Day 1: Marangu Route from Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara Hut (2700m)

Hiking time : 3-4 hours

Vegetation: Rainforest

 

After an early breakfast in your hotel you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and taken to Marangu Gate (1980m). At the entrance, the porters will be organized to pack your things for the ascent, while you and your guide will register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will start with the ascent in the rainforest. Within this section of the hike you have to be prepared for rain, mud and fog. In addition, be careful of the animal world including the Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of hiking you will reach the Mandara Hut at 2700 meters. Each hut has 6-8 berths for 60 climbers with solar-powered light. There are flush toilets next to the main hut. The porters who arrive at the campsite before you will boil water for drinking, washing and cooking. The cook will prepare a snack for dinner for all climbers. At night, temperatures in the mountains can drop to freezing, be prepared!

 

 

Day 2: Marangu Route from Mandara Hut (2700m) - Horombo Hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: About 15 kilometers

Vegetation: Moorland

 

After breakfast, the mountaineers set out from the rainforest into the moorland. Hikers will pass Maundi Crater and have the opportunity to climb the rim for spectacular views over Kibo Crater. In the moorland you will see exotic plants like the great lobelia and ragwort. After 6 hours of hiking you will reach the Horombo Hut at 3720 meters. In the Horombo hut, which is located on a small elevation, there is space for around 120 climbers. Similar to the evening before, the porters will prepare water for you and the cook will cook dinner. Be prepared for a cold night here too.

 

 

Day 3: Marangu Route at Horombo Hut (3720m) Acclimatization time

At the Horombo Hut you will spend the day getting your body used to the altitude. You have the option of taking a day trip to the Mawenzi hut at 4600 meters for further acclimatization programs with your guide or you can stay in the vicinity and relax. Breakfast and dinner are served in the hut, as is lunch. Depending on the daily schedule, this can also be packed.

 

 

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

 

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: About 15 kilometers

Vegetation: Alpine desert

 

After an early morning breakfast you will continue your hike into the Alpine desert vegetation. Hikers have the opportunity to choose one of the two paths to the Kibo Hut at 4700 meters. The higher route (located at the right fork) is the same route that leads to the Mawenzi hut. The lower route (fork on the left) is the most popular route due to the shorter hiking time (1 hour less).

The Kibo Hut is located in the “saddle” that lies between the Mawenzi and Kibo summits in the Alpine desert. There is no running water in the camp, hikers can buy water and soft drinks in the camp office. In the evening an early dinner is served so that the hikers have more time to rest before the ascent in the night. Your guide will give you all the details to prepare for the final sections of the hike. Bedtime is at 7:00 p.m.!

 

 

Day 5: Marangu Route - Summit Ascent - From Kibo Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Summit (5895m) and descent to Horombo Hut (3720m)

Walking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo

Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent

Vegetation: stone rubble and ice-covered tip

 

Your guide will wake you up around 11:30 p.m. with tea and biscuits. You are now starting to climb the summit. The path is rocky up to the Hans Meyer cave at 5150 meters above sea level. Then it goes on with the ascent to Gillman's peak at 5681 meters. Reaching this section is an impressive achievement, as the way there is particularly steep, rocky and at a high altitude. Gillman's is on the edge of the crater. From this point on, you will usually hike the Snow Covered Trail to the top of Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters. Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is a lifetime achievement! You have the opportunity to take photos and have a cup of tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike to the Kibo hut takes about 3 hours. At the Kibo Hut you can rest and enjoy lunch in the sun. After your meal you will continue to descend to the Horombo Hut. There is dinner there, opportunities to wash and rest from the exhausting, stressful day.

 

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

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: About 27 kilometers

 

After a hearty breakfast there is a big celebration with dancing and singing. In conversations you can exchange experiences and tips with the guides, assistants and porters. After the ceremony you will prepare for the 6 hour descent back to Marangu Gate at 19890 meters. Once at the bottom you can register with your name at the National Park to receive a certificate. Hikers who have reached Gillmann's Point (5681m) receive a green certificate and who have made it to Uhuru Peak at 5895m receive a gold certificate. After receiving the certificates, it's back to Arusha for a long shower and more.