6 Day Kilimanjaro Climbing, Marangu Route

Day 1: Registration at Marangu Gate, Trek to Camp at Mandara Hut

After registration formalities at the gate (1,830 m.) we will climb up through attractive and fresh forest to reach 2,700 m. altitude. We will pass via the volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. We can also opt to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest at the Camp of Mandara Hut [3-5 hours walking]

Day 2: Start the Walk in a Steep Ascent via the Forest

Ascent through forest into grassy moorland and in clear weather. There are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel. We will then reach the hut complex at Horombo (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very spectacular, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]

Day 3: Spent a Day Making Excursion towards Mawenzi Peak

We will make a excursion in the base of the seldom visited Mawenzi peak with excellent views of Kibo and Gillman’s Point. Mawenzi a very jagged ridge with dramatic pinnacles the landscape feels more alpine and there is a greater sense of peacefulness. We spend a second night at Horombo Hut to further improve our acclimatization. [4-5 hours walking]

Day 4: Climb, Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo

We climb towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain is scree and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We will reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). We will spend the remainder of the day by resting and eating in preparation for the final trekking before a very early night! [4-6 hours]

Day 5: Ascent towards Gillman’s Point to Uhuru Peak (5,896m.)

We will climb to Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep at loose volcanic scree. We can also face some well-graded zig-zags pathways and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about 6 hours. We will rest there enjoying the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. We will retrace fast and return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking]

Day 6: Retrace to Mweka Gate via Mandara

We retrace via moorland climatic zone to Mandara and then a green forest walk to the Mweka gates. The greenness of the forest with an astonishing contrast to the summit make the best scenery on Kilimanjaro. [5-6 hours walking]