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Marangu Route This trail goes through lush rainforest, heath, and moorland to the alpine desert and ultimately to the Arctic zone at the peak and the same route down.

Highlights

• Experience the thrill of climbing to the top of Africa's highest peak
• Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the summit
• Trek through the lush rainforest and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro
• Spend the night in comfortable huts along the Marangu Route
• Benefit from the services of a professional guide and porters

Description

Day 1: Marangu Gate 1860m/6100ft to Mandara Hut 2700m/8875ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Montane Forest On the first morning, your guide will take you from the hotel to Marangu Gate the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,860 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. Day 2: Mandara Hut 2700m/8875ft to Horombo Hut 3700m/12200ft Distance: 12km/7.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Heathland 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 Horombo Hut (3,700 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. Day 3: Horombo Hut 3700m/12,200ft to Kibo Hut 4700m/15,500ft Distance: 9km/5.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed 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 remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! Day 4: Kibo Hut 4700m/15,500ft to Summit to Horombo Hut 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down Habitat: Alpine Desert Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. . Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. Day 5: Horombo Hut 3700m/12,200ft to Marangu Gate 1700m/5500ft to Hotel Distance: 20km/12.5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Forest After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel

Includes

All applicable park entry fees as per the program. Government taxes & local levies. Service of highly experienced English-speaking guide(s); porters & cook Camping equipment’s like mountain tent, mattress etc. Accommodation Type: Camping Transport from the hotel to the park gate as from the park gate to the hotel. Meals on Full board (Unless listed as upgrade) on trek as indicated on the program Unlimited drinking water (As specified in the day-by-day section) Refreshments during the trek. Rescue fees, Emergency oxygen, Pulse oximeter, and First aid kit Guides and porters' accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority

Important Information

• This trek is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. Acclimatization days are included in the itinerary to help reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is highly recommended. Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations for travel to Tanzania. Visitors are advised to bring cash in Tanzanian Shillings for personal expenses as access to ATMs may be limited. A valid passport is required for entry into Tanzania. It's advisable to arrive at least one day before the trek starts to prepare and meet the team.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund