All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation).
This route is usually done on 5 days but can be done in 6 days or 7 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Itinerary
Day 0: ARRIVE IN TANZANIA
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
DAY 1: MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUT
-Distance: 12km/8miles,
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours,
-Eleven: 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
-Habitat: Heath.
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
DAY 2: MANDARA HUT – HOROMBO HUT
-Distance: 5km/3miles,
-Hiking Time: 3-4 hours,
-Eleven: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT – ZEBRA ROCK – HOROMBO HUT
-Distance: 2km/1miles,
-Hiking Time: 1-2 hours,
-Eleven: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
Day 4: HOROMBO HUT to MAWENZI TARN HUT
-Elevation (ft): 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
-Distance: 11km
-Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trekking today is Long and steep, up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and getting into the alpine desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Day 5: MAWENZI TARN HUT - KIBO HUT - UHURU PEAK - HOROMBO HUT
-Distance: 8km/5miles,
-Hiking Time: 5-6 hours,
-Eleven: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
DAY 6: MAWENZI TARN HUT – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO HUT
-Distance: 6km/4miles and 16km/10miles
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours & 4-5 hours
-Eleven:15,430 ft to 19,341 to 12,250 ft.
-Habitat: Arctic and Heath
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT – MARANGU GATE
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilima
