5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking - Marangu Route

Day one: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut - The Kilimanjaro mountain is Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing mountain at 5895 meters above sea level. It has three major volcanic centres which are Shira (4160 m), snow-capped Kibo (5895 m), and Mawenzi. For the Marangu route you will be ascending to the top.

Day two: Mandara to Horombo - Trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut at an altitude of 3700 m. This should take you 3-4 hours. After about 15 minutes, you will leave the glades of the rain forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. You will get amazing views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo. Look out for giant senecio and lobelias. You may start to feel the effects of the altitude today.

Day three: Horombo Hut (acclimatization day) 3700M - Today is considered optional since it starts and ends at Horombo Hut, however it is an important day for acclimatization that will increase your chances of reaching the summit. Today you can rest at the camp or have a day trek to Zebra Rocks (4200m) and Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4300m). You will be returning to Horombo Hut for overnight.

Day four: Summit and Horombo - Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), begin the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's point located on the crater rim at 18640 ft/5861 m (4-5 hours). Continue to ascend to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point in Africa: 19340 ft / 5895 m (1-2 hours). You will find unbelievable views at every turn. Get your picture taken at the summit. From here, we now begin the descent, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to Horombo encampment for dinner and overnight (3-4 hours).

 Day five: Back to Moshi - After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858 ft). The first stopping place will be at the Marangu Route. Continue descending through lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m / 6004 ft). At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).