MARANGU ROUTE 6 DAYS

Touching down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your journey begins as you're warmly greeted and whisked away to your hotel nestled in the heart of Moshi town. Upon arrival, I'll personally guide you through a briefing for your upcoming trek or safari and conduct an equipment check to ensure you're fully equipped with all the essential mountain gear. For anything missing, worry not—any necessary gear can easily be rented on this day.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft Embarking from Moshi, a scenic 1-hour drive escorts you to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate through the charming Village of Marangu. As we await our permits, immerse yourself in the lively ambiance as numerous crews prepare for their journeys ahead. Traverse through stunning rainforest scenery along winding trails, with your guide narrating tales of local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. Be ready for the occasional muddy and slippery terrain at these lower elevations—gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for added stability.

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft Awaken to a refreshing morning and a hearty breakfast before setting forth on an upward path, leaving the rainforest behind. Journey through the heathland, encountering magnificent giant lobelias and groundsels. Ascend further into open moorlands, where small shrubs dominate the landscape. Pause midway for a delightful lunch amidst breathtaking panoramas of Mawenzi. Late afternoon brings us to the Horombo Huts, resting beneath the awe-inspiring Kibo Summit viewpoint

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3750m/12,100ft Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Horombo Hut stopping at Kibo for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Horombo Hut

After a nourishing breakfast and a heartfelt moment of gratitude and camaraderie with your dedicated team, it's time to bid adieu. The descent journey begins, pausing at the Mandara Huts for a rejuvenating lunch. As you part ways with your guides, cooks, and porters here, a heartfelt acknowledgment in the form of tipping is customary. Returning to the Marangu Park Gate marks the moment to collect your hard-earned summit certificates. As the climate noticeably warms, the path becomes muddy and steep, urging the use of gaiters and trekking poles. A waiting vehicle then whisks you back to your Moshi hotel, where a long-awaited hot shower, a sumptuous dinner, and well-deserved celebrations await.

Your adventure culminates with a transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your journey back home, or should you opt to continue your expedition, the enticing option of joining our safari awaits.