Kilimanjaro. Marangu.

Travel program

• 01

  Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

  Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met by our guide and taken to your lodge in Marangu. Here the preparations of your equipment for the mountain trek will take place.

• 02

  Stage 1: Marangu Gate (1840 m) to Mandara Hut (2700 m)

  Ascent: 860 m Distance: 8 km Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: rainforest
  Early in the morning the drive starts to Marangu Gate. The trail begins with an ascent through a beautiful tropical rainforest. At the top of the forest line, it widens to expose beautiful slopes until we reach Mandara Hut for lunch/dinner and overnight.

• 03

  Stage 2: Mandara Hut (2700 m ) to Horombo Hut (3720 m)

  Ascent: 1020 m Distance: 12 km Hiking time: 6-8 hours Habitat: heathland
  We start the day by continuing to hike through the forest until the trail opens into the high moorland. We can catch our first glimpses of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks - two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. We will have a hot lunch/dinner and spend the night in camp.

• 04

  Stage 3: Horombo Hut (3720 m) to Mawenzi Ridge (4390 m)

  Ascent: 670 m Distance: 5 km Hiking time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Heathland
  This additional acclimatization day can be spent as a day hike on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After exploring the area a bit, we will head back to Horombo Hut. Lunch/dinner and overnight at the camp.

• 05

  Stage 4: Horombo Hut (3720 m) to Kibo Hut (4700 m)

  Ascent: 980 m Distance: 10 km Hiking time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine desert
  We climb gradually and then cross the lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, is located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. Here we rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

• 06

  Stage 5: Kibo Hut (4700 m) to Uhuru Summit (5895 m)

  Ascent: 1195 m Distance: 6 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Living Space: Arctic
  Uhuru Summit (5895 m) to Horombo Hut (3720 m)
  Descent: 2175 m Distance: 16 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Living Space: Heathland
  At midnight, our push to the summit begins. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part. The wind and cold at this altitude can be extreme. At Gilman’s Point (5670 m) you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise. Finally we reach Uhuru Peak - the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa. After enjoying taking in the plains of Africa, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.

• 07

  Stage 6: Horombo Hut (3720 m) to Marangu Gate (1840 m)

  Descent: 1880 m Distance: 20 km Hiking time: 5-7 hours Habitat: rainforest
  On the last day we have a long hike mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Arriving at the Marangu Gate, we pick up our summit certificates. The Tanzania Travelers vehicle will pick us up here and drive us to the hotel in Arusha/Moshi or directly to the airport for the return flight home.