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Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Activity: Trek briefing and preparation
Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania, and transfer to a comfortable lodge or hotel. A briefing with your guides ensures you are prepared for the trek, and rental gear is available if needed. Rest and acclimatize before starting the adventure.
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Activity: The adventure begins with a scenic drive to Marangu Gate (1,860m), where registration and permits are handled. The trek kicks off with a gentle ascent through the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. The well-maintained trail makes for a comfortable walk, offering stunning views of giant ferns and towering trees. The humidity is high in this zone, and occasional mist adds to the mystical atmosphere. After a 4-5 hour hike, Mandara Hut is reached, offering a warm and cozy overnight stay. Nearby, Maundi Crater provides an excellent viewpoint for those eager to explore before dinner. The evening includes a hearty meal and an early night’s rest in preparation for the next leg of the journey.
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Activity: Departing Mandara Hut, the landscape gradually shifts from dense rainforest to open heathland. The change in vegetation provides stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail is well-defined and climbs steadily, with occasional rocky sections. Hikers pass through the moorland zone, home to unique flora such as giant lobelias and senecios. The higher altitude becomes noticeable, and pacing is crucial for acclimatization. Along the way, the changing scenery offers remarkable photography opportunities. Upon reaching Horombo Hut after 6-7 hours, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. The hut is spacious and well-equipped, accommodating hikers comfortably. This night serves as an essential acclimatization step before progressing further. A nourishing dinner is provided before an early night’s sleep.
Trekking Time: Varies (Optional hikes)<br<
Distance: 5-10 km (3-6 miles)
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Activity: This extra day at Horombo Hut is crucial for acclimatization. Trekkers have the option to take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m) or towards Mawenzi Ridge, both excellent opportunities to adapt to the altitude. The landscape here is striking, with volcanic rock formations and alpine vegetation. The guides provide insights into high-altitude trekking techniques, and hikers learn to recognize signs of altitude sickness. The day is spent walking at a relaxed pace, taking in the stunning views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape. Returning to Horombo Hut, the evening allows for rest, hydration, and a hearty meal. This acclimatization day significantly increases the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak and prepares trekkers for the challenges ahead.
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Activity: Leaving Horombo Hut, the trek ascends through the alpine desert zone, a stark contrast to the previous landscapes. The vegetation thins out, replaced by rocky and dusty terrain. The air becomes thinner, and trekkers must maintain a steady pace. The trail crosses the famous "Saddle," a vast, barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The sight of Kibo looming ahead is both inspiring and daunting. After 5-6 hours of trekking, Kibo Hut is reached, a basic yet essential rest stop before the summit push. The high altitude makes even small tasks tiring, so trekkers are advised to rest as much as possible. An early dinner is served before an extremely early bedtime in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
Trekking Time: 12-15 hours
Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Activity: The most challenging and rewarding day begins around midnight. The steep ascent starts slowly, with switchbacks leading up to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From here, the final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is exhausting but incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the sunrise from the "Roof of Africa" is an unforgettable experience. After capturing the moment, the descent begins, retracing steps down to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut. The long descent is tough on the legs but brings a sense of accomplishment. A well-deserved dinner and deep sleep await at Horombo Hut.
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Activity: The final stretch descends through the lush rainforest, offering a refreshing change in scenery. The trail leads back to Marangu Gate, where successful trekkers receive summit certificates. A vehicle transfer returns trekkers to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration. The evening is free for unwinding and reflecting on the incredible achievement.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure or continue exploring Tanzania. The experience of climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route leaves trekkers with lasting memories of adventure and achievement.
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