6-Day Kilimanjaro: Marangu Route

After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha you are collected and driven to Marangu Gate (1,879 m/6,165 ft). Once registration is complete, the hike begins through montane forest towards Mandara Hut (2,720 m/8,924 ft), where you arrive for lunch. The hut sits on the edge of the forest belt just below Maundi Crater, surrounded by serene and untouched nature.

After a rest your guide takes you up to Maundi Crater. On a clear day the views stretch to Lake Chala and Lake Jipe, the Usambara Mountains and Amboseli National Park. The trails are well established and easy to follow, with plenty of flora and fauna along the way. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.

Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles). Walking time: around 3–5 hours. Habitat: montane forest.

Today the trail leaves the forest and continues through heather and moorland to Horombo Hut (3,720 m/12,205 ft). As the vegetation opens out you catch your first striking views of the jagged Mawenzi peak and the great dome of Kibo.

Arrive at Horombo in the afternoon for a rest, dinner and the night in the hut.

Distance: 11 km (6.83 miles). Walking time: around 5–6 hours. Habitat: heather and moorland.

A relaxed breakfast at Horombo Hut starts a day dedicated to resting and acclimatising to the altitude, which greatly reduces the chances of altitude sickness.

If you feel like stretching your legs, you can trek to Zebra Rocks (4,020 m/13,189 ft), one to two hours from the hut. The rocks take their name from their distinctive black and white stripes, which resemble a zebra's coat. Afterwards you return to the hut for a hot lunch and relax ahead of the next day's hike. All meals and the night at Horombo Hut.

Distance: 4.12 km (2.6 miles). Walking time: 1–2 hours. Habitat: heather and moorland.

After a warm breakfast you continue to Kibo Hut (4,720 m/15,486 ft), around 9 km and 5–6 hours away. This is a tougher day: the trail crosses the barren, almost plant-less tableland of the Saddle that links Kibo with Mawenzi.

You arrive at Kibo Hut for an early dinner and the night, resting as much as you can before the summit attempt.

Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles). Walking time: around 5–6 hours. Habitat: alpine desert.

You wake at around 23:00 and at 23:30 enjoy hot tea or coffee with biscuits before heading into the darkness for the final ascent, passing Hans Meyer Cave on the way to Gilman's Point. Starting at midnight lets you reach the crater rim in time for a beautiful golden sunrise, and walking overnight means the loose gravel is frozen, making the going significantly easier. Reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,341 ft), the top of the African continent, marks the end of the climb. Ascent – elevation gain: 1,175 m (3,855 ft). Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles). Time: 6–7 hours. Habitat: arctic.

The descent follows the same path; by now the lava ash has thawed, allowing a faster descent. Going down looks easy, but most accidents happen on the way down, so this is the time to use your walking poles and descend carefully to Kibo Hut.

At Kibo Hut you have a warm meal and a 1–1.5-hour break before continuing down to Horombo Hut, arriving in the afternoon for dinner and the night. Descent – elevation loss: 2,175 m (7,136 ft). Distance: about 15 km (9.3 miles) from Uhuru Peak to Horombo. Time: 6–7 hours. Habitat: moorland.

The final stage of the descent takes you from Horombo Hut back down to Marangu Gate, with lunch served at Mandara Hut (2,720 m) along the way. After a short break you continue through the forest to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate.

Your driver guide is waiting eagerly at the gate to transfer you comfortably by road to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your onward international flight home (transfer timing depends on your flight schedule). If you would prefer a hot shower and a well-deserved night's rest before flying, an extra night in Arusha can be added on request. This marks the end of our services – kwaheri, and safe travels.

Distance: 19 km (12 miles). Walking time: around 6–7 hours. Habitat: moorland and montane forest.