Marangu 5 days climb
Itinerary highlights
Major Attractions: Vegetation zones, Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru peak
Guiding Language: English
Starting point: Moshi
Ending point: Moshi
Route info: Marangu is the only trail with accommodation facilities like sleeping huts, dining halls and toilets
Prices:
5-6 days 1-2 guests: $1500, 3-4 or more guests: $1480
All payments includes: payment for the park, food, guides' salaries, tents and houses, carriers' salaries , transportation
Tips: for guides it is $15 / day, the cook is $10 / day, carriers is $7 -$8 / day
Offer: You can borrow a mattress, walking sticks and a sleeping bag for free
Day 1: From Marangu Gate (1830m) to Mandara Huts (2700m)
Elevation gain: 870m
This morning you will meet your head guide. We are leaving from Moshi and drive approximately 45 minutes to the Marangu gate. After registration, begin trekking through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path gradually climbs to your camp at Mandara Huts, a trek taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. Mandara Huts is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is for 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut. The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a g0od afternoon excursion. Alternatively simply rest and enjoy the beautiful forest around you.
Day 2: From Mandara Huts (2700m) to Horombo Huts (3720m)
Elevation gain: 1020m
From Mandara Hut the trail climbs steeply through a short stretch of forest, soon emerging into grassy moorland. On a clear day, you will catch your first glimpse of Kibo, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro, and the jagged second peak Mawenzi. We climb steadily through ne moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional groundsel which canreach heights of up to 5 metres. After around 4 to 6 hours walking today you will reach the hut complex at Horombo where you will have hot washing water, dinner and overnight. Horombo is a village of huts perched on a small plateau with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers.
Day 3: From Horombo Huts (3720m) to Kibo Huts (4700m)
Elevation gain: 980m
After breakfast you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert, heading towards the saddle between Kib0 and Mawenzi. The terrain is much more open here and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. You will arrive in camp for lunch giving you the afternoon to rest before your summit attempt.
Day 4: From Kibo Camp (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and back to Horombo Hut (3720m)
Elevation gain: 1195m
Elevation loss: 2175m
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point. The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. After summit celebrations you will descend to Kibo Huts.You will eat here before continuing your descent to Horombo Huts. This will seem surprisingly fast. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain anda well-earned sleep.
Day 5: From Horombo Huts (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1830m)
Elevation loss: 1890m
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. This trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred back to Moshi.
