6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak by Hut

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the lush rainforest from Marangu Gate, with monkeys and exotic birdlife along the trail
• 02 Ascend through Kilimanjaro's moorland zone past giant lobelias and Senecios
• 03 Take in stunning views of Kibo Peak and the surreal alpine desert landscape
• 04 Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895m for an unforgettable sunrise
• 05 Celebrate your achievement with a summit certificate at Marangu Gate

Embark on a 6-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the classic Marangu Route, passing through lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert on the way to Uhuru Peak. Along the trail, encounter tropical vegetation, monkeys, exotic birds, and unique high-altitude plants such as giant lobelias and Senecios. Reach the summit at 5,895m for an unforgettable sunrise and breathtaking panoramic views, then complete your adventure with a certificate ceremony at Marangu Gate.

Reach the iconic Uhuru Peak for an unforgettable sunrise and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Not included

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi or Arusha and Pre-Trek Briefing

• Arrival and transfer: You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
• Pre-trek briefing and gear check: Meet your guide, discuss the trek, and review safety protocols. This is also the time to do a final check of your gear.

2

Day 02

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through the Rainforest

• Hiking time: 4 hours
• Start your trek from Marangu Gate, entering the lush rainforest.
• You will likely encounter monkeys and various exotic bird species.
• Beautiful tropical vegetation surrounds you as you ascend to Mandara Hut.
• Accommodation: Mandara Hut

3

Day 03

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across the Moorland

• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Continue through the moorland zone, experiencing the changing landscape.
• Encounter unique plants like giant lobelias and Senecios.
• The atmosphere becomes drier as you ascend to a higher elevation.
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

4

Day 04

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut in the Alpine Desert

• Hiking time: 6 hours
• The landscape transitions into an alpine desert, and the environment becomes harsher.
• You will get stunning views of Kibo Peak.
• Take in the surreal, barren beauty of the higher altitudes.
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut

5

Day 05

Summit Day to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

• Hiking time: 12-14 hours
• Start your summit attempt at midnight or early morning for a long, strenuous ascent.
• Reach the iconic Uhuru Peak for an unforgettable sunrise and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• After summiting, descend back to Horombo Hut for rest.
• Celebrate your success with the team.
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

6

Day 06

Descent to Marangu Gate and End of Trek

• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Trek back down through the rainforest to Marangu Gate.
• At the gate, receive your well-earned certificate for completing the trek.
• Departure: You will be transferred to your hotel or onward travel arrangements.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Professional Kilimanjaro guide and support team
• Hut accommodation and all meals
• Park fees, rescue fees, and permits
• Pre-trek briefing and gear check
• Summit certificate upon completion

What's Not Included

• International & domestic flights - travellers are responsible for their own airfare to/from Tanzania
• Tanzania visa fees - entry visa costs are not included (approx. $50-$100, depending on nationality)
• Travel & medical insurance - highly recommended for emergencies, altitude sickness, and trip cancellations
• Personal trekking gear - includes items like hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and warm clothing (available for rent upon request)
• Drinks & snacks - bottled drinks, energy snacks, and personal treats are not provided
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks - customary tips for the trekking team (recommended: $200-$300 per trekker for the entire crew)
• Extra accommodation before/after the trek - can be arranged upon request at an additional cost
• Optional activities - additional tours such as a Materuni Waterfall visit, safari, or Zanzibar extension are available separately

What to bring

• Hiking gear - backpack (30-40L), duffel bag (60-90L), trekking poles, sleeping bag (-10°C rated)
• Clothing - base layers, fleece/down jacket, waterproof jacket & pants, warm hat, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses
• Footwear - waterproof hiking boots (broken-in), camp shoes/sandals
• Accessories - headlamp + batteries, water bottles (2-3L), snacks, trekking towel, toiletries, sunscreen, personal medications
• Documents & money - passport, visa, travel insurance, cash (USD/TZS) for tips & personal expenses

Know before you go

• Best time: June-October & January-March for the best weather.
• Fitness: Moderate fitness is required; train with hikes.
• Altitude sickness: Acclimatize, hydrate, and go slowly.
• Weather: Cold at high altitudes - pack warm layers.
• Accommodation: Stay in mountain huts (no tents).
• Health & safety: Travel insurance is mandatory.
• Tipping: $200-$300 per trekker for the crew.
• Water: Provided but needs purification.
• Extra costs: Tips, snacks, gear rental, and extra hotel nights.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Moshi/Arusha

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.