5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour via the Marangu Route

• Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for towering eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys in the rainforest.

Elevation: 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m

Distance: 7 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Climatic Zone: Montane Forest

Meals: L, D

Hut: Mandara Hut

• Leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path across the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are unique, and you may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Elevation: 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m

Distance: 11 km

Time: 6-8 hours

Climatic Zone: Heathland/Moorland

Meals: B, L, D

Hut: Horombo Hut

• Pass the last watering point, walking into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into "moonscape." Have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m

Distance: 10 km

Time: 6-8 hours

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Hut: Kibo Hut

• Climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, located on the crater rim.
• Ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are extraordinary views at every turn, and you will have some pictures taken at the summit to show your friends and family. Descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is the most challenging part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and having an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m

Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down

Time: 10-15 hours

Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Hut: Horombo Camp

• Descend through moorland to Mandara Hut.
• Continue down through the bush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help, and shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, though keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
• Drive back to your hotel in Moshi from Marangu Gate. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m

Distance: 18 km

Time: 5-7 hours

Meals: B