8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Gate with Uhuru Peak Summit

1

Day 01

Arrival and Pre-Climb Briefing

• Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.
• You will meet your guide before the beginning of your climb. He will brief you and give you details, such as what to wear, what to put in your backpack, and other essential tips to make the climb as comfortable as possible.

2

Day 02

Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts Through the Rainforest

• You will be transferred by road from Moshi (or Arusha) to Marangu Gate.
• After registration, you trek today through the mountain rainforest zone with your guide.
• On your way to Mandara Hut, you may encounter wild animals such as colobus monkeys, bird species, and a variety of plant species.
• After a rest, you will trek to the rim of Maundi Crater for a spectacular view of Mawenzi Peak.
• Later, descend back to Mandara Hut.

3

Day 03

Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts Across Moorland

• Today's hike is a little longer than the day before and takes you outside of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone, ascending through the changed landscape.
• Today feels more like a mountain trek, with the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi towering in the background on a clear day.
• You may encounter some birds along the trail and eventually come across the giant Kilimanjaro groundsels unique to the park.

4

Day 04

Acclimatization Hike Toward Kibo Huts

• Today is your additional acclimatization day. After breakfast, you will hike towards Kibo Huts and back. This gives your body ample time to get used to the altitude.
• After lunch, you can take pictures of the Mawenzi Volcano, discover the area, or rest.
• Have a good night's sleep at the Horombo Huts again to prepare for the next day.

5

Day 05

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Across the Saddle

• Your hike today takes you directly towards the Kibo cone. You will steadily climb through the alpine desert, and the landscape will change dramatically as you leave the heather and moorland zone behind and journey across the barren saddle, the dip between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
• You will reach the hut in time to rest for your summit attempt tonight.

6

Day 06

Summit Ascent to Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak

• In the early morning, around 00:00 am, you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and follows a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman's Point (5681 m or 18,640 ft), your first stop on the Kibo crater rim.
• From here, a short but difficult hike remains, taking you past Stella Point, the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu Camp on the Southern Circuit, and further around to Uhuru Peak (5895 m or 19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually do not spend long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast or brunch.
• After packing up your gear, you continue the descent back through the alpine desert and into the heather and moorland zone, where you stop for the night.

7

Day 07

Descent to Marangu Gate

• Today, you descend to Marangu Gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park, where your incredible journey ends. The wonderful five- to six-hour walk takes you through beautiful forests.
• Once at Marangu Gate, your guide drives you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and a little celebration of your remarkable achievement.

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Day 08

Departure or Extend Your Adventure

• As your itinerary nears its end on the 8th day, we must bid farewell. If you are eager to continue your African adventure, we would be honoured to plan a post-climbing safari trip or a day excursion. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to extend your stay with us.