5 Days Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro Through Marangu Route

• Height: 1700m to 2740m.
• Interval7km.
• Habitat: Montane Forest.
After breakfast and a Mount Kilimanjaro hiking briefing, we will drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate to register and start hike. The first day's hiking will take us up to the rainforest to the Mandara encampment, situated at 9000 ft / 2740 m. If time allows, we can take a side trip to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look out for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife and Colobus monkeys in the rainforest.

• Height: 2700m to 3700m.
• Interval: 11km.
• Habitat: Heath land.
We will cover 11km from Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts. After approximately 1 hour, we will leave the rainforest behind and ascend through the open moorlands towards the Horombo overnight. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo along the way. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. As we gain altitude, you may start to feel the effects of the higher elevation. If desired, you can choose to rest at Horombo or hike to the small peak of Mawenzi.

• Height: 3700m to 4700m.
• Interval: 10km.
• Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Preceding our ascent, we will pass the last watering point and walk onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation transitions to upper heath land before disappearing into a barren "moonscape." We will reach Kibo Huts for rest, dinner, and overnight stay, preparing ourselves for the summit attempt.

• Height: 4700m to 5895m to 3700m.
• Interval: 4km ascent / 14km descent.
• Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Very early in the morning, around 2 am, we will start to hike towards the summit. The path will be steep and challenging, mainly consisting of scree or snow. After 4-7 hours, we will reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim at 18,640 ft / 5861 m. From there, we continue for another 1-2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 ft / 5895 m. Take in the incredible views and capture memorable photos. We will then descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo Huts before continuing to the Horombo encampment for dinner and overnight stay.

• Height: 3700m to 1980m.
• Interval: 9km.
• Habitat: Heath land.
After breakfast, we will start our descent from Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate, retracing our steps from the previous days. The hike will be relatively easier compared to the ascent, and we will have the opportunity to spot wildlife and unique flora along the way. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, we will sign out of the national park, have lunch, and drive back to Moshi.