5-Day Mt Kilimanjaro Summit by Marangu Route

After breakfast, we will drive to Marangu Gate from Moshi and do registration at the gate. Afterward, you will begin trekking through the rainforest to Mandara Hut. Here you will have an acclimatization opportunity to visit Maundi Crater. Dinner and overnight are at Mandara Hut.

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude. 9,000 ft/2,700 m to 12,100 ft/3,700 m, 11 km, and around 6-8 hours of walking.

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape”. Have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb. 12,100 ft/3,700 m to 15,400 ft/4,700 m, 10 km, and around 6-8 hours of walking in Alpine Desert.

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. 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. Moving slowly (pole 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 and 14 km down, and 10-15 hours of walking in Alpine Desert.

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest paths 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 or Arusha. Now it is time for celebration.