Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park

Marangu Gate

Mandara Huts

We arrived in Moshi a few days before the trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. On the day of the trek, after breakfast, our guide drove us in a jeep to the Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate. There are other routes to trek the mountain too, which have other entry/exit points. After singing into the logbook, we began the climb.This climbing route is home to a verdant rainforest. While there are leeches during the monsoon season, it’s quite safe year-round. The route is gently undulating, and there are many photo-worthy spots here. We even made a short detour to the Maundi Crater, which offered breathtaking views of Tanzania and Kenya.The hike took about 3.5 hours, and we covered about 5 miles to reach the Mandara Hut, where we camped for the night. We reached an elevation of 8875ft from 6100ft.

Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Horombo Huts

Mawenzi

Kibo

The second day was a sharper ascent and also our longest walking day. We moved from 8875ft to 12,200ft, covering about 7.5 miles. We recommend you consult your guide about taking altitude sickness pills during this part since some people do feel the effects of the ascent.This terrain moved us out of the lush rainforest and onto the rocky and open part of the route. We were able to catch a glimpse of the summits of Mount Mawenzi and Mount Kibo. Finally, we reached our camp at Horombo Hut after a 6-hour trek. We spotted lots of grounsels and lobelias along the way. This was the farthest we climbed on this trek.

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Moshi

The final day of the trek was the downhill climb. We took a different route from the one we ascended on. This gave us around a 5-hour descent, where we covered 12.5 miles and walked down to 5500ft. The change in altitude may affect some people. So take care.This route was really lovely, and we entered the rainforest again. It is muddy and slippery in some places. Proper hiking shoes should keep you from falling. Once we reached the base camp exit gate, our vehicle was waiting for us to take us back to Moshi, an hour away.

Horombo Hut to Base Camp and back to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate

The three days trek we did on Mount Kilimanjaro was absolutely one of the most memorable experiences in our lives. This relatively easy trek is perfect for amateur and beginner hikers. This trek did not take us to the summit, but we saw spectacular vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro and the nearby Amboseli National Park.This trek is doable for anyone with moderate fitness levels and does not involve too much change in altitude. However, just to be safe, get the go-ahead from your physician before you do this trek.Items like hiking shoes, multiple pairs of socks, trekking pants, windcheater, cap, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, trekking pole, water bottle, water purification tablets, and bidet are important. During the trek, you will be camping outside in a tent on the mountain.

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Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Base Camp and back to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate

Perfect Trek for Amateurs on the Beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

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Owner:

Areas of Travel:

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Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Base Camp and back to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate