Marangu Route 7 Days 6 Nights

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

• Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
• Approx. time taken: 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for summit Kilimanjaro.

• 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m | 10 km | 6-8 hours | Alpine Desert
• Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut.!
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

This is the extra day that separates the 7-day itinerary from the standard 5-6 day Marangu climb. Instead of pushing for the summit the same night you arrive at Kibo, you spend a full day and night resting at Kibo Hut (4,700m) before the midnight summit attempt. A short, gentle walk in the afternoon keeps your legs loose without burning energy you'll need for summit night. This extra rest and acclimatization time is the single biggest factor in improving your odds of reaching Uhuru Peak feeling strong rather than exhausted.

• Stay at 15,400 ft / 4,700 m | Short acclimatization walk | Alpine Desert
• Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

• 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m | 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m | 4 km up / 14 km down | 10-15 hours | Alpine Desert
• Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our driver will meet you at Marangu village/gate and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi

• 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m | 18km | 5-7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.