Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route in 6 days

After breakfast, we will pick you up from your lodge in Moshi and take you to the Marangu Gate . Once the administrative formalities are completed, your trek can finally begin. You will first walk through a dense and lush rainforest .

In addition to impressive vegetation, you might be lucky enough to spot some primates (such as colobus monkeys) on the way to Mandara Hut . After a well-deserved rest at the refuge, your guide can take you to Maundi Crater , where you can admire a magnificent view of the Kenyan interior.

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will cross the tree line into the area of ​​alpine moors and peat bogs.

Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, Horombo Hut will come into view, perched at an altitude of 3,700 meters. From the hut, you will enjoy fantastic views overlooking the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo , as well as the vast plains of the Maasai steppe.

This day is entirely dedicated to your acclimatization . This investment of time should not be underestimated: it considerably increases your chances of success in reaching the summit.

After a relaxing breakfast, you'll set off on an approximately 4-hour hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020 m) . This rock formation owes its name to its distinctive black and white stripes. Upon your return to Horombo Hut, a hot lunch will be waiting for you. You can then relax for the entire afternoon and recharge for the next day's hike.

Today's stage is long and demanding. The well-maintained trail passes by the "Last Water Point," followed by what is known as "the Saddle ." This plateau, almost entirely devoid of vegetation, connects the main summit, Kibo , to the peak of Mawenzi .

Your destination for the day is Kibo Hut , which is usually reached in 5 or 6 hours. There, you will enjoy an early dinner followed by a short night's rest, as you will be up very early for the final ascent.

Today is the big day: the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight for what will be a long and strenuous hike. Passing by the Hans Meyer Cave (5,220 m) , the climb progresses slowly but surely.

At sunrise, you will reach Gillman's Point (5,681 m) on the rim of Kilimanjaro's crater, where the first rays will begin to gently warm the earth. You will soon have forgotten the night's chill and, after another 1 to 2-hour hike, you will finally reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m .

Upon your return to Kibo Hut, a hot meal will be waiting for you, followed by a 1-2 hour break before continuing the descent to Horombo Hut .

The final leg of your journey takes you back through the moorland and peat bogs to Mandara Hut (2,700 m) , where a hot lunch awaits. Soon, you'll be back in the lush rainforest, and after approximately 6 hours of walking in total, you'll arrive back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1,860 m) .

After bidding farewell to your mountain guides, a short transfer will take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can finally enjoy a relaxing hot shower and properly celebrate your successful summit of Kilimanjaro.

This day is left free for you to unwind and recover after your expedition before your return flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you can take the opportunity to explore the town of Moshi , soak up the local atmosphere, and pick up some souvenirs before your transfer to the airport.

1. Extensions: Safaris, stays in Zanzibar and other options are available if you wish to extend your exploration of Tanzania.