5 Days Marangu Route

Altitude Gained: 818m

Distance: 8.3km

Trekking time: 4- 5 hours

Zone: Montane forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

We are going to start our trek at Marangu Gate (1905m, after going through registration process and weighing all porters items of which cannot exceed 20kg per porter to carry. We are going to leave Arusha town early after breakfast so that we are not going to take long time at the gate going through registration process. Note: Marangu Route is one the busiest gate on the mountain. The reason we are emphasis of starting early as possible at the gates, is one thing that we’ll start trekking sooner, will get us at Marangu gate before other trekkers, and will have a chance to choose our best dormitory for stay and overnight! On the way to Mandara, we are going to stop at Kisamboni picnic site for lunch, then proceed up the slopes passing small waterfalls alongside a babbling stream, to the Mandara Huts for our accommodation for the first night.

Altitude Gained: 998m

Distance: 11km

Trekking time: 6hours

Zone: Rain forest - Moorland

Meals: Breakfast & lunch & Dinner

Another interesting trekking day, we are going to leave the Montane Forest zone to Moorland zone, we’ll start to see the first scenic sight of both the Mawenzi summit (Kilimanjaro’s second summit), and it’s snow-capped, Kibo – our ultimate destination!

On this day our destination from Mandara Huts (2723m/amsl) to Horombo Huts (3721m/amsl), picnic lunch will be served on the way, dinner and stay overnight at Horombo Huts chilly but welcoming set of where we’ll have glimpses of Kibo Peak scenic from the west. Popcorns and a hot drink will be served upon arrival, followed by dinner, briefing, and overnight.

Altitude Gained: 993m

Distance: 9 km

Trekking time: 6 hours

Zone: Moorland - Alpine

Meals: Breakfast & lunch & Dinner

After a good night`s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Kibo Hut at 4720m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with some vegetation in 2 hours around us and after no vegetation at all. It`s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat lunch and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11Pm and 12Am start the climb to the summit.

Altitude Gained: 6.25km to 15.75km down to 16.55km

Distance: 21 km

Trekking time: 14 hours

Zone: Alpine - Summit

Meals: Breakfast & lunch & Dinner

Wake up call around 11:00pm, the around midnight with packed hot drinks and snacks energy bars, we’ll start with slow pace to ascend to Gilman’s Point (5719m) on the edge of the kibo crater, passing Hans Meyer Cave (5259m). From this point we will start to feel stiff steps, we’ll keep slow pace as we start approaching the snow dust, and a test of our endurance – this is where we’ll earn our Kilimanjaro Certificate of Accomplishment. Nevertheless, providing we have avoided altitude sickness and have rested well the last night, there is no reason why we shouldn’t make it up to Gillman’s around 5am or later depending on both our condition and the conditions on the mountain.

From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Soon after taking photos at the Summit, we are going to descent to Kibo Huts considerably quicker than it was on the way up! Full lunch at Kibo, then we are going to rest for 2 hours, then we’ll continue descending down to Horombo Huts through the Saddle, heath, and on Moorland zones again, dinner and overnight at Horombo Huts. We should arrive there at about 4pm – of which we could have spent 14 hours in total from midnight to the summit, then to Horombo Huts. Although will be an exhausting day, will be a worth one!

Altitude Gained/Lost: 1816m

Distance: 20 km

Trekking time: 7 hours

Zone: Moorland & Rain forest

Meals: Breakfast & lunch

After breakfast and enough rest at Horombo Huts. We are going to leave Moorland zones to montane forest zones, lunch at Marangu Gate. (Option by walk or jeep) Where for those who have reached Gilman’s Point /Uhuru Peak will be awarded Certificate of accomplishment, then will hold a small ceremony at the gate before driving to Arusha for hot shower, dinner and stay overnight.

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight to Zanzibar. Depending on your timetable you could go safari and explore the wildlife or to visit kikuletwa hot spring at boma ng'ombe. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the where you wish.