Probably the most thought of route when it comes to Kilimanjaro. It is fairly easy to climb up to the base camp. The only route where you can sleep in huts not tents like the rest of the routes. You ascend and descend on the same route.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
.Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
.Distance: 8 km/5 miles
.Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
.Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
.Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
.Distance: 12 km/7 miles
.Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
.Habitat: Heath
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
.Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
.Distance: 5 km/3 miles
.Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
.Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
.Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
.Distance: 5 km/3 miles
.Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
.Habitat: Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman's point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km/12 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi
INCLUDED
- All national park fees
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water on the first day of the climb, boiled and
filtered on the mountain
- Three meals a day during the climb
- Pre and Post climb accommodation in Moshi
- Entry fees to Kilimanjaro national park
- All government taxes
- Professional local mountain guide(s)
EXCLUDED
- Visa and travel insurance
- Porters and Guide tips
- Local and international flights
- Any meals not mentioned above
- Sleeping bags
- Trekking gear such as walking poles
- Laundry
- Optional activities such as day trips and safaris