5 Day Marangu Route
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania, where you'll be welcomed at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a briefing with your tour operator and guide. Take some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude in preparation for your upcoming Kilimanjaro climb.
Day 2: Start your adventure from the Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,102ft), the entry point to the famous Marangu Route. After registering with the park authorities and meeting the porters, begin your trek through lush rainforests and diverse flora. The first day's hike will take about 4-6 hours, leading you to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,858ft), where you'll spend the night surrounded by the serene natural beauty of the mountain.
Day 3: Continue your ascent through the heather and moorland zone, a trek of approximately 5-7 hours. Reach Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft), where you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas and cooler temperatures. Take this opportunity to acclimatize further and enjoy the picturesque landscapes around you.
Day 4: The journey advances through the alpine desert landscape as you climb towards Kibo Hut (4,703m/15,430ft). The hike takes around 6-8 hours and brings you to the final camp before the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the challenging push to the peak, which will commence in the late evening.
Day 5: The highlight of your adventure awaits as you embark on the summit attempt around midnight. Ascend through the dark, illuminated only by your headlamp. After several hours of dedication, reach Gilman's Point (5,681m/18,638ft) at the crater rim, and with the first rays of dawn, witness the breathtaking sunrise. Push forward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa, and savor the triumphant moment. Descend back to Kibo Hut, and then proceed to Horombo Hut, where you'll rest and relish your accomplishment.