Climb Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route 6 Days

Day 1: Marangu Gate - Mandara Huts

1. Marangu
   Pass by
   Once you have finished breakfast, it is time to leave Moshi and head towards the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, better known as Marangu Gate. Upon arriving at Marangu Gate, you will be given the time to check-in and register. This is where you begin your ascent of Kilimanjaro. The first leg of this route takes you through the woods and the rainforest where you will be able to take in the eucalyptus trees and various species of birds. If you are lucky, you may just spot a Colobus monkey or two – keep an eye out for black or white fur! Make sure you have the appropriate equipment and footwear because the low altitudes can produce wet, muddy soil.
   Hiking: 5-7 hours
   Overnight Altitude: ~8,858
   Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts

1. Marangu
   Pass by
   To start off day 2, you will explore the final stretch of woodland as the massive stretch of moorland begins to open up right in front of your eyes. On your walk, you can appreciate the jagged peaks of Mawenzi that ascend up towards the skies of Africa. It is common for people to experience the onset of altitude sickness at these heights. It is important to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your guide at the first and slightest indication of illness. After reaching the Horombo Huts, you will have time to unpack and experience the view of Kibo before dinner.
   Hiking: 5-7 hours
   Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
   Habitat: Heath/Moorland

Day 3: Acclimatization Day

1. Marangu
   Pass by
   You will spend an extra day at the Horombo Huts to allow your body to acclimate to the increasingly high altitude. You must stay at camp and relax if you are showing any signs of illness or are feeling especially tired. However, if you feel well-acclimated to the altitude, then you are free to walk up to Mawenzi Hut and admire the incredible view of Kibo and Mawenzi. Keep a steady pace and you walk the route and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Otherwise, you can take a journey to the remarkable Zebra Rocks. This requires a climb of 310 meters.
   Hiking: 1-2 hours
   Overnight Altitude: ~14,400
   Habitat: Heath/Moorland

Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts

1. Marangu
   Pass by
   On day 4, you will walk through varied and strikingly picturesque landscapes. To begin, you will continue across the heath as it slowly turns into the parched, desolate highlands between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery here is littered with huge and small volcanic rocks, acting as a testament to the volcanic activity of years past. The final stretch to the Kibo Huts is very steep and physically challenging.
   
   Once you arrive at the Kibo Huts, it is time to organize your equipment and warm clothes for tomorrow’s journey to the peak. To prevent freezing, keep any water your plan on bringing in a thermos. Get to bed early, as the next day’s trek requires a full night’s sleep worth of energy. You are getting ready to take on Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge!
   Hiking: 5-7 Hours
   Overnight Altitude: ~15,430
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts

1. Marangu
   Pass by
   Depending on when you take your journey, you may face snow on the final stretch of the path to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa and the very top of Kilimanjaro. As you reach the peak, an altitude of 5,895, you can congratulate yourself as you experience the astounding view and get a picture in front of the Uhuru Peak Sign.
   
   Now it is time to start back towards the Kibo Huts, you will find that this part goes by incredibly quickly. At the Kibo Huts, you will stop to relax and enjoy a much-needed lunch, before moving along to the Horombo Huts, where you will enjoy a well-deserved full night’s rest.
   Hiking: 4-5 Hours
   Overnight Altitude: ~12,205

Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi

1. Marangu
   Pass by
   As we make the final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate, we will have lunch and say farewell to our mountain crew. Afterward, we will leave Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and drive back to Arusha for a much-need shower and a commemorative dinner!
   Hiking: 5-7 Hours
   Overnight Altitude: `1,843
   Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness