5- Day Kilimanjaro Mountain climbing Marangu

Day 1: Moshi- Marangu gate to Mandara Hut

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   7h
   Kilimanjaro Mountain Marangu route is rightfully popular amongst Kilimanjaro climbers. It is unique in that it provides extra comfort with its permanent huts.
   
   Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
   
   After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rain-forest 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 rain-forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
   
   Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
   Habitat: Montana Forest

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   6h
   You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
   
   Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
   Habitat: Heath land

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   7h
   Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heath land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
   
   Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4: Summit to Horombo Hut

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   7h
   Very early in the morning 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.
   
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   5h
   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 be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
   
   Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness