6-Day Ascent to the Roof of Africa

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Into the Montane Rainforest

Your adventure begins at the Marangu Gate (1,860m / 6,100ft), where you complete registration formalities. The journey immediately takes you into the dense, humid Montane Rainforest, a lush environment known for its towering trees, ferns, and thick mosses. The trail is wide and well-maintained, offering a gentle start to the climb. The goal is Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,858ft), which you reach after approximately 4−5 hours of hiking (about 8 km / 5 miles). This initial day is essential for allowing your body to start adjusting to the altitude. Upon arrival, your guide will suggest a short, worthwhile optional walk to the nearby Maundi Crater to catch your first spectacular views of the plains below and potentially the Kibo summit cone.

Main Destination:

Marangu Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Across the Heathland Moor

Leaving the Mandara Hut, the path quickly transitions out of the damp rainforest and into the Heathland / Moorland zone. This landscape is much more open, characterized by hardy shrubs, grasses, and, as you gain altitude, the giant, unique flora of Kilimanjaro, specifically the towering Giant Lobelia and Giant Groundsel plants. This is a longer trek, covering about 12 km (7.5 miles) over 5−7 hours, and involves a significant altitude gain, which requires a slow, steady pace to aid acclimatization. The reward for your effort is your first clear and breathtaking view of both the Kibo (summit) and Mawenzi peaks on a clear day. You settle for the night at Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205ft).

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Resting to Climb Higher

This is a critical day and is the primary reason the 6-day Marangu route has a higher success rate than the 5-day option. The day is spent at Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205ft) focusing on the "Climb High, Sleep Low" principle. To maximize your body's adaptation, your guide will lead an important acclimatization hike for 3−5 hours towards the Mawenzi Ridge or the famous Zebra Rocks (reaching ≈4,100−4,200 meters). This excursion allows your body to experience a higher altitude before returning to the lower elevation of the hut for rest and sleep. The rest of the afternoon is spent hydrating, reviewing gear, and relaxing, ensuring you are prepared for the more challenging ascent ahead.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

The Desolate Alpine Desert

Today, the environment becomes starkly high-alpine and truly desolate. You leave the last traces of dense vegetation and enter the Alpine Desert zone as you trek toward the base of the Kibo cone. The path crosses the wide, exposed, boulder-strewn expanse known as The Saddle, which lies between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The air is noticeably thinner and colder, making the 10 km (6 miles) trek feel demanding, lasting 5−7 hours. You pass the final water point on the route before arriving at Kibo Hut (4,700m / 15,420ft). The focus of the afternoon is an early dinner and rigorous preparation—mentally and physically—for the strenuous summit attempt that begins shortly after midnight.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

The Roof of Africa and Long Descent

Waking just after midnight, the most challenging part of your trek begins. You climb through the cold darkness on a steep, winding trail over volcanic scree and possibly snow, aiming for the crater rim. The goal is to reach Gilman's Point (5,685m) at sunrise. After a brief rest and celebration, you continue trekking for another 1−2 hours along the crater rim, passing Stella Point, to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. After soaking in the panoramic views, the long descent begins, sliding down the scree back to Kibo Hut for a quick rest and brunch. You then continue your descent all the way back to the relative warmth and oxygen-rich environment of Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205ft) for a well-deserved final night on the mountain.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Return to the Lush Gate

The final day is a long, straightforward descent, covering the remaining 20 km (12.5 miles) in 5−6 hours. You retrace your steps through the moorland and back into the lush, life-filled Rainforest zone. The descent is fast, but trekking poles are crucial to minimize the impact on your knees. After a brief stop at Mandara Hut for lunch, you complete the final stretch back to the Marangu Gate (1,860m / 6,100ft). Here, you will be met by your vehicle and, after signing out and receiving your official climbing certificate (Gold for Uhuru Peak, Green for Gilman's Point), you will be transferred to your hotel for a long-awaited hot shower and celebratory dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.