Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route: the historical itinerary

After breakfast, you will depart from Moshi for a journey of approximately 1 hour to Marangu Gate.

At the park entrance, you will complete the necessary registration formalities before beginning your hike through the lush rainforest.

The trail to the Mandara refuge, your first campsite, consists of a steady climb, during which you might spot monkeys and other wild animals.

Upon arrival at Mandara, you will be welcomed with a hot meal and will stay in comfortable A-frame chalets.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to take a short acclimatization hike to the Maundi crater, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Mandara refuge, before continuing your ascent through the lush rainforest, gradually entering the heath and moorland area.

As you climb higher, the vegetation gradually changes, giving way to a more open and rocky landscape.

The 6-hour hike to the Horombo refuge offers magnificent views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks all along the way.

Upon arrival in Horombo, you will be welcomed with a hot meal and will have the opportunity to relax and acclimatize to the higher altitude.

In the evening, your guide will give you a briefing for the next day's hike, so that you are well prepared for the challenges ahead.

Today's hike takes you across the vast lunar desert known as "Saddle", an arid and rocky landscape that stretches between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Although the terrain is desolate and austere, the views of the towering peaks on either side are truly spectacular.

The walk lasts approximately 6 hours, leaving you plenty of time to contemplate the immensity of the landscape.

Upon arrival at Kibo Refuge, you will have an early dinner and rest to conserve your energy for the final ascent.

In the evening, your guide will give you a detailed briefing to prepare you for the ascent to the summit, which will begin just before midnight.

Around midnight, you will be woken up to begin the final ascent to Uhuru summit.

The journey to Gillman's Point, located at 5,685 meters, is steep and demanding, requiring approximately six hours of continuous ascent.

This challenging section will test your endurance, but your guide will support you every step of the way.

Once at Gillman's Point, you will follow the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

If the weather is favorable, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the continent.

After celebrating this incredible feat at the summit, you will descend back to the Kibo refuge for a short break, before continuing your descent to the Horombo refuge, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast, you'll begin your descent through diverse landscapes of moorland and lush rainforest, heading towards the Marangu Gate. As you descend, enjoy the final views of the surrounding scenery and take a moment to reflect on your accomplishment. Upon arrival at the gate, you'll be presented with a well-deserved summit certificate in recognition of your achievement. From there, you'll be transferred to the Salinero Hotel in Moshi, where a refreshing shower and a comfortable bed await. Should you wish to extend your adventure, you can meet with our safari coordinator to explore options such as an exciting wildlife safari or a relaxing stay on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the flight home.