A Six -day trip to ascend Africa’s highest peak in Africa and highest free Standing Mountain in the world, using the popular Marangu Route. Expect a variety of landscapes, perhaps some wildlife on the lower slopes. This six-day trip to magical Kilimanjaro allows for extra acclimatization time, giving you an excellent chance of reaching the snow-capped summit. You will have a private vehicle to take you to and from the mountain; on the mountain, your accommodation on this ‘Basic’ category trip will be in comfortable huts.
6 DAY MARANGU ITINERARY
DAY 1: To Mandara hut
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach to Mandara Hut.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Altitudes (m):1890m to 2720m
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 2: To Horombo hut
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Altitudes (m): 2720m to 3720m
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
DAY 3: To Mawenzi Ridge/Acclimatization day
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Altitudes (m): 3720m to 4390m
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Altitudes (m): 4390m to 3720m
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
DAY 4: To Kibo hut
We climb gradually then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Altitudes (m): 3720m to 4720m
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5: To Uhuru peak
You will wake up at 11pm for tea, snacks and dress warm, Very early in the morning at 12am, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft/5685m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. You will hike for I hour to Stella point (18800ft/5756m), Finally you will arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut for nap and brunch, Later in the evening; we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned long sleep.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Altitudes (m): 4720m to 5895m
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Altitudes (m): 5895m to 3720m
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath
DAY 6: Descend to Marangu gate
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Destination: Marangu gate
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Altitudes (m): 3720m to 1890m
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest