Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu Route

Embarking from Moshi, a 45-minute drive will transport you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, a brief pause will allow us to patiently await the issuance of our permits, providing a chance to observe the organized activity as numerous crews prepare for the impending journey. Delight in the picturesque rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. In these lower elevations, the trail may be muddy and somewhat slippery, making gaiters and trekking poles highly recommended for this segment of the trek.

Following a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we venture out of the rainforest, advancing along an ascending path through heathland, where giant lobelias and groundsels dot the landscape. The journey continues upward into wide open moorlands, characterized by small shrubs as the predominant vegetation. Midway through the ascent, we pause for lunch, taking in breathtaking views of Mawenzi. By late afternoon, we reach the Horombo Huts situated beneath the awe-inspiring Kibo Summit viewpoint. As the day progresses, temperatures start to decline, creating a cooler atmosphere.

You have the option to dedicate a full day and an additional night at Horombo. During this time, you can choose to either relax at the huts or embark on a leisurely stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp, later returning to the Horombo Huts. This extra day is strategically included to enhance your acclimatization, providing an opportunity to better comprehend the mountain’s weather patterns and altitude. Following this well-deserved pause, you will resume your ascent to the Kibo Huts on the fourth day, gearing up for a midnight start toward the summit.

10.5Km/6Mi | 6-8Hrs | Semi-Desert

Elevation Gain: From 3721M/12,208Ft to 4714M/15,466Ft

Altitude Gained: 993M

Following breakfast, the journey continues through the diminishing heathland, transitioning into a moonscape as you enter the expansive saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. During a lunch break and as you traverse this remarkably spacious saddle, take the opportunity to scrutinize the upcoming summit climb up Kibo, which you will embark on in just a few hours. This vantage point provides a preview of the challenges and beauty awaiting you on the ascent.

6.25Km /3.9 Mi Up | 5-7Hrs | – Horombo Huts: 15.75Km /9Mi Down | 5-6Hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

Elevation Gain: From 4714M/15,466Ft to 5895M/19,341Ft

Altitude Gained: 1181M

Descent to: 3721M/12,208Ft

Altitude Lost: 2174M

Excitement builds as morning arrives, signaling an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This marks the most mentally and physically challenging segment of the trek.

The ascent to the summit continues in a switchback formation, with a focus on staying warm and maintaining the determination for the remarkable accomplishment ahead. Progressing through heavy scree and possibly snow, the route leads to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, where a breathtaking sunrise welcomes you during a brief rest. Faster hikers may even witness the sunrise from the summit. From Gillman’s Point, the remaining one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak is likely to be snow-covered.

Congratulations! With each step, you’ve now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After capturing photos, celebrating, and perhaps shedding a few tears of joy, take a moment to relish this incredible achievement. The steep descent begins towards Mweka Camp, with a lunch stop at Barafu and a brief rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended for navigating the challenging loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you at Mweka Camp to enjoy your final evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

After a fulfilling breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to bid farewell. The descent continues, with a stop at the Mandara Huts for lunch. You can at this point express your gratitude through tips to your guides, cooks, and porters, as this is where you part ways with them. Returning to the Marangu Park Gate, you receive your well-deserved summit certificates. The weather is noticeably warmer during the descent, and the terrain becomes wet, muddy, and steep, making gaiters and trekking poles highly recommended.

From the gate, a vehicle awaits to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha, approximately a 45-minute drive.

Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and festivities!

End of your 6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek.