8-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

1

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will be picked up by our driver and transferred to Springlands Hotel, or a similar hotel in Moshi, for an overnight stay with breakfast the following morning.

2

Day 02

Hike from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

• After breakfast, you will be picked up from Springlands Hotel and driven to Marangu Gate, where your hike to Mandara Hut begins.
• Upon arrival at the gate and after registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro along a well-maintained trail through the montane forest.
• Along the way, you will walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide explains some of the local flora and fauna.
• This section also offers a very good chance to spot Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many species of brightly colored birds.
• Mandara Hut consists of group dormitory-style wooden huts with solar-generated lighting.
• The camp has all necessary facilities, including water and toilets.

3

Day 03

Trek from Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

• Mandara Huts (2,740 m/9,000 ft) to Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft), 11 km, 6-8 hours through heathland.
• You will continue hiking from Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts as the trail passes through more montane forest before transitioning into the moorland vegetation zone.
• In the moorland, you will find rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees.
• Once in the open moorland, you will also have the opportunity to see plants such as giant lobelia and giant groundsel, which can grow to an impressive 16 ft in height.
• After approximately six hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut, where you will have hot water to wash, an evening meal, and an overnight rest.
• Horombo is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara but with a total capacity of 120 climbers.

4

Day 04

Acclimatization at Horombo Huts

• An extra day at Horombo Hut provides an opportunity to acclimatize and increase your chances of making it to the summit.
• There are a number of walks within the vicinity of the huts that are strongly recommended to further support the acclimatization process.
• The most popular hike is to the Mawenzi Saddle, passing Zebra Rocks along the way.
• Remember to drink enough water and move slowly (pole, pole).
• After the four- to five-hour round-trip hike, you will enjoy an evening meal before retreating to bed early for a good night's rest.

5

Day 05

Trek to Kibo Huts

• After breakfast, you will continue trekking at a slow pace through the heathland, which quickly turns into an almost lunar-like landscape as you enter the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
• During this hike, you may start to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed.
• From here, you will begin to enjoy fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro's summit before arriving at Kibo Hut - a dry-stone-walled hut with dormitories and limited facilities.
• Rest for the evening at Kibo Huts and prepare for your final ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro summit, "Uhuru Peak!"

6

Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Huts

• Summit Day! Kibo Huts (4,695 m/15,400 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) to Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft), 4 km up, 14 km down, 10-15 hours through alpine desert.
• From here, the going gets really tough. Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Head northwest through heavy stone scree, following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685 m).
• This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
• After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal - Uhuru Peak. Congratulations! You have now made it to the "Roof of Africa."
• Weather conditions on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro will determine how long you are able to spend there, but it is important to begin your descent in good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp.
• After your rest, you will gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100 m), where you will enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep.

7

Day 07

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

• Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft) to Moshi (890 m/2,920 ft), 18 km, 5-7 hours. Overnight stay at Springlands Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

8

Day 08

Transfer to the Airport

• Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of the tour.