Mt.Kilimanjaro Climbing via Marangu Route - 5days

We will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Marangu at park view hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Park view hotel is beautifully located on the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure. We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance

After completing the entrance formalities at the National Park gate (1,830 m.) we climb up through the attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to simply rest and enjoy the beautiful forest around you.

• Dinner and Overnight stay at Mandara Hut

The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually 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.

• Overnight stay at Horombo Hut

We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually 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!!). The rest of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night.

• Overnight stay at Kibo Hut

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night. 11-15 hours walking.

We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day, and it really makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. [5-6 hours of walking].

• Dinner and overnight at Green Mountain Lodge