5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek the renowned Marangu Route with overnight stays in mountain huts
• 02 Experience Kilimanjaro's diverse climate zones, from lush rainforest to alpine desert
• 03 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
• 04 Climb under a star-lit sky on the final summit push
• 05 Take in breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks

Embark on a 5-day trek along Kilimanjaro's Marangu Route, a scenic and well-structured climb to Africa's highest peak. Journey through lush rainforests, moorland, alpine desert, and rugged highlands, spotting wildlife and breathtaking landscapes along the way. Summit Uhuru Peak under a star-lit sky and celebrate your achievement before descending through the mountain's diverse terrain.

Your summit attempt begins just after midnight, navigating steep switchbacks and rocky paths under a star-lit sky.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through the Rainforest

• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: ~3 hours
• Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
• Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate, where you complete registration formalities.
• Accompanied by expert guides and porters, you set off on a lush rainforest trek, spotting colobus monkeys and exotic birds along the way. The day ends at Mandara Hut, where you settle in for the night.

2

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across Moorland

• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: ~5 hours
• Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m
• Leaving the dense rainforest behind, you ascend into the moorland and heath zones, with breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The day's trek ends at Horombo Hut, where you can relax and prepare for higher altitudes.

3

Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut in the Alpine Desert

• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: ~5 hours
• Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m
• The journey continues through alpine desert terrain, with increasingly thinner air as you approach Kibo Hut. This is a crucial acclimatization day, helping your body adjust before the final ascent. Rest early to prepare for the summit push.

4

Day 04

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

• Distance: 6 km ascent + 15 km descent
• Hiking Time: ~6-8 hours ascent, ~5-6 hours descent
• Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then back to 3,720m
• Your summit attempt begins just after midnight, navigating steep switchbacks and rocky paths under a star-lit sky. Reaching Gilman's Point (5,685m) marks the crater rim, followed by a final trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the Roof of Africa!
• After celebrating at the summit, you descend to Horombo Hut, where you'll rest after an unforgettable achievement.

5

Day 05

Descent to Marangu Gate and Certificate Celebration

• Distance: 20 km
• Hiking Time: ~5-6 hours
• The final stretch takes you through lush vegetation, retracing your steps past Mandara Hut before reaching Marangu Gate.
• Here, you'll receive your summit certificates and celebrate your incredible journey with your Origin Ventures and Safaris team.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 2-way airport transfers
• 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Moshi town
• All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
• Professional, first aid-qualified, and experienced mountain guides
• Medical check-ups and monitoring twice per day
• Guides', porters', and cook salaries, as well as park fees
• Accommodation in huts
• Sleeping mattress
• Emergency oxygen cylinder
• All meals while on the mountain
• Quality mess huts with tables and chairs
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
• Clean, purified drinking water
• Conservation fees (part of park fees)
• Hut fees (part of park fees)

What's Not Included

• Tanzania visa
• International and domestic flights
• 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

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Uhuru Peak, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.