5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking via Marangu Route

• Climatic Zone: Montane Forest.
• Accommodation: Mandara Hut.
After breakfast and briefing, a driver from Burigi Chato Safaris will driving you to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, which takes approximately 45 minutes. At the gate, you will register and begin your hike. The hike starts by walking through the lush rainforest until you reach the Mandara Hut.

• Climatic Zone: Moorland.
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
Leaving the rainforest behind, you will follow an ascending path across open hills towards the Horombo camping area. As you gain altitude, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Look out for groundsels and giant lobelias along the way. You may start to feel the effects of the increasing elevation.

• Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert.
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut.
Continuing on the Marangu route, you will pass the last watering point and enter the saddle of Kilimanjaro between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation transitions to upper heath land but eventually disappears into a "moonscape" of the alpine desert. At Kibo Hut, you will eat, rest, and prepare for the summit hike.

• Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert.
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
Early in the morning, typically between midnight, you will start the challenging hike to the summit. This involves ascending steep scree slopes until you reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From there, you continue hiking to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The views along the way are breathtaking, and you can have your picture taken at the summit. Afterward, you descend to Kibo Hut for lunch and a rest before continuing to the Horombo camping area. This part of the hiker is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you begin descending, so warm layers and jackets are necessary. Take your time and maintain a positive attitude as you tackle the switchbacks. By going slowly ("pole pole" in Swahili), you can reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.

Today's hiker involves a long descent, mostly downhill. Once you reach the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, you will receive your certificate of success. A driver from our company will take you back to your hotel in Moshi.