Marangu Route 6 Days

Upon your arrival, Sote Tours staff will be ready to greet you and assist with your luggage before escorting you to your waiting vehicle. You will then be transported to your hotel in Moshi town. After checking in, you’ll receive a detailed briefing about your upcoming trek, followed by a thorough gear check by your mountain guide. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind by the pool or explore the vibrant town of Moshi at your leisure.

Accommodation at Panama Garden Resort
Meals
Breakfast

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be picked up and driven to Marangu Gate (1,970m), where your Kilimanjaro adventure begins. Upon arrival, the porters will organize and pack your belongings for the hike while you and your guide complete the registration process with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).

Your ascent then begins through the lush rainforest. This section of the hike often features rain, mud, and fog, so be prepared for challenging conditions. Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly the distinctive Colobus monkeys. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700m). The huts at Mandara provide 6-8 sleeping bunks, accommodating up to 60 hikers, and are equipped with solar-powered lighting. Nearby, you’ll find flush toilets for your convenience. The porters, who arrive ahead of the group, will prepare boiled water for drinking and washing. Your chef will then serve a snack followed by dinner. As night falls, be ready for temperatures that may drop to freezing.

Elevation:  1,970m to 2,700 m
Distance: 9 km
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals
Full Board

After breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent, leaving the rainforest behind and entering the heather moorland. Along the way, you’ll pass the Maundi Crater, with the option to climb up to its rim for breathtaking views of Kibo Crater. As you trek through the moorland, keep an eye out for the region’s unique flora, including the striking giant lobelia and groundsel plants. After approximately 6 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m), which is situated on a small plateau and accommodates up to 120 hikers. Just like the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. Your evening will include snacks followed by a dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night, as temperatures at this altitude often drop below freezing.

Elevation:  2,700m to 3,720m
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Habitat: Moorland

Meals
Full Board

Meals
Full board

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert

Meals
Full Board

Awaken at midnight for a light breakfast before preparing for your summit ascent. As the climb will take place in the dark, ensure you have headlamps or flashlights. Temperatures will be extremely cold until you start your descent, so be sure to wear all your warm layers.

This phase of the trek requires a steady pace, known as “pole pole” in Swahili, to manage the altitude and maintain energy. The objective is to reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or just after sunrise. You will navigate steep scree or potentially snow-covered terrain to reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 meters (18,640 feet) between 4 and 6 AM. From this vantage point, you will be greeted by views of the renowned crater and its ice caps.

Afterward, spend approximately two hours hiking along the Kibo Crater rim, passing by the famous snowfields to reach Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak. Here, you can take time for summit photos and enjoy the breathtaking views. Following your time at the summit, begin your descent back to Kibo Huts for lunch and rest. After collecting your equipment, continue your descent, crossing the saddle once more to reach Horombo Huts. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at Horombo Camp.

Elevation: 4,703m  Uhuru Peak 5,895m to Horombo Hut camp (3,720m)
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Accommodation at Panama Garden Resort
Elevation: Elevation): 3,720m to 1,970m
Distance: 18 km
Descending time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

Meals
Breakfast and Lunch