Maranje Adventures

Following breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transported to the starting point at Marangu Gate, approximately an hour from Moshi. Upon registration, a transfer will take you to Rongai Gate, marking the commencement of your ascent. The trail meanders through maize and potato fields before gradually ascending through a rainforest teeming with diverse wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey. Renowned for its sparse crowds, the Rongai Route offers prime opportunities for wildlife sightings along the journey.

On the second day, you'll embark on a steady ascent to Second Cave, where a lunch break awaits. Continuing through the moorland zone toward Mawenzi Peak, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the mountain. Clear skies offer opportunities for fantastic shots of Kibo Peak. The afternoon's journey is gentler as you traverse the moorland, eventually camping in a sheltered valley at either Kikelewa or the Third Cave Camp.

Today's hike is brief yet steep, following a grassy trail. Proceeding at a leisurely pace through the moorland heath, you'll observe a shift in the landscape upon entering the alpine desert zone. After several hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, nestled beneath the rugged peaks of Mawenzi. The rest of the day is yours to unwind or venture out and explore the area before enjoying a hearty dinner and settling in for the night.

Today offers a chance to sleep in, as you'll be spending a second night at Mawenzi Tarn Hut and dedicating the day to an acclimatization walk. Depending on your energy level after yesterday's climb, you can opt for a steep hike up the scree slopes toward the peak of Mawenzi, or choose a more moderate ascent to the ridge or the lunar desert, with a visit to the site of a plane crash along the way. Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of rest.

With an elevation gain of 370 meters (1,200 feet), following a hearty breakfast, you'll traverse the lunar-like landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo Saddle. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit. Arriving at Kibo Hut, you'll begin preparations for your ultimate ascent – THE SUMMIT – commencing around midnight!

Elevation Gain:1,195 meters / 3,940 feet Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters / 7,140 feet Hiking Time:6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Horombo Huts Habitat: Arctic conditions This is where the going gets tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks until you reach Hans Meyer Cave (5,258m) and then Gillman’s Point (5,719m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide. After a short rest at Gillman’s Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent in good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Kibo Huts. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Horombo Huts where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!

Elevation Loss: 1,890 meters / 6,200 feet Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours Habitat: Rainforest After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Marangu Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Gillman’s Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to ride back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations.