Kilimanjaro ascent - Marangu Route (6 days)

Itinerary - Marangu Route (6 days)

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1980 m) - Mandara hut (2700 m)

Walking time: 5 hours Distance: Approximately 12 km Habitat: Montane forest After breakfast, your guide will give you a briefing and check your equipment. The transfer from Moshi or Arusha to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park takes approximately 50 minutes. The drive passes through the village of Marangu, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Upon arrival at the park entrance, all hikers must register at the park office. From the entrance, you begin your ascent on a clear path through the rainforest. This mossy, mist-covered forest is home to many of Kilimanjaro's animals. There is a more scenic alternative route that turns off to the left a few minutes after the entrance.

Day 2: Mandara hut (2700 m) - Horombo hut (3720 m)

Walking time: 6 hours Distance: Approximately 15 km Habitat: Scrub From Mandara Hut, the trail crosses a short stretch of forest before rounding the base of Maundi Crater, emerging into the transition from rainforest to scrub. It is worth making a short detour to climb up to the rim of Maundi Crater for the first breathtaking views of Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo glistens in the distance, showing off its majestic glaciers in the morning sun.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3720 m) - Acclimatization Day

The Horombo hut is a small "village" of huts located on a high plateau, with a capacity of 120 hikers. This extra day at Horombo is designed to facilitate acclimatisation. The atmosphere is usually full of adventure and excitement, with trekkers, guides and porters sharing stories.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3720 m) - Kibo Hut (4700 m)

Walking time: 6 hours Distance: Approximately 15 km Habitat: Alpine desert After breakfast, you continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. From Horombo, there are two routes to the Saddle, the area between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks: an upper and a lower route. The lower route is easier and about an hour shorter, and passes the last water point at 4130m.

Day 5: Summit attempt - Kibo Hut (4700 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Horombo Hut (3720 m)

Walking time: 8 hours to Uhuru, 6 hours to Horombo Distance: Approximately 6 km ascent, 21 km descent Habitat: Stony terrain and ice-covered summit You will wake up around 23:30 and, after tea and biscuits, start the night hike. The first section is a rocky trail to the Hans Meyer cave (5150 m), a good place to rest. The trail continues zigzagging up to Gillman Point (5681 m) on the crater rim. This section is very steep and requires a lot of physical and mental effort. It is probably the most demanding part of the whole route. Proceed slowly.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720 m) - Marangu Gate (1980 m)

Walking time: 6 hours Distance: Approximately 27 km After breakfast, you start your descent past the Mandara hut to the Marangu gate. Remember to sign in at the park entrance. The trek ends with a transfer back to Moshi or Arusha, where you will enjoy a hot shower, dinner and well-deserved celebrations.