5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft You can reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate by driving through the Machame Village about 45 minutes from Moshi. We will wait patiently for the issuance of our permits while seeing the flurry of activity as other crews get ready for the voyage ahead. As your guide explains the local flora, ecology, and wildlife to you, take in the stunning rainforest scenery and winding routes. At these lower altitudes, the trail can be exceedingly muddy and hazardous. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly advised here.

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft We leave the rain forest after a sound night's sleep and a filling breakfast and travel up a route through heathland in search of enormous lobelias and groundsels. As you ascend, the vegetation changes to little shrubs in the wide moorlands. Lunch break halfway through for breathtaking Mawenzi views. Arrive at the Horombo Huts in the late afternoon in front of the breathtaking Kibo Summit vista. The temperature starts to fall.

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft After breakfast, we continue through a shrinking heathland that eventually turns into a lunar landscape as we approach the broad saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. You can take a look at the summit climb up Kibo that you will be beginning in a few hours while we take a break for lunch and later when you pass this unexpectedly large saddle.

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3690m/12,100ft As morning arrives with an early start between midnight and two in the morning, excitement is growing. The hardest part of the walk both physically and mentally is this section. We continue climbing in switchback configuration toward the summit while attempting to stay warm and concentrated on the incredible sensation of achievement that awaits us. We climb in a switchback pattern towards Gillman's Point on the crater rim over dense scree and perhaps snow. During your brief break here, you will be rewarded with the most stunning sunrise. The sunrise can be seen from the peak by more rapid hikers. You are likely to run into snow the entire way up the final hour-long hike to Uhuru Peak from here. Congratulations, you have now arrived to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent, one step at a time! We pause to celebrate this amazing achievement after photos, parties, and perhaps a few happy tears. After pausing at Barafu for lunch and a quick respite, we start our hard descent toward Mweka Camp. For unfriendly loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain, we highly advise gaiters and walking poles. You're about to enjoy your final evening on the mountain while taking a well-earned nap. Nighttime in Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft It's time to say goodbye after breakfast and a sincere ceremony with your employees to show your appreciation and foster teamwork. After pausing for lunch at the Mandara Huts, we resume the descent. Given that you will be leaving them here, don't forget to tip your guides, cooks, and porters. You receive your summit credentials as you make your way back to the Marangu Park Gate. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly advised because the terrain is damp, muddy, and steep and because the weather has suddenly warmed up. You'll be met at the gate by a car and driven back to your Moshi hotel (about 45 minutes). Enjoy supper, festivities, and a long delayed hot shower! Before being transported to your journey home, safari, or leisure trip, spend the night at Bristol Cottages B&B.