Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Marangu Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Marangu route
02 Experience Kilimanjaro's diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert
03 Stand on Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
04 Acclimatize carefully to maximize your chances of summit success
05 Enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks along the trek

Embark on a remarkable 6-day journey to conquer the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, via the scenic Marangu route. This trek combines challenging ascents with diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the glacial summit. With an acclimatization day built into the itinerary, the route is designed to improve your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Along the way, enjoy awe-inspiring views of Mawenzi, Kibo, and the surrounding landscape.

Around midnight, wake up for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha or Moshi to Mandara Hut via Marangu Gate

Leave Arusha or Moshi at 8 am for Marangu Gate. After completing gate registration, begin your Kilimanjaro trek.
Walk along a narrow trail through Kilimanjaro's rainforest for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, the halfway point of day one.
After lunch, continue through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. On a clear day, the views east over Taveta and northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning, making the short hike well worth the effort.
The A-frame Mandara Huts can accommodate up to seventy people and consist of several sleeping huts and a dining area. All of Marangu's huts have beds with mattresses.

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut through the Moorland

After breakfast, leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro's forests behind as you continue to Horombo Hut.
Most of the day's hike passes through Kilimanjaro's moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Eat a picnic lunch at a picnic site before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3 pm and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Although extremely busy, the Horombo Huts are considered to be the nicest on Kilimanjaro. Horombo can accommodate up to one hundred hikers, as well as many more porters, cooks, and guides.
The small A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending, and acclimatizing.

Day 03

Acclimatization Hike to Mawenzi Hut

Day three is an acclimatization day.
We suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut to allow for maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo.
Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo.

Day 04

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut across the Saddle

After breakfast, hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro's upper altitudes. After about an hour of hiking, arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream.
After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro's Saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Reach Kibo Hut around 3 pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb.

Day 05

Midnight Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

Around midnight, wake up for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five-hour climb to Gillman's Point on the crater rim.
Although this is considered the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William's Point, lies at 5,000 meters and is approximately a two-hour hike from Kibo Hut. Continue for another thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that lead to Gillman's Point at 5,681 meters.
The hike from Gillman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring.
The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos with your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut.
Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

Day 06

Descent to Marangu Gate and Return to Arusha or Moshi

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery.
Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower and Champagne or Kilimanjaro Beer celebrations.