5 DAYS MARANGU CLIMB

Day 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Picked up and transferred to Hotel, followed by briefing and rest on accommodation plan

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro gate – Mandara Hut.

Drive to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.) We climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut .The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich bird life at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well.

[3-5 hours walking to Mandara Hut]

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut. Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds.

[4-6 hours walking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut]

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Through Desert Saddle

we climb gradually towards the the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night!

[4-5 hours walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut]

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

We will start our ascent at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zig-zag and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s. In about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.). The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night.

Day 6: Safari to Kilimanjaro Retrace through Forest

We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates to Moshi or Arusha town.

Day 7: Departure

This will be the end of your trip in Tanzania, your company guide will drive you to the airport ready for departure.