Superb 5 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Marangu the Magnificent Route

DAY 1: ARUSHA/MOSHI - MARANGU GATE - MANDARA

( Superb 5 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Marangu the Magnificent Route )

After breakfast our driver will pick you up then drive you to the office where you receive a briefing and gear check. Then the drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes from Moshi and 2.45Hrs from Arusha). Here you will register and commence with the climb. You and your guide will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest you will see the towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Altitude: 1,700 m to 2,740 m

Distance covered: 7km

Time to be used: 4-5 hours

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mandara Hut

DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

( Superb 5 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Marangu the Magnificent Route )

We will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on to the open moorlands then the Horombo encampment. We will witness the amazing views of Kibo and Mawenzi. As we cross the Alpine Zone of the mountain we will see giant lobelias and grounsels. Here, you are expected to begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Altitude: 2,700 m to 3,700 m

Distance Covered: 11km

Time to be used: 6-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

( Superb 5 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Marangu the Magnificent Route )

The ascending continues, now we will pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi where vegetation starts to disappear into the “moonscape”. At Kibo we will have Dinner, rest and prepare for summit climb that starts in the deep night at 2:00a.m.

Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,700 m

Distance Covered: 10km

Time to be used: 6 - 8 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

DAY 4 : KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT THEN HOROMBO HUT

( Superb 5 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Marangu the Magnificent Route )

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Altitude: 4,700 m to 5,895 m

Altitude: 5,895 m to 3,700 m

Distance Covered: 4 km up / 14 km down

Time to be used: 10 - 15 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUT TO MOSHI

( Superb 5 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Marangu the Magnificent Route )

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

Altitude: 3,700 m to 1,700 m

Distance Covered: 18km km down

Time to be used: 5 - 7 hrs

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch