This is the first day in the program of 6 Days Marangu route. The Marangu Gate lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance registrations, we take 3-5 hours climb up to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut through passing in beautiful and unspoiled forest where we will see a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys  Overnight stay at Mandara Hut – 1 night (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

The second day of the program starts with a steep climb between 4-6 hours to reach Horombo Hut through passing the swathe of rainforest but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of twin peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. We climb bit by bit through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut. Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. Overnight stay at Horombo Hut (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

After breakfast, a 4 hour climb follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. When you come back to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. After relaxing in the afternoon and regain your strength for the climb  the following day.. This greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit.(break fast, lunch and dinner included).

Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

In this day, you will begin your final climb around midnight which will be long and exhausting. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.