6-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and continue on an ascending path through heathland, where we might spot giant lobelias and groundsels. As we move into the open moorlands, small shrubs become the predominant vegetation. We stop for lunch along the way, with amazing views of Mawenzi. We reach Horombo Huts in the late afternoon, with a spectacular view of Kibo Summit in the distance. The temperature begins to drop as we settle in for the night.

• 12.5 km / 7.8 mi | 6-8 hrs | Moorland
• Elevation: 2723m (8934ft) to 3721m (12,208ft)
• Altitude gained: 998m

Today, you can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo Hut. This day allows for further acclimatization and rest. You can either relax at the hut or take a short hike up to Mawenzi Base Camp before returning to Horombo. This extra day is crucial for acclimatization and will help you better understand the mountain’s weather and altitude. After resting, we continue our journey to Kibo Hut on Day 4, where we’ll prepare for our midnight summit attempt.

After breakfast, we continue through dwindling heathland that transitions into a moonscape as we approach the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. We stop for lunch along the way, and later cross this large saddle, with Kibo Summit looming ahead, marking the starting point for our summit climb in just a few hours.

• 10.5 km / 6 mi | 6-8 hrs | Semi-Desert
• Elevation: 3721m (12,208ft) to 4714m (15,466ft)
• Altitude gained: 993m

Excitement builds as we begin our summit attempt with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend in switchbacks through heavy scree and possibly snow, heading towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Here, you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a short rest. Faster hikers may reach the summit in time to enjoy the sunrise at Uhuru Peak. The final hour to Uhuru Peak is likely to involve walking through snow, but the reward is worth it: the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy, we take a moment to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Loose gravel and volcanic ash make the descent tricky, so gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended. A well-deserved rest awaits you at Mweka Camp.

• 6.25 km / 3.9 mi up | 5-7 hrs | – 15.75 km / 9 mi down | 5-6 hrs | Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
• Elevation: 4714m (15,466ft) to 5895m (19,341ft)
• Altitude gained: 1181m
• Descent to: 3721m (12,208ft)
• Altitude lost: 2174m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, we begin our descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Be sure to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you will be leaving them here. We continue down to the Marangu Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. The weather becomes much warmer as we descend, and the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Once at the gate, a vehicle will meet you for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and a relaxing evening!

• 20 km / 12.5 mi | 6-7 hrs | Rainforest
• Elevation: 3721m (12,208ft) to 1905m (6250ft)
• Altitude lost: 1816m