. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and take in unbelievable views along the way. This 6-day climb combines varied landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and the rewarding achievement of standing on Kilimanjaro's summit.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hotel Transfer and Trek to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and a briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb.
Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings, including northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys in the rainforest.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across the Moorlands

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: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03

Acclimatization Rest Day at Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut via the Saddle

Ascending, pass the last watering point and walk onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but disappears into a "moonscape." Have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05

Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, located on the crater rim.
Continuing, ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family.
From here, descend, stopping for lunch and resting at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you through the moorland to Mandara Hut.
Then descend through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. 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 be waiting for you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional and experienced mountain guides
Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Sleeping mattress
Emergency oxygen cylinder
All meals while on the mountain
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What's Not Included

Tanzania visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

What to bring

Preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb requires careful consideration of the gear and equipment needed to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
- Clothing:
  - Moisture-wicking base layers: Tops and bottoms to help regulate body temperature and manage sweat.
  - Insulating layers: Fleece jackets, down jackets, or synthetic insulated jackets to keep warm at higher altitudes.
  - Waterproof and windproof jacket: Protection against rain, snow, and wind.
  - Hiking pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants for trekking.
  - Convertible pants: Pants that can be converted into shorts for variable weather conditions.
  - Synthetic or wool socks: Several pairs of moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.
  - Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with ankle support and good traction.
  - Gaiters: To keep snow, rocks, and debris out of your boots.
  - Sun hat and warm hat: Protection from the sun during the day and warmth at night.
  - Gloves: Lightweight gloves for hiking and warmer gloves or mittens for colder temperatures.
  - Buff or neck gaiter: This versatile accessory protects the neck and face from sun, wind, and cold.
- Gear:
  - Daypack: A comfortable backpack for carrying essentials during daily hikes.
  - Sleeping bag: Rated for cold temperatures (0°F to -10°F or lower) to stay warm at night.
  - Sleeping pad: Insulated sleeping pad for cushioning and insulation from the ground.
  - Trekking poles: Adjustable poles for stability and to reduce knee strain during descents.
  - Headlamp or flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark and for nighttime use.
  - Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses with high-quality lenses to shield eyes from glare and snow reflection.
  - Water bottles or hydration system: Insulated water bottles or a hydration reservoir to stay hydrated.
  - Water purification: Water purification tablets or a filtration system for refilling water along the trail.
  - Duffel or dry bag: Pack gear for porters to carry between campsites.
  - Toiletries: Including biodegradable soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and toilet paper.
  - Personal first-aid kit: Including basic medications, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
- Miscellaneous:
  - Passport and permits: Required documents for entering Tanzania and climbing Kilimanjaro.
  - Cash: For tipping guides, porters, and other expenses.
  - Camera or smartphone: For capturing memories of the journey.
  - Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen to protect from sunburn at high altitudes.
  - Lip balm with SPF: To prevent chapped lips in dry and windy conditions.
  - Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts, trail mix, and energy bars for on-the-go fuel.
  - Notebook and pen: For journaling or taking notes along the journey.
- Optional:
  - Portable battery charger: To recharge electronics like cameras or smartphones.
  - Portable oxygen: In case of altitude sickness, especially for those prone to it.
  - Trekking towel: Quick-drying and compact towel for personal hygiene.
  - Trekking snacks: Favourite snacks for extra energy during long hikes.

Know before you go

Cancellation Policy:
- Eight days and above departure:
  - No cancellation fees.
- 0 to 7 days before departure:
  - 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case the trek is cancelled.
Supplements:
- Off-season supplement = USD 75
Charges apply for solo trekkers starting a new departure in March, April, May, and November. This does not apply if you join an existing group or if other trekkers also join your new group.