Marangu Route 5 Days is very different from others, once it is in dormitory style huts and solar energy. The huts have a communal dining room, washrooms and simple toilets where at lower altitudes the huts have flush toilets, but as you move up the mountain there will be “long drop” toilets. This is the only way in which the downward path is equal to the upward path.
Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Do not worry if you are slow clearing customs, our driver will be waiting for as long as necessary. After you settle in at your hotel, we will go through an equipment check with you. If any items are lacking, they can be rented at this time. Your guide will meet you for a thorough pre-climb briefing where all questions will be answered. For night time arrivals these things can be done the early the next morning.
After breakfast at your hotel our vehicle will pick you up and we drive to the Marangu village and proceed to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register at Kilimanjaro National Park Authority offices and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Hut located at 9,000 ft / 2,740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania.
The trail today will start to climb out of the trees and you’ll begin trekking across the open moorlands. You’ll be gaining a lot of elevation today! You’ll be spending the next two nights at the lively Horombo Hut, so be sure to enjoy the social atmosphere.
Today you’ll trek past the final spot to collect water, which your porters will do on your behalf. You’ll notice less vegetation as you climb onto the saddle of Mount Kilimanjaro, where the rocky expanse of the alpine desert looks like you’re walking on the moon. It’s best to get lots of rest when you arrive at Kibo Hut as it’s a very early wake-up call in the morning!
Your trek this morning will begin again sometime around midnight. You’ll need your warm clothes and headlamp before you attack the first stretch of heavy scree and switchbacks. Once you’ve reached Gilman’s Point, the sun will be up and hopefully will give you a necessary burst of energy for the final push along the crater’s rim and up to the summit. At the snowy peak, you will be treated to incredible views from the highest point in Africa. You’ll have a chance to rest and have lunch once you’ve made it down to Kibo Hut, but then you will be hiking all the way back down to safer altitudes at Horombo Huts for the night.
Your last day on the mountain will be a welcome return to the rainforest and the lower elevations. Once you’ve reached the park gate your Gladys Adventure vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to our office in Moshi. Here you will be presented with your climb certificate and you can give tips to your crew and say farewell to them.
Breakfast at the hotel is included in the climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport. If you have booked a safari, we typically will leave just after breakfast. Checkout time at the hotel is 10am. If you have a flight departing later in the day, we will try to obtain a late checkout for you or arrange for a day room if you desire.
We do not compromise on safety and quality, so our prices are not the cheapest. However, it is also not as high as other companies. We take great pride in the value for money we provide to every customer.
The per person prices below are based on the number of people booking the trip together.
1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX | 8 PAX | 9 PAX | 10 PAX | 11 PAX | 12 PAX |
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1840 USD | 1449 USD | 1366 USD | 1325 USD | 1314 USD | 1285 USD | 1278 USD | 1257 USD | 1253 USD | 1246 USD | 1245 USD | 1249 USD |