Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak via the Marangu Route

6 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Climb Kilimanjaro via the famous Marangu Route, known for hut accommodations
  • 02 Trek through varied landscapes including rainforest, heathland, and alpine desert
  • 03 Reach the summit at Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point at 5,895 meters
  • 04 Experience an acclimatization day at Horombo Hut to improve summit success
  • 05 Pass iconic landmarks such as Maundi Crater and the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi
  • 06 Witness unique flora and fauna including Colobus monkeys, giant lobelias, and groundsels

Experience a 6-day Kilimanjaro trekking adventure on the Marangu Route, the most popular and cost-effective route to the summit of Africa's highest mountain. Enjoy the comfort of mountain hut accommodations as you trek through ever-changing landscapes, from dense montane rainforest and open heathlands to the dramatic alpine desert. Reach the iconic Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters and take in breathtaking views from the roof of Africa.

Reach the iconic Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters and take in breathtaking views from 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 · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Marangu Gate Trek Through Rainforest to Mandara Hut

  • Begin with breakfast and a detailed trek briefing.

  • Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Marangu and complete registration.

  • Start trekking through the lush rainforest towards Mandara Hut.

  • Take a short walk to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya.

  • Look for eucalyptus trees, diverse bird species, and rare Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 1700 m to 2740 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Meals: Lunch and Dinner Included

2
Day 02

Ascend from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

  • Ensure you carry at least three liters of water for this longer trekking day.

  • Leave the rainforest and ascend through heathland towards Horombo Hut.

  • Observe giant lobelias, groundsels, and take in the stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

  • Begin to recognize the effects of altitude as you gain elevation.

Elevation: 2700 m to 3720 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

3
Day 03

Acclimatization at Horombo Hut

  • Spend the day at Horombo Hut to aid acclimatization.

  • Take an optional short hike towards Mawenzi for additional altitude gain.

  • Explore the surrounding area and enjoy views of Kilimanjaro's volcanic features: Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi.

  • Rest and prepare for the higher elevations to come.

Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

4
Day 04

Cross the Saddle to Kibo Hut

  • Ascend past the final water point towards the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

  • Transition from heathland into the barren alpine desert, known as the "moonscape."

  • Arrive at Kibo Hut and rest while preparing for the summit attempt.

Elevation: 3720 m to 4700 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

5
Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

  • Begin the summit ascent between midnight and 2:00 am using headlamps or flashlights.

  • Climb to Gilman's Point on the crater rim and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

  • Capture photographs and celebrate reaching the summit.

  • Descend to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut.

  • Recognize this as the most challenging day, with significant altitude gain and descent.

Elevation: 4700 m to 5895 m (Summit) then down to 3720 m
Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10 to 15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

6
Day 06

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

  • Begin the final descent through moorland back to Mandara Hut.

  • Continue through the lush rainforest towards Marangu Gate.

  • Complete exit formalities at the park gate.

  • Meet the driver for transfer back to your hotel in Moshi.

  • Celebrate the successful climb and share your achievement with your team.

Elevation: 3720 m to 1700 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included

Mandara Hut, Maundi Crater, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Mandara Hut, Maundi Crater, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees, hut fees, and rescue fees

  • 18 percent VAT on tour fees and services

  • Four-season big sleeping mountain tents

  • Double-layered sleeping mats

  • Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters

  • Transportation to and from the mountain gate

  • Three meals daily while on the mountain

  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)

  • Filtered water throughout the trek

What's Not Included

  • Flights

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips to the mountain crew

  • Laundry services

  • Insurance

What to bring

  • Appropriate clothing for varying temperatures, including warm layers

  • Waterproof gear (jacket and pants)

  • Sturdy hiking boots

  • Comfortable daypack

  • Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures

  • Water bottles or hydration pack

  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

  • Personal toiletries

  • First-aid kit

  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries

  • Trekking poles for added stability

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hotel
Tour start
Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Mt Kilimanjaro.

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