Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation (ft): From 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Your journey begins as you depart from Moshi towards Marangu Gate, where you'll undergo necessary formalities before embarking on your trek. The trail leads you through a captivating tropical rainforest, offering glimpses of the lively blue monkeys as you ascend. As the forest thins out, you'll be greeted by expansive vistas of picturesque hillsides. En route, you'll traverse the quaint village of Marangu nestled on the mountain's lower slopes, a prelude to the adventure ahead. The hike continues through the forest, with chances to spot the elusive Colobus monkeys amidst the foliage. Finally, you'll arrive at Mandara Hut, a cluster of charming A-frame huts nestled within a forest clearing, marking the end of your first day's journey. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Mandara Hut - A budget mountain hut situated on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, providing a rustic yet cozy shelter for trekkers.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge and back to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): From 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft (Mawenzi Ridge) then back to 12,205 ft Distance: 5 km (each way) Hiking Time: 2-3 hours (to Mawenzi Ridge), 1-2 hours (return to Horombo Hut) Habitat: Heath Today presents an opportunity for acclimatization as you embark on an extra day hike to Mawenzi Ridge. The journey takes you from the comfort of Horombo Hut to the elevated beauty of Mawenzi Ridge, reaching an altitude of 14,400 ft. Along the way, soak in the unparalleled vistas of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, offering both inspiration and perspective. Take time to explore this unique landscape before retracing your steps back to Horombo Hut, where you'll find solace and shelter amidst the heath habitat. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Horombo Hut - Your trusted basecamp on Mt. Kilimanjaro, providing essential respite and a sense of camaraderie amidst the rugged beauty of the heath habitat.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): From 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Today's journey takes you steadily upward through the rugged terrain, gradually ascending towards Kibo Hut. You'll traverse the lunar-like expanse of the "Saddle" between the towering peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Amidst the otherworldly landscape of the Alpine Desert, you'll press onward until you reach Kibo Hut, nestled at the base of the formidable Kibo crater wall. Upon arrival, take time to rest and replenish your energy with an early dinner, preparing both body and mind for the challenge that awaits on summit day. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Kibo Hut - A modest mountain refuge situated amidst the stark beauty of Mt. Kilimanjaro's Alpine Desert, providing trekkers with a vital resting place before the ultimate ascent to the summit.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): From 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), then descending to 12,250 ft Distance: 6 km (to Uhuru Peak), 16 km (from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut) Hiking Time: 6-8 hours (to Uhuru Peak), 4-5 hours (from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut) Habitat: Arctic (to Uhuru Peak), Heath (from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut) In the dead of night, just as the clock strikes midnight, your summit bid begins from Kibo Hut. This leg of the journey is both mentally and physically demanding, with biting winds and freezing temperatures at this altitude and time of day. Striding forward in darkness, you'll navigate the arduous ascent, pausing briefly for respite while keeping your eyes fixed on the ultimate goal. After hours of relentless determination, you'll reach Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), where the ethereal beauty of sunrise unfolds over Mawenzi Peak, a moment that transcends description. From there, a final push leads you to Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa itself, an achievement that crowns your journey with unparalleled satisfaction. Take in the breathtaking panorama of the African plains and revel in your triumph before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut. As night falls, gather for a final dinner on the mountain, reflecting on the extraordinary adventure that now resides in memory. Main Destination: Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro) Accommodation: Horombo Hut - Your sanctuary amidst the heath habitat, where weary trekkers find solace and camaraderie, marking the end of an unforgettable odyssey on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): From 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest As the final day dawns, you embark on a long descent from Horombo Hut, winding your way through the verdant tropical rainforest. The trail leads you downhill, offering a serene journey amidst the lush foliage and vibrant wildlife. Upon reaching the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, a sense of accomplishment fills the air as you collect your well-deserved summit certificates, tangible evidence of your remarkable achievement on Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, a waiting vehicle stands ready to whisk you back to Moshi, where the comforts of civilization await. Main Destination: Marangu Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) - With the journey complete, it's time to bid farewell to the mountain and embrace the memories of a truly unforgettable adventure.
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