5 days Marangu route Kilimanjaro Christmas summit eve group join

Upon arrival in Moshi or Arusha, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to the Marangu Gate, where you will complete park formalities and register for your climb. From the gate, your trek begins through lush rainforest, gradually ascending to Mandara Hut at 2,700 meters. Along the way, you may spot Colobus monkeys and other wildlife, as well as picturesque waterfalls. The trek takes approximately 4–5 hours, and you will spend your first night at Mandara Hut in dormitory-style accommodation, preparing your body for the journey ahead.

After breakfast, you continue your trek through the moorland zone, leaving the dense forest behind and enjoying scenic views of the Kilimanjaro slopes. The trail leads to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters, covering about 12 km in 6–7 hours. The ascent is steady, allowing you to admire the giant heathers, unique alpine plants, and panoramic landscapes. Upon arrival, you will settle into dormitory-style accommodation at Horombo Hut and rest, beginning the crucial process of acclimatization.

This day is dedicated to acclimatization to help prevent altitude sickness and ensure a safer summit attempt. You can take an optional short hike to Zebra Rocks and back, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The hike takes about 2–3 hours and provides an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and capture stunning photographs. You spend the night again at Horombo Hut, allowing your body to adapt to the higher altitude.

You leave Horombo Hut and trek across the barren, alpine desert towards Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters. The trail covers approximately 11 km and takes 5–6 hours. As you ascend, the landscape transforms dramatically, with rocky terrain and high-altitude scenery preparing you mentally and physically for the summit attempt. At Kibo Hut, you rest during the day and prepare for an early night, as the summit climb begins in the late hours to reach the peak at sunrise.

The summit attempt begins around midnight. You trek from Kibo Hut to Gilman’s Point at 5,681 meters and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Witnessing the sunrise from the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering panoramic views across Tanzania and Kenya. After taking in the summit, you descend back to Horombo Hut, a long and challenging journey that takes most of the day. Depending on timing and your energy levels, you may continue your descent to Marangu Gate, where the climb concludes and you are transferred back to Moshi or Arusha.