Kilimanjaro Treks - Marangu Route

After breakfast, drive ~ 60 minutes to the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, meet with the entire trek team, register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara camp. A side trip to Maundi Crater is taken to adjust to the altitude while also offering good views to the distant surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Passing the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
➤ Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
➤ Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
➤ Habitat: Montane Forest
➤ Meals: Lunch/ Dinner (LD)
➤ Lodging: Mandara Hut

You leave the rainforest glades and follow an ascending path over the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. The views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing! Look at the giant Lobelia and Groundsel plants. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude and the trek guide can slow down the pace.
➤ Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
➤ Distance: 12km/7.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
➤ Habitat: Heathland
➤ Meals: All
➤ Lodging: Horombo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point and walk onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation begins with the upper heartland but then transitions into the "Moonscape". We’ll eat dinner early allowing for final preparation for the summit climb to sleep early.
➤ Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
➤ Distance: 9km/5.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
➤ Habitat: Alpine Desert
➤ Meals: All
➤ Lodging: Kibo Hut

Between midnight and 2 am, we depart for the summit. The ascent is steep with heavy scree or possibly 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 at 5895m. There are spectacular views at every turn! Be sure to have your picture taken at the summit to show off! After a while we start the descent, pausing for a lunch break and short rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
Notes: as this day begins in the dark you will need a headlamp or flashlight. It will be very cold until sun up and the descent, thus you will need all your warm layers. This is by far the most challenging part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly or "pole pole" as we Tanzanians like to say and an optimistic attitude will get you to the top of Africa!
➤ Elevation: 4700 to 5895 to 3700m/ 15,500 to 19,340 to 12,200ft
➤ Distance: 6km up, 15km down / 4miles up, 9miles down Hiking Time:10-12 hours
➤ Habitat: Alpine Desert
➤ Meals: All
➤ Lodging: Horombo Hut

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy and gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be adequate to wear but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
A vehicle will be ready at Marangu village for the 60 mins return to your hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. At the hotel, you will be presented with your official certification of accomplishment and it will be time for celebration!
➤ Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
➤ Distance: 20km/12.5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hoursbr> ➤ Habitat: Forest
➤ Meals: All

Drop at Kilimanjaro International airport or extend your stay for African Safari.