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5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Safari

TOUR ITINERARY

Standing at a height of 5896m (19,344 ft), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and one of the highest volcanoes in the world. It has a magnificent huge snowcapped summit dome with beautiful scenes rising high above the surrounding savanna. The trek is even more attractive and with the right preparation, you can walk all the way to the summit without the need of ropes or technical climbing experience.

THE MARANGU ROUTE:

This is the easiest and most popular route up Kilimanjaro and used by most trekking groups. A trek on this route usually takes five days (four nights) for the round trip. Most trekkers only go as far as Gillman’s Point, on the crater rim at 5685m, as from here to the summit at Uhuru Peak and back requires another four hours of walking.

DAY 1: from Marangu route to Mandara Hut

Distance time taken and height: 7km, 4-5hrs, 2700m Ascent

After fulfillment of park hiking requirements at the head quarters you will start your climb from Marangu gate (1980m). The track will take you through the forest which will give you an opportunity to observe the wildlife and enjoy the forest. Mandara Hut has a group of bunk houses, in good condition, with bed capacity of 80 people, toilets and a clean water supply. You can visit the nearby Maundi Crater, a 2hrs hike. Views of the top, over the forest up to the main peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, provide plenty of inspiration for the trek to come. Meals and Overnight will be served at Mandara Hut.

DAY 2: to Horombo Hut

Distance time taken and height: 11km, 5-7hrs, 1000m Ascent

Leave Mandara Hut there on one of the two paths that run roughly through the forest and then a narrow band of heather. Before meeting near the start of the moorland, on your right, view the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, looking higher than Kibo from this angle. Although undulating and steep in some places, it is easy to follow this route all the way up to Horombo Hut (3700m/12000ft). Meals and Overnight will be served at Horombo Hut.

DAY 3: to Kibo Hut
Distance time taken and height: 10km, 5-7hrs, 1000m Ascent

Leave Kibo hut continue with your hike while gradually gaining height. Hike past the last water point – the highest running water on this route. Cross the flat plain between Kibo and Mawenzi until you meet Jiwe La Ukoyo (meaning “pointed Rocks”) at 4394m. from this point to Kibo Hut will take you another one and half hours which at 4700m. Meals and Overnight at Kibo Hut.

DAY 4: to Uhuru peak

Distance time taken and height: 4km 7-8.5 hrs, 1200m Ascent; Plus14km, 4.5 -7hrs, 2200m Descent

After your third night at Kibo hut, an early start at around midnight in order for you to see the sunrise from the crater rim, and a chance to avoid the mist. At around this time, the steep slope up to Gillman’s Point, and the snow on the path to Uhuru Peak, will still be frozen, which will make the walking safer and less strenuous. The sun will rise at around 6am. For this reason, an early start will leave you with the necessary 5 to 6 hrs from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point (5680m); and another 2hrs to reach Uhuru peak (5896m). From Uhuru or Gillman’s Point descend via the same route for around to 2-3hours to reach Horombo Hut. Meals and Overnight at Horombo Hut.

DAY 5: to Marangu Gate

Distance time taken and height: 18km, 5-7hrs, 1900m Descent

After breakfast trek down to the park gate ending your adventure. You will then be transferred to your town hotel ready for departure.

READ MORE ABOUT MOUNT KILIMANJARO

  • How Tall is Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Trekking Rules and Regulations
  • Why hike Mt Kilimanjaro

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