Christmas Expedition for 6-Day through Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro
Highlights
Arusha, Marangu, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro
Locations Covered
Arusha, Marangu, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro
mountaineering, nature, trekking
Private Tour
6 Days
Easy
English
Description
Embark on an unforgettable Christmas Expedition through the Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro. Begin by ascending through the lush tropical rainforest, catching glimpses of playful blue monkeys. As the trail opens up, be mesmerized by the majestic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Take an extra day to acclimatize and hike on Mawenzi Ridge, offering panoramic vistas. The summit day is mentally and physically challenging, but the reward is unparalleled.
Itinerary
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Day 1 - 21 December- Moshi / Arusha – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
- Before beginning our trek, we depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful tropical rainforest. We can see blue monkeys at the upper edge of the forest line. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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Day 2 - 22 December- Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
- We continue the day through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks - two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
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Day 3 - 23 December- Horombo Hut – Zebra Rocks – Horombo Hut
- This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent the day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After a few moments exploring the area, we head back to Horombo Hut.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
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Day 4 - 24 December- Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
- We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Day 5 - 25 December- Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
- We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
- After taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
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Day 6 - 26 December- Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi / Arusha
- On our last day, we trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
What's Included
What's Excluded
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
Adult | |
---|---|
1 to 20 | /person |
Child | |
1 to 20 | /person |
This is a private tour |