6 Days Marangu Route

All trekkers are responsible for organizing their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival at JRO, we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. On the evening of your arrival or early the next morning, you will meet your local ZAFS representative who will provide a comprehensive pre-climb briefing to ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure.

Departing from Moshi, a 60-minute drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. At the gate, we will patiently wait for our permits to be issued, while observing the busy operations as various trekking crews prepare for their journeys. As we begin our trek, enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and the winding trails, while your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so we highly recommend wearing proper rain gear and using trekking poles for better stability. We will spend the night at Mandara Hut, a collection of wooden A-framed huts nestled in a peaceful forest clearing.

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we’ll leave the rainforest behind and begin our ascent through the heathland, where we might spot the giant lobelias and groundsels that thrive in this unique environment. As we continue upwards into the open moorlands, small shrubs become the dominant vegetation. We’ll take a break halfway for lunch, allowing time to appreciate the incredible views of Mawenzi. We will reach the Horombo Huts by late afternoon, with the stunning Kibo Summit providing a breathtaking backdrop. As we settle in, temperatures will start to drop.

On this day, you’ll have the opportunity to rest at the Horombo Huts or take an acclimatization hike up to the Mawenzi Base Camp, returning to Horombo later. This extra day is crucial for helping your body adjust to the altitude and weather conditions. A recommended walk toward Mawenzi, passing the distinctive Zebra Rocks along the way, will not only enhance your acclimatization but also provide you with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This relaxed pace will ensure you're better prepared for the challenging days ahead.

After breakfast, we continue our trek through the diminishing heathland, transitioning into a barren moonscape as we cross the expansive saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. During lunch, take a moment to appreciate the daunting summit climb up Kibo that lies ahead. As we pass the last water source at 4130m, the final stretch to the summit awaits—an ascent of 1195m. With the summit climb scheduled for tonight, we’ll aim for an early rest at Kibo Hut, ensuring you're as well-rested as possible for the challenging ascent that begins later in the evening.

Excitement builds as we begin the ascent between midnight and 2 a.m. This section of the trek is both mentally and physically demanding. We navigate through heavy scree, switching back as we climb, staying focused on the remarkable accomplishment that awaits us. As we ascend toward Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, the first light of dawn greets us with a breathtaking sunrise. If you’re a faster hiker, you may catch the sunrise at the summit. From Gillman’s Point, the final 1-hour stretch to Uhuru Peak involves snow, but every step brings you closer to your goal. Congratulations! You’ve now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and all of Africa! After soaking in the achievement, we descend back to Kibo Hut for breakfast before continuing on to Horombo Hut.

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye. We continue our descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Don’t forget to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you’ll be parting ways with them here. We proceed to the Marangu Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. The weather will be noticeably warmer, and the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for extra stability. From the gate, a vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, which takes about 60 minutes.

After a much-needed night’s rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us, or a safari or Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back soon!