Hiking:

Marangu road is also known as the “Coca cola” route. It's not too difficult and takes you through forest, moorland and then across high-altitude desert to Kibo. The way to the summit is a zigzag route over steep scree, with a slow descent. The Marangu is the only two-way route and the only trail with refuges.

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Itinerary:

Day 0: June 28: Arrival - Moshi

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name for easy recognition. After greeting you, you'll drive for around 45 minutes to 1 hour to your lodge in Moshi, where you can rest.Hotel: Hotel Maridadi in bed and breakfast, standard roomThe mountain guide will come to the lodge for a briefing on the trek. He will ask you to check your trekking equipment and advise you if necessary. Feel free to interact with him by asking as many questions as possible.‍

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Day 1: June 29: Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara Hut (2700m)

Meet your guide at the hotel, just after breakfast, 40min-1h transfer to Marangu Gate and start the ascent through fascinating rainforests until you reach the first Mandara Hut. The first part of this route winds through lush woodland and rainforest, offering views of eucalyptus trees and various bird species. If you're lucky, you may even spot a colobus monkey or two, on the lookout for their black-and-white fur. Be sure to bring suitable equipment and footwear, as at lower altitudes the terrain can be wet and muddy.

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

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Day 2: June 30: Mandara hut (2700m) - Horombo hut (3720m)

On this day, you'll start by walking through the last part of the forest before entering a vast moorland area. You'll see the impressive peaks of Mawenzi rising into the African sky. At these heights, some people can experience altitude sickness, so it's important to warn your guide if you start to feel unwell, even at the slightest sign. When you arrive at the Horombo huts, you'll have time to settle in, unpack and enjoy the view of Kibo before dinner.

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

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Day 3: July 1: Horombo Hut (3720m) - Acclimatization

The day is devoted to an excursion to the base of the rarely visited Mawenzi peak, which offers excellent views of Kibo and our route to the crater rim at Gilman's Point. Mawenzi is an older volcano than Kibo and has therefore eroded further to form a very jagged ridge with spectacular pinnacles. The landscape is more alpine and there's a greater sense of tranquillity than in other places on this route. We spend a second night at Horombo Hut to improve our acclimatization.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

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Day 4: July 2: Horombo (3720m) - Kibo Hut (4700m)

On the way up, we pass the last waterhole and continue towards the Kilimanjaro saddle between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. At around 4,000 metres, the vegetation turns to alpine desert. The walk proceeds at a slow pace, and it's important to watch out for the first signs of altitude sickness. We rest and dine at the Kibo hut, where we prepare for our ascent to the summit.

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

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Day 5: July 3: SUMMIT TENTATIVE! Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)

Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 a.m., we begin our ascent to the summit. The path is steep, covered with scree or snow, and takes us to Gilman's Point on the crater rim. Continuing on, we climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The views along the way are breathtaking. After reaching the summit, we descend again, stopping for lunch and a rest in Kibo before continuing to Horombo Hut.

Hiking time: 6-8 hours for the ascent, 6-8 hours for the descent

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Day 6: July 4: Horombo Hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)

We'll embark on a gentle hike down through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Your driver will meet you and take you back to the hotel in Arusha, where you can treat yourself to a hot shower.Overnight at Hotel Maridadi in Bed and Breakfast

Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 20km