Marangu route to Kilimanjaro

Safari summary

Mount Kilimanjaro is the true definition of beauty. Its a dormant volcanic mountain with three volcanic cones Mawenzi, Kibo, and Shira. Its one of the seven summits and also turns out to be the highest freestanding mountain in the whole world. The climbing experience is quite physical, tiresome and risky but the feeling of hiking till the Uhuru Peak is accomplishment you will always be proud of hence and definitely worth every effort of your endeavors.

Day 1: Arusha to Mandara hut
Once you have finished breakfast, it is time to leave Arusha and head towards the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, better known as Marangu Gate. Upon arriving at Marangu Gate, you will be given the time to check-in and register. This is where you begin your ascent of Kilimanjaro. The first leg of this route takes you through the woods and the rainforest where you will be able to take in the eucalyptus trees and various species of birds. If you are lucky, you may just spot a Colobus monkey or two – keep an eye out for black or white fur! Make sure you have the appropriate equipment and footwear because the low altitudes can produce wet, muddy soil.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: 8,858
Habitat: Rainforest.

Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
To start off day 2, you will explore the final stretch of woodland as the massive stretch of moorland begins to open up right in front of your eyes. On your walk, you can appreciate the jagged peaks of Mawenzi that ascend up towards the skies of Africa. It is common for people to experience the onset of altitude sickness at these heights. It is important to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your guide at the first and slightest indication of illness. After reaching the Horombo Huts, you will have time to unpack and experience the view of Kibo before dinner.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
Habitat: Heath/Moorland.

Day 3: Acclimatization
You will spend an extra day at the Horombo Huts to allow your body to acclimate to the increasingly high altitude. You must stay at camp and relax if you are showing any signs of illness or are feeling especially tired. However, if you feel well-acclimated to the altitude, then you are free to walk up to Mawenzi Hut and admire the incredible view of Kibo and Mawenzi. Keep a steady pace and you walk the route and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Otherwise, you can take a journey to the remarkable Zebra Rocks. This requires a climb of 310 metres.
Hiking: 1-2 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~14,400
Habitat: Heath/Moorland.

Day 4: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
On day 4, you will walk through varied and strikingly picturesque landscapes. To begin, you will continue across the heath as it slowly turns into the parched, desolate highlands between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery here is littered with huge and small volcanic rocks, acting as a testament to the volcanic activity of years past. The final stretch to the Kibo Huts is very steep and physically challenging.
Once you arrive at the Kibo Huts, it is time to organize your equipment and warm clothes for tomorrow’s journey to the peak. To prevent freezing, keep any water your plan on bringing in a thermos. Get to bed early, as the next day’s trek requires a full night’s sleep worth of energy. You are getting ready to take on Kilimanjaro’s most ultimate challenge!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,430
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Day 5: Kibo huts to uhuru peak to Horombo hut
As you awake around midnight, there is just enough time for a small meal before you begin your nightly hike. Many hikers consider the difficult terrain, scattered with loose rocks, to be the most difficult part of the climb. The goal is to reach Gilman’s Point by dawn. This is to make sure that you can make it to Uhuru, the highest point of Kibo, shortly after sunrise. T Afterward, you will continue along the edge of the crater to Uhuru, this is the last part of the ascent. You may face snow on the final stretch of the path to the Uhuru Peak, highest point and the very top of Kilimanjaro. As you reach the peak, an altitude of 5,895.
Now it is time to start back towards the Kibo Huts, you will find that this part goes by incredibly quickly. At the Kibo Huts, you will stop to relax and enjoy a much-needed lunch, before moving along to the Horombo Huts, where you will enjoy a well-deserved full night’s rest.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205.

Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha
As we make the final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate, we will have lunch and say farewell to our mountain crew. Afterward, we will leave Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and drive back to Arusha for a much-need shower and a commemorative dinner!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: `1,843
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	January, February, March, June, July, September, October, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Walking safari—with armed guard

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Park fees

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• International flights
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas