Kibo Hut is the last base camp for climbers attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. Situated at an altitude of 4,703 meters (15,430 feet), this crucial resting point is where trekkers prepare for the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet)—the highest point in Africa.
The trek to Kibo Hut begins at Horombo Hut, where climbers leave behind the moorland and enter the **alpine desert zone**. The landscape becomes **barren, dry, and rocky**, with little vegetation. Along the way, trekkers pass through the Saddle, a vast, open expanse between **Mawenzi Peak** and **Kibo Peak**. The high altitude and harsh conditions make this section challenging, but the gradual incline allows for acclimatization.
At Kibo Hut, climbers experience:
Kibo Hut offers basic accommodations for trekkers:
The final ascent begins around midnight. Climbers follow a steep and challenging trail toward Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters / 18,652 feet), then continue to Stella Point (5,756 meters / 18,885 feet) before reaching Uhuru Peak. This section is physically demanding, but witnessing the **sunrise over Africa from the summit** is an unforgettable reward.
Kibo Hut serves as the gateway to **Kilimanjaro’s summit**, marking the transition from high-altitude trekking to the final ascent. With thin air, freezing temperatures, and a tough climb ahead, climbers must be well-prepared for one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
