Situated in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa towering at 5895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level. This beautiful stratovolcano is also the largest free-standing mountain (not part of a Mountain range) in the whole World and features three cones-Kibo (the tallest and likely to erupt again), Mawenzi and Shira (that are now extinct). There are currently 6 well-established routes that lead to the highest peak (Uhuru Peak) of this Mountain and they include Machame, Umbwe, Marangu, Shira, Lemosho and Rongai. For our 6 days Mount Kilimanjaro Hike, we take on this mountain through Marangu route.
Marangu Route is fondly known as the “Coca-Cola Route” and is so far the most sought-after route to the highest peak of this Mountain. It is even possible to reach its peak in just 5 days hence preferred by most climbers and involves spending overnights in cozy huts.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Airport arrival as well as Hotel Pick-up.
This is the day you arrive at the Airport (in Tanzania) and be transferred to one of the Hotels in Arusha Town. Alternatively, you can be picked-up from Nairobi City in the morning for a drive to the Town of Arusha, with a stop at the Immigration office on the border. Overnight stay and dinner at the Hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Transfer to Marangu Park Gate and Hike to Mandara Hut.
On this morning prepare yourself for a pick-up from your place of stay in Arusha or Moshi Town and drive to Marangu Gate.
At this point, you will meet the experienced mountain hiking crew, receive hiking equipment and get set for the 3-4 hours’ hike to Mandara Hut at over 2774 meters above sea level. For this hike, you will cover over 9 kilometers and this will be your first overnight on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 3: Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut.
A hot cup of tea/coffee will start off this cold day, and then start your ascent to Horombo Hut at about 3761 meters above sea level. This hike takes over 8 hours, with en-route Lunch and breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks on a clear day.
Day 4: Hiking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut.
Breakfast at Horombo Hut and begin your hike to Kibo Hut at 4732 meters above sea level, about 13 kilometers away and climbing time of 6 hours. While on this hike, look-out for the different mountain vegetation such as groundsel, giant Lobelia and Cactus as well as several bird species. Overnight camping will be at Kibo Hut.
Day 5: Arrival at Uhuru Peak and start descent to Horombo Hut via Gilman’s Point.
Be up as early as 1:30 am to prepare for the hike to Uhuru Peak that starts at 2:00am. It takes about 5 hours to reach Gilman’s point at 5681 meters above sea level and another 1 hour to get to Uhuru peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5895 meters above sea level. After enjoying views from the summit, start descent to Horombo Hut for overnight Camping.
Day 6: From Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and departure.
Breakfast from Horombo Hut and start your descent to Marangu gate through Mandara Hut. Later embark on your transfer journey to Arusha or Moshi Town. This marks the end of your 6 days Mount Kilimanjaro Hike.
