Marangu Route - Climb Kilimanjaro - 5 days

DAY 1: MOSHI - MARANGU GATE - MANDARA HUT

You’ll be picked up from your Moshi accommodations and make the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park.
Here, you’ll liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.

Hiking for 5-6 hours through this ancient jungle, you’ll get to go on a miniature safari as you spot wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys along the way.

You’ll spend your night at the modern Mandara Huts, which boast luxuries such as solar lighting and flush toilets. You won’t be seeing those again anytime soon!

DAY 2: MANDARA HUT - HOROMBO HUT

You’ll set off bright and early today, as you’ve got a long day of hiking ahead of you!

Today’s hike takes you from the verdant rainforest into the stark alpine zone, as you’ll cover more than 11 kilometres on your way to the Maundi Crater.

If the weather is clear, you’ll find stunning views of Kibo Glacier from here before settling down for the evening.

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT - KIBO HUT

It’s another big day of hiking today, as you’ll make your way to Kibo Hut to set up camp ahead of your summit attempt.
Climbing almost 1,000m, you’ll pass your last watering point at the 4,130m mark before arriving at Kibo Hut in the afternoon.

Remember to drink plenty of water during your early dinner, as you’ll be up bright and early tomorrow to begin your ascent to the summit!

DAY 4: KIBO HUT - UHURU PEAK - HOROMBO HUT

You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact!

Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.

You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.

 

Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it 

You’ll then descend back to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut. At anywhere between 12 and 16 hours of hiking, this is sure to be one of the longest, most gruelling days of your life!

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUT - MARANGU GATE - MOSHI

It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Marangu Gate.

It’s an almost 20km walk today, but the steady downhill makes it a lot easier than the ascent.

Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.

Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.