Climb Kilimanjaro - The Marangu Route

Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport code: The rest of the day will be yours to do as you please; you may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the small town of Arusha (Arusha City excursion). You will have a preliminary talk in preparation for your trek the following days. Dinner& Overnight at Outpost Lodge Arusha.

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate 2 hours ride from Arusha. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rain forest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys. Approximately 4 hrs later, you will reach your destination of the day – the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Mandara Hut (2,650 m). All meals included.

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3,700 m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe. Overnight stay at Horombo Hut. All meals included.

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-5 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4,020 m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight at Horombo Hut. All meals included.

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. This begins at night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. The mountain guide will wake you up at 23:00 hrs and an hour later, you will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land.

You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. At this peak, you can celebrate your accomplishment of reaching the “Roof of Africa”. The route back down follows the same path; the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can regain your strength.

Following a 1 – 2 hour break, you will once again be on your way hiking to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, most of the mountain conquerors understandably retire early to bed. All meals included.

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1,860 m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides and porters, a transfer follows to take you back to Arusha . Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro. Overnight and dinner at Hotel Category selected # 1Day . On full board basis.

After breakfast, you can continue with your travel plans or be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport.