Day 1: Marangu to Mandara Hut
Climbers are taken to Marangu Gate, from your hotel. The gate is at an altitude of about 1,600 metres, at the entrance to the rain forest. The trail climbs through the lush forest to Mandara Hut, at 2,700 metres. This walk takes around 4 hours at a gentle pace.
Day 2: Mandara to Horombo Hut
Climbers leave Mandara by about 9 o’clock. The first half hour or so continues through the rain forest after which the trail emerges into alpine moorland for the approximately 7 hour walk to Horombo which is at 3,700 metres.
Day 3: Horombo to Kibo Hut
There are 2 paths from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut. The “upper route” is the older path, heading quite steeply uphill from Horombo to the foot of Mawenzi, a climb of about 600 metres. This path then descends to the “saddle”,
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit, then descent to Horombo Hut.
Climbers are woken at about 11pm. After dressing in all their warm clothing, they have a hot drink and then set off at midnight.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to the Park Gate.
The descent from Horombo to Mandara Hut takes around 3 hours, and the final part of the descent through the forest to Marangu Gate takes another 2 hours.
