MARANGU ROUTE 7 DAYS and 6 NIGHT

DAY-01: MOSHI- MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT

Leave from Kibosho Hospital at 8:30am and drive to Marangu Gate. After completing gate registrations, begin your Kilimanjaro trek. Walk along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike, have lunch on the way day one’s halfway point. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.

DAY-02:  MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

After breakfast, leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro’s forests for Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro’s moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Eat a picnic lunch at Nusu njia before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3pm and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Dinner and Overnight at Horombo Hut.

DAY-03:  ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

Day four is an acclimatization day. We suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut to allow for maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo hut

DAY-04: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb.

DAY-05:  KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT TO HOROMBO HUT

Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still challenging. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters).

The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut. On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

DAY-06:  HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE TO MOSHI

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi for Overnight at Kilimanjaro crane hotel

DAY 07:  MOSHI TO LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK FOR GAME DRIVES

Early in morning after breakfast, depart from Moshi for Lake Manyara National Park. Game drive in the park and picnic lunch will be provided. Lake Manyara is small but very attractive park inhabited by many animals such as Giraffe, Buffalo, Elephant, Baboon, Lion sometime resting on acacia species, Hippopotamus and a great number of birdlife eg Pelican, Pink flamingoes etc. Late evening, drive to KIBOSHO  for dinner and Overnight.