Marangu Route - Kilimanjaro Climbing - 6 days

Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet our guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Day 1 : Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
-Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
-Distance: 8 km
-Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we head to the National Park gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rain forest, near the upper edge of the forest line (keep an eye out for blue monkeys). The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

Day 2 : Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
-Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
-Distance: 12 km
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
-Habitat: Health
Our second day on the trail begins with a steep, but not technical ascent through forest and opens into high moorland. If weather allows, we may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Horombo Hut
-Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft
-Distance: 10 km
-Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
-Habitat: Health.
This is an extra day to acclimatize and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Day 4 : Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
-Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
-Distance: 10 km
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Today we climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our campsite which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp we rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
-Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
-Distance: 22 km
-Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
-Habitat: Arctic
Leaving very early in the morning (around midnight), we continue our way to the summit in hopes of catching the sunrise. The trail is a series of switchbacks up a steep scree slope, with climbers stretched into the darkness, visible only by headlamps. It is important to focus on breathing and foot placement. The views from the summit are dramatic and immense. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishments, we descend to Horombo Hut.

Day 6 : Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
-Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
-Distance: 20 km
-Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest.
A long trek is in store for today, however, it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we pick up our certificates that prove our achievement. Vehicle transfer to hotel for a celebration.

Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar, and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.