The Kibo Climb – 6-Day Marangu Adventure

After an early breakfast, you'll drive to the Marangu Gate, where your adventure begins! Here, you'll register with the park and meet your dedicated team of porters and guides. The trail starts through the lush, green rainforest, where you'll hike for 3–4 hours. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys and tropical birds! You’ll reach Mandara Hut, a cozy rest stop with solar-powered lighting and nearby flush toilets. Your porters will have warm water ready, and your cook will prepare a hearty dinner. Expect cool mountain air at night, so layer up!

• Hiking time: 3–4 hours
• Distance: ~12 km
• Habitat: Montane forest

Today’s trek takes you out of the forest and into the dramatic moorland landscape. After breakfast, you’ll hike past the picturesque Maundi Crater, with an optional climb to its rim for views of Kibo Crater. The trail is filled with unique flora like giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Horombo Hut, set on a scenic plateau. With space for 120 hikers, this hut is your base for the next two nights. After washing up, enjoy hot tea, snacks, and a delicious dinner while soaking in the views and crisp mountain air.

• Hiking time: ~6 hours
• Distance: ~15 km
• Habitat: Heath and moorland

Today is all about helping your body adjust to the altitude. After breakfast, you’ll have the optional hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m), passing through fascinating alpine terrain for extra acclimatization. If you prefer to rest, you can relax at Horombo and enjoy the surroundings. Meals will be served at the hut or packed for your hike, depending on your preference. This day greatly increases your chances of a successful summit, so take it slow and hydrate well!

After an early breakfast, your journey continues into the alpine desert, an otherworldly, stark landscape between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You can choose between two routes—the upper trail (used for the previous day's hike) or the shorter, lower trail. After 6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, located in the “Saddle” between the peaks. There’s no water at this camp, but mineral water and soft drinks are available for purchase. A hot dinner will be served early so you can rest and prepare for summit night, with a detailed briefing from your guide. Try to sleep by 7 PM!

• Hiking time: ~6 hours
• Distance: ~15 km
• Habitat: Alpine desert

The most thrilling and challenging day of your trek begins just before midnight. After tea and biscuits, you’ll start the final ascent under the stars. The rocky trail leads to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), then to Gillman’s Point (5681m)—a major achievement on its own. From here, the trail continues along a snowy ridge to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa! Celebrate with photos and tea before descending back to Kibo Hut for rest and a hot lunch. Then continue to Horombo Hut for your final overnight on the mountain. A well-earned dinner and a deep sleep await.

• Hiking time: ~8 hours ascent / ~6 hours descent
• Distance: ~6 km ascent / ~21 km descent
• Habitat: Scree and ice-capped summit

After breakfast, enjoy a joyful farewell celebration with your mountain crew—complete with singing, dancing, and gratitude rituals. You’ll then begin the final descent through the forest, taking about 6 hours to reach Marangu Gate. Here, you'll sign out and receive your official Kilimanjaro certificate: a green certificate if you reached Gillman’s Point and a gold certificate if you reached Uhuru Peak. A vehicle will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a much-deserved hot shower and rest.

• Hiking time: ~6 hours
• Distance: ~27 km

Spend your final morning at the hotel, relaxing and reflecting on your incredible achievement. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take a swim, or explore Moshi town before your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey. You came for the adventure—and leave with memories to last a lifetime.