6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

On the first morning, your guide will take you from the hotel to Marangu Gate, the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.), which lies at the edge of Marangu, an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, you will climb through attractive, unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.).

The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. Alternatively, you can rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is rich birdlife at the huts, and monkeys are often seen as well. [3-5 hours walking to Mandara Hut]

The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will climb steadily through the moorland zone, with giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.).

Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning. The site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut]

You will climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree, and there is a palpable sense of high-altitude wilderness. You will usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday, and the afternoon is free to contemplate the summit ascent.

The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night. [4-5 hours walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut]

You will start your ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that you can be at Gillman's Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will bring you to Gillman's (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. You will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise.

Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast, and you will return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking from Kibo Hut to Gillman's Point]

Elevation: 5895 m/19,340 ft. to 4700 m/15,500 ft. down to 3700 m/12,200 feet.

Distance: 15 km/9 mi down, 6 km/4 km up.

Hiking Duration: 7-8 hours upward and downward.

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Start your ascent to the top very early in the morning, between midnight and two in the morning, following a steep and hard scree or snow trail to Gilman's Point, which is situated on the crater rim.
• Moving forward, you will now reach Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak.
• Everywhere you look is breathtaking scenery. Get a photo at the top so you can share it with your loved ones.
• From here, you will descend to the Horombo campsite, pausing at Kibo for lunch and a break.

After breakfast, you will start with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then continue with a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. Your guide will then take you to your hotel, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

The greenness and lushness of the forest are a stunning contrast to summit day, and they make you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro is. [5-6 hours walking]