5 Days Marangu route, Kilimanjaro climbing tour

DAY 0 - Arrival - Kilimanjaro Airport. Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly driver who will transfer you to White House Hotel in Moshi ready for royal tour and safaris. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment in Royal tour. DAY 1 - Moshi / Arusha – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Rain Forest We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our royal safari trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, in this royal safari we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut. DAY 2 - Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Heath So The royal safari start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks - two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. DAY 3 - Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. DAY 4 -Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our royal push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), Truly in our royal tour and safari you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our incredible royal last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. DAY 5 - Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi / Arusha Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km/12 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.