5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking -Marangu route

Day 0: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO Arusha

Arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport, Meet and assist at the airport and after going through Immigration, Baggage Claim and Customs, Transfer to the Tulia hotel and Spa or similar in Arusha on Bed and Breakfast basis. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climbing briefing and climbing equipment check. We will also confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance as well.

Day 1: Marangu Gate -Mandara Hut

After tea at the hotel, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate - Marangu. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek begins and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views. Meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut

Day 2: Horombo Hut

Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest for the upcoming summit stage. You will be woken at around 11pm. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner included

Day 3: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo

Today is your big day. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave (5,220 m), the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After a break of 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner included

Day 4: Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1:00am, aiming to be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded zig–zags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. For those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo for the night. It takes about 11–15 hours walk.

Day 5: Horombo - Mandara Marangu - Back to Arusha.

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After saying goodbye to your mountain crew you will be met at the gate by our transfer driver and taken back to the hotel of your choice in Arusha or Moshi town. This will mark the end of your Kili Trekking with us. Alternatively you may have arranged for wildlife game drive & Safari to the National park of your choice. In this last days Hotel is not included.