6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Easy Marangu Route 5 Nights Only

On this day you will have an early breakfast around 0700am then have short briefing by our guide and transfer to the park gate accompanied by our crews whom you will be spending the rest of the days together.  The actual hike begins at the park gate (6,000') and we hike 5.5 miles up to Mandara Hut (8,860') near the upper edge of the forest line. The hike takes about 4-6 hours. The path is interesting, starting off through rain forest vegetation, and then opening up to giant heather. If time and weather permit, a short walk from Mandara to Maundi Crater is worth it. Accommodations here, as well as at Horombo, are in wooden A-frame huts that sleep 4 to 8. Overnight: Mandara Hut Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast.

For today the destination is Horombo Hut at 12,200'. It takes a good 5-6 hours to cover the 10-mile journey and we often get our first views of the Kibo summit. The trail is strenuous and slippery and takes us clear of the forests and out onto the moorland. It passes beneath the rocky southern face of Mawenzi-one of the three volcanoes that make up Kilimanjaro. Rainfall in this region is frequent. Overnight: Horombo Hut Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast.

Another long hike, this time up to Kibo Hut at almost 15,500'. Although somewhat shorter in distance, this usually takes 7 hours because it is steeper and the altitude slows everyone down. The route passes directly up onto the Saddle, a wide, flat area with the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi looming overhead. Views from here can be fantastic. The last part of the trail passes across the arid plateau before ascending to Kibo Hut. Kibo Hut is a stone hut with rooms that sleep 10-15 people in bunk beds. We have a light dinner, and turn in early for any sleep if possible. The guides give a little pre climb talk after dinner. Overnight: Kibo Hut Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast.

Early wake up call at about midnight, and have tea and cookies. The guides try to get everyone ready to climb as quickly as possible, leaving between 1200hrs and 1230hrs.   Starting off, the trail swings back and forth up a steep scree slope and the climate is bitterly cold. The summit climb is an event you will not forget, with the night sky full of stars and only your breathing to help focus your mind. Most climbers arrive at Gillman's Point, elevation 18,635 feet, in time to enjoy sunrise around 6:30 a.m. The views from the top looking down on the plains of Africa make it all worthwhile. Some climbers decide that they have reached their goal and head down from here. For the strong, the true summit is Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet)-an additional 3 hours away round-trip. The descent from Gillman's Point is fairly rapid, taking about 2 hours. Most climbers take a short rest at Kibo Hut before descending to Horombo Hut for the night, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight: Horombo Hut Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast.

Breakfast is followed by a long 14-mile hike back to the Marangu gate and park's headquarters. We stop at the hotel, pick up our gear and drive to our hotel in Moshi. It is a welcome treat to sleep in a bed, take a hot shower and celebrate the climb. After finishing your climb you will be taken to Babylon Lodge where you will have the use of a room to freshen up before being taken to the airport to connect with your on wards flight to your next destination.