Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari: Dabbed the Tourist Route / Coca Cola route, Marangu Route is said to be the easiest route especially for those who are not confident enough in their mountain climbing skills. Well established too in terms of sleeping arrangements.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
- Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
- Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
- Day 4: Kibo hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
- Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
Our company representative will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha / Moshi for the Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari. After your breakfast and drive you to Marangu gate. You will do all the formalities from here including registration before you start the climb. You will then begin your Kilimanjaro ascent by walking along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Expect fog, rain, mud and some wildlife (monkeys).
Halfway the trek, you will have a short break and enjoy your lunch and thereafter continue your hike through the forest till you reach Mandara Hut, your first sleepover spot. Drinking and arm water is available. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hut.
Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
After your breakfast, you will continue your ascend through the forest until the trail leads you into open moorland where you will spot exotic plants like the giant lobelia and the groundsel. Stop for a lunch break. You might get your first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks if the day is clear. Soon after, continue your trek arriving Horombo Hut in the mid-afternoon. Relax as you enjoy the rest of your afternoon. Get in some good rest too and be prepared for a cold night. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hut.
Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
Have breakfast, tighten your hiking boots and off you trek to Kibo Hut at the bottom of Kibo crater wall. You will pass by the last water point heading to the summit, so you will have to fill your bottles with water from here or you can still buy mineral water when you arrive at Kibo Hut.
On reaching the hut, you will settle in and relax. An early dinner will be served so that you get to be early and get enough rest as you will be attempting the final ascent to the summit this very night. Dinner and overnight stay at Kibo Hut.
Day 4: Kibo hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Final Summit Attempt. Your guide will wake you around 23:00 hrs for a cup of tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. This portion of the trek is the most physically challenging, a lot of stone scree and really cold.
By dawn, you will be at Gilman’s point (5,685 m / 18,652 ft.) located on Kibo’s crater rim and you will witness the most beautiful and spectacular sunrise ever, well weather permitting. After a really short break at this point, we continue the ascent to Uhuru (5,895 m / 19,341 ft.), the summit. Reaching the Gilman’s point alone is a great achievement, but making it to the summit is the ultimate prize. Finally, you are at the highest point of the African continent. You have made it. Time spent at the summit will greatly depend on the weather conditions.
Take pictures as you enjoy the view and thereafter descend to Kibo Hut for a hot lunch under the warm sun a short break and then continue your descent to Horombo Hut where you will have your last dinner on the mountain and a sound sleep in night after a strenuous day.
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
Rise and stretch, time to leave the great Kilimanajaro. Have your last delicious breakfast on the mountain, pack your bags and descend to Marangu Gate through the tropical rainforest. Reaching the gate, you will sign for departure and then those who made it to the highest points and summit will receive their certificates. Your driver will be there waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha / Moshi for dinner and an overnight stay.
