7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

After breakfast, you’ll set off from Moshi for a 1-hour drive to the Marangu Gate. At the gate, you’ll complete the necessary registration formalities before beginning your trek through the verdant rainforest. The trail to Mandara Hut, your first camp, involves a steady uphill hike, where you might spot monkeys and other wildlife. Upon arrival at Mandara, you’ll be greeted with a warm meal and stay in comfortable A-frame huts. In the evening, you have the option to take a short acclimatization hike to Maundi Crater, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Altitude: 1,830 m – 2,700 m
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours time

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Mandara Hut before continuing your trek through the lush rainforest and transitioning into the moorland zone. As you ascend, the vegetation gradually changes, giving way to a more rugged and open landscape. The 6-hour trek to Horombo Hut offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Upon arrival at Horombo, you’ll be greeted with a warm meal and the opportunity to relax and acclimate to the higher altitude. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing for the next day’s trek, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Altitude: 2,700 m – 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Today’s trek takes you across the expansive lunar desert known as the “Saddle,” a barren and rugged landscape that stretches between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Although the terrain is stark and desolate, the views of the towering peaks on either side are truly awe-inspiring. The hike will take approximately 6 hours, giving you ample time to take in the vastness of the landscape. Upon arriving at Kibo Hut, you’ll settle in for an early dinner and rest, conserving your energy for the upcoming summit attempt. In the evening, your guide will provide a detailed briefing to prepare you for the final ascent, which will begin just before midnight.

Altitude: 3,720 m – 4,700 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Around midnight, you’ll be awakened to begin the final ascent toward Uhuru Peak. The journey to Gillman’s Point, at 5,685 meters, is steep and strenuous, typically taking around six hours of steady climbing. This challenging section will test your endurance, but your guide will offer support along the way. Once you reach Gillman’s Point, you’ll traverse the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. If the weather cooperates, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over the continent. After celebrating your incredible achievement at the summit, you’ll descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing onward to Horombo Hut for the night.

Altitude: 4,700 m – 5,895 m – 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 22 km
Hiking time: 12–15 hours

After breakfast, you’ll start your descent through the diverse moorland and lush rainforest zones, making your way back to Marangu Gate. As you trek downward, take in the final views of the landscape and reflect on your accomplishment. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll be presented with your well-earned summit certificate as a testament to your achievement. From there, you’ll be driven back to Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where a hot meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed await. If you’re interested in extending your adventure, you can meet with our safari coordinator to explore options like a thrilling wildlife safari or a relaxing trip to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar.

Altitude: 3,720 m – 1,830 m
Hiking distance: 20 km
Hiking time: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to trip