6-Day, 5-Night Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Marangu Route)

6-Day, 5-Night Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Marangu Route)

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Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most iconic adventures in the world. With its diverse ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, and the sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit, it’s a journey like no other. The Marangu Route (often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route) is the most popular and easiest route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, offering a comfortable trek with hut accommodations and scenic views.

This 6-day, 5-night itinerary is designed for climbers with a reasonable level of fitness and acclimatization needs. The Marangu Route is known for being relatively straightforward, with gradual ascents, though it still requires physical preparation and the ability to handle high altitudes.

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha – Drive to Marangu Gate – Hike to Mandara Hut
Day 2: Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Day 3: Hike from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Day 4: Hike from Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and descend to Horombo Hut
Day 5: Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Drive to Moshi/Arusha
Day 6: Departure from Moshi/Arusha

Included/Excluded

Park fees and Kilimanjaro permits
Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Huts and camping accommodations
Transportation to and from the gate
Oxygen and first-aid supplies
Services of Experienced Professional Tour Guide
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)
All taxes, All entrances fees and service fees included

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival in Moshi/Arusha – Drive to Marangu Gate – Hike to Mandara Hut

Morning

Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, where you will be met by your trekking team and driver.
Transfer to Marangu Gate: After a brief introduction, you'll be driven to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1-1.5 hours from Moshi). The gate is the starting point of the trek.

Afternoon

Start Trekking: Begin the hike to Mandara Hut (2,700 meters / 8,858 feet). The trek takes approximately 3-4 hours and covers a distance of about 8 kilometers (5 miles).
- The trail starts in a lush rainforest, and you will see diverse plant life, colorful birds, and maybe even some monkeys along the way.
- You’ll enjoy spectacular views of Kilimanjaro's lower slopes as you ascend.
Arrival at Mandara Hut:
- Once you reach Mandara Hut (2,700 meters), you will settle into the comfortable huts. The altitude is moderate, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
- Enjoy your first dinner at Mandara Hut and rest for the night.

Day 2 Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Morning

Breakfast: After a hearty breakfast, start your trek to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters / 12,205 feet).
- The hike takes approximately 5-6 hours and covers about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles).
- You’ll pass through moorland and heath zones, where the environment begins to become more rugged.

Afternoon

Arrival at Horombo Hut:
- Horombo Hut is a large campsite with several huts and good facilities. It is located at 3,720 meters and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
- You’ll have time to relax and acclimatize.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Horombo Hut.

Altitude Gain: ~1,020 meters

Day 3 Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Morning

Breakfast: Begin the trek to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters / 15,420 feet), which will take approximately 5-6 hours.
- The terrain becomes more barren and rocky as you ascend through the alpine desert zone.
- You will see unique, hardy plants that are adapted to the high-altitude environment.
- The hike is more challenging today due to the altitude, and the landscape becomes increasingly harsh.

Afternoon

Arrival at Kibo Hut:
- Once you reach Kibo Hut, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize. Kibo Hut is the final stop before your summit attempt, and it’s where you’ll spend the night.
- Dinner will be served early, and you’ll be advised to get plenty of rest before the night’s summit attempt.

Altitude Gain: ~980 meters

Day 4 Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Descend to Horombo Hut

Midnight

Summit Attempt:
- You’ll wake up around midnight and start your final ascent to the summit. The trek begins with a steep climb up the Kibo Crater. The path is dark, and headlamps are required.
- The climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) takes about 6-7 hours and involves a combination of rocky terrain and snow-capped slopes.

Morning (Sunrise at the Summit)

Reach Uhuru Peak:
- Arrive at Uhuru Peak (the summit of Kilimanjaro) around 7:00 AM. Celebrate your accomplishment at the highest point in Africa!
- You’ll have a short time to take photos, enjoy the breathtaking views, and appreciate the sense of achievement. It can be cold and windy at the summit, so be sure to wear layers.

Descent to Horombo Hut:

After spending a brief time at the summit, you’ll begin your descent to Horombo Hut. The descent takes about 6-7 hours and is less physically demanding, but it’s still important to descend carefully.
Once you reach Horombo Hut, you’ll rest, have a warm meal, and spend the night.

Altitude Gain: ~1,195 meters

Altitude Loss: ~1,195 meters

Day 5 Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Drive to Moshi/Arusha

Morning

Descent to Marangu Gate:
- After breakfast, you’ll begin your descent to Marangu Gate, a hike that takes approximately 5-6 hours.
- The trail is scenic and allows you to enjoy the lush vegetation of the rainforest once again. You’ll pass through lush forest zones and see a variety of wildlife along the way.

Afternoon

Arrive at Marangu Gate:
- Once you reach the Marangu Gate, you’ll complete the necessary formalities and receive your climbing certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak.
- Your driver will meet you and transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.

Day 6 Departure from Moshi/Arusha

Morning

Free Time:
- Depending on your departure time, you’ll have some free time to relax in Moshi or Arusha. You can choose to explore the town, enjoy a massage, or simply rest after your incredible achievement.