6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Via Marangu route

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,970 meters) to Mandara Hut (2,700 meters):

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   Pass by
   Today you are on the South-Eastern side of the mountain. You will start the hike through a rainforest. Today’s hike is fairly easy as you will gradually be ascending toward the Mandara Hut. Your hut is furnished with solar-generated lighting, flush toilets, and water.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700 meters) to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters):

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   Pass by
   After breakfast at Mandara Hut, we will leave through the rainforest towards the Heath zone at Horombo Hut. Your guide may arrange for a visit to Maundi where you will have your first full view of Kibo peak. Expect to see beautiful giant lobelias. At this altitude, these plants are common residents. Today at Horombo Hut you may have great views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
   
   Distance: 12km
   Trekking time: 6-8 hours
   Zone: Heath
   Altitude gain: 1020 meters

Day 3: Acclimatization day: Hike up Zebra rocks (4020 meters) then back to Horombo Hut (4010 meters)

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   Pass by
   This day makes the difference, as you have a 4-5 hours hike up Zebra rocks and back to experience what we call climb high sleep low. They are called Zebra rocks because of their distinctive black and white strips resembling zebras.
   This experience is good for your body as it helps the body to adapt to high altitudes before we move to a higher altitude towards Kibo Hut on the following day.
   
   Distance: 5km
   Trekking time: 4-5 hours
   Zone: Heath
   Altitude gain: 300 meters

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) to Kibo Hut (4,720 meters):

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   Pass by
   It is recommended to start today’s hike very early in the morning as you will have a substantial amount of distance to cover and elevation to gain. We will take a lower route towards Kibo Hut. We will stop by the last water point at 4,130 meters for you to fill up your water reserves. Note, the will be no other watering point until you get back to Horombo Hut from the summit. At Kibo Hut you will be served an early dinner and you should try to get to sleep for at least 4 hours. Before you go to bed, ensure that all your trekking gear is well prepared for the summit attempt.
   
   Distance: 10km
   Trekking time: 6-8 hours
   Zone: Alpine desert
   Altitude gain: 1000 meters

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,720 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then Horombo Hut (3,720 meters)

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   Pass by
   This is the day you have been waiting for! The summit night is here, your mental and physical stamina are going to be tested to the limit.
   After you wake up, you will be served hot drinks and biscuits and will start the summit hike the first destination being Gilman’s point. (5685 meters) which is on Kibo’s crater rim.
   At Gilman’s point, you will take some time to rest (5 minutes maximum) and refuel with a snack. We will start the final push moving very slowly to finish to remaining 200 meters to Uhuru Peak. After taking photos and some celebrations at Uhuru Peak, you will begin your descent back to Kibo Hut, and onto Horombo Hut.
   
   Distance: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak about 6.5km then from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut 15.5km making a total of 22km
   
   Trekking time: 6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, then 5-6 hours from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
   
   Zone: Arctic zone then Heath
   
   Altitude gain: 1175 meters then altitude loss:2175 meters

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) to Marangu Gate (1,970 meters)

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   Pass by
   At this point, you are probably exhausted but happy that you have finally fulfilled your dream to climb Africa’s highest mountain. On your way through the rainforest, expect to see Colobus monkeys and other small animals. It will be a tough descent, stopping at Mandara Hut for lunch then descend to Marangu Gate. At Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your certificate, either for Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak (depending on how far you managed to get).
   
   Distance: 19km
   Trekking time: 6-8 hours
   Zone: Rainforest
   Altitude gain: 1750 meters

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness