7-Day Kilimanjaro Adventure - Marangu Route

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Marangu Gate for registration and trek briefing. The hike begins through lush rainforest with chances to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and beautiful tropical vegetation. This is a steady acclimatization walk, allowing your body to adjust as you gain altitude gradually. Arrive at Mandara Hut (2,720 m), settle in, and enjoy a warm meal with time to rest. If energy allows, you can take a short acclimatization walk toward Maundi Crater for great views on a clear day.

Today we leave the rainforest behind and climb into the open moorland zone, where the landscape becomes wider and more dramatic. The trail is a steady ascent with beautiful views as the vegetation changes from forest to giant heathers and alpine shrubs. As you gain altitude, you will start to feel the mountain environment more clearly, so we keep a comfortable pace with regular breaks and plenty of water. Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 m), with stunning views of Mawenzi and, on clear days, Kibo. After lunch and rest, you can take a short acclimatization walk around the hut area before dinner and an early night.

After an early breakfast, we continue the ascent toward Kibo Hut (4,703 m). The route crosses the wide “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, a high-altitude desert with big skies and a remote, lunar-like landscape. The pace is slow and steady to support acclimatization, with frequent short breaks and hydration reminders. As we approach Kibo Hut, the air is thinner and temperatures drop, so we settle in, rest, and prepare for the summit push later tonight. Your guides will brief you on summit strategy, pacing, and safety checks. Early dinner, then sleep as much as possible before the midnight wake-up.

Around midnight, we begin the summit ascent from Kibo Hut with headlamps on, moving slowly and steadily in the cold night air. The trail climbs steeply on volcanic scree to the crater rim, reaching Gilman’s Point, then continues along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After photos and a short celebration, we start descending back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and brunch, then continue down through the alpine desert and moorland zone to Horombo Hut (3,720 m). This is a long but rewarding day, and your guides will closely monitor pacing, hydration, and altitude wellbeing throughout.

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, we begin the final descent through the moorland and into the lush rainforest zone. The trail gradually drops to Marangu Gate (1,870 m) where you sign out with the park authorities and receive your Kilimanjaro trekking certificate. Your driver will be waiting at the gate for a comfortable transfer back to Moshi. Upon arrival, check in at Chanya Lodge to relax, take a hot shower, and enjoy a well-earned rest after your mountain adventure.

After breakfast at Chanya Lodge, you’ll be picked up for your scheduled transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This is the official end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. If time allows, we can assist with a relaxed departure plan from Moshi before heading to the airport. Safe travels, and congratulations again on your achievement.