5 Days Marangu Route

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)

You will start your trek at Marangu Gate, where you will register with the park authorities and meet your guide and porters. The trek to Mandara Hut takes about 4-5 hours, passing through lush rainforest with chances of spotting wildlife like blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Today you will trek for about 6-7 hours through moorland vegetation to reach Horombo Hut. Along the way, you will pass the Maundi Crater and have great views of the surrounding landscape, including Mawenzi Peak and the Kenyan plains.

Day 3: Acclimatization day at Horombo Hut (3,720m)

This is a rest day at Horombo Hut to help your body acclimatize to the altitude. You can take a short hike to Zebra Rock or Mawenzi Ridge for better views.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

You will trek for about 6-7 hours to Kibo Hut, which is the basecamp for summit night. The trail is mostly rocky and you will pass through a desert-like landscape with limited vegetation.

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

This is the summit day, and you will wake up around midnight to start your ascent to the summit. The trek to Uhuru Peak takes about 6-8 hours, and you will reach the summit in time for sunrise. You will then descend to Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)

On the final day, you will trek back down to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates and say goodbye to your guide and porters.

It's important to note that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires physical fitness and mental determination. It's also recommended to train and prepare well in advance, and to choose a reputable tour operator with experienced guides and good safety measures.