The popular Marangu route will get almost any reasonably fit person to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. You do not need any specialized mountaineering equipment or experience to reach the summit via this route. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and is the highest walkable summit in the world. The peaks of Mawenzi (5132 m) and Kibo (5895 m) have permanent snow and ice. On the climb, you move from a tropical to an arctic environment in a just a few days. You first pass through lush rainforests, before reaching heather and open moorland. Further upwards you reach the almost lunar landscape of an alpine desert between the two peaks.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arusha - Moshi
Pick up from Arusha and transfer to Moshi, at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Dinner and overnight at Springland Hotel or similar
Day 2: Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut
After breakfast & short briefing from your guide depart for Marangu gate. (It is 45 Minutes drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate.) Upon registering with park authorities, our climb will officially commence with a 4 hours walk to the Mandara escarpment. We will pass through a thick rainforest zone, where there is a high chance of rain in the afternoon. Overnight at Mandara Hut (2750m), an attractive collection of buildings which. Bathrooms available with running water.
Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut
Day 3: Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut
Today we will continue our ascent through the forest for a short time, before reaching the heather and moorland zone at roughly 3,000m (approximately a six-hour walk). Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. We will spend the night at Horombo Hut (3,720m), which lies in a valley surrounded by giant lobelia and groundsel, flora which are characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut
Day 4: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
Our trek continues past the final watering point, and ascends onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro, between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation thins out as we enter the desert-like alpine zone (approximately 4,000m) and, once we cross the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. Be careful to notice signs of altitude sickness. This seven-hour walk will be taken at a slow pace. We will spend the night at Kibo Hut (4,703m), a comfortable stone construction (no running water at Kibo Hut). This semi-desert zone receives an annual rainfall of under 250mm; the ground often freezes at night, but ground temperatures soar to above 30 degrees Celsius by day. Few plants other than lichens and grasses survive in these conditions. Dinner at Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
Shortly after midnight, we will commence our climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, since it is easier to climb the scree slope to Gillman's Point (5,861m) on the crater rim when it is frozen, and an early start for the six-hour hike improves our chances of reaching the summit in time for sunrise. From Gilman's Point, it is a further two-hour round trip along the crater's edge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From the summit, it is downhill all the way to Horombo Hut where we will spend our last night on the mountain. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate-Moshi
The day is spent descending to the Marangu, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day congratulating yourself and relaxing after the strenuous trek. Dinner and overnight at Spring Land Hotel or similar
Day 7: Moshi - Arusha
After breakfast drive to Arusha.
Note:
When arranging for your international air tickets, note that it is usually cheaper to disembark at Nairobi in Kenya. You then take a shuttle bus to Arusha at a cost of US$ 20. This shuttle bus leaves at 0800 and 1400 hrs daily from either Nairobi or Arusha. The drive takes 5 hours. If you wish to make use of this option, please indicate so.
Includes:
- Transfers with pick up and drop off at Arusha or Airport
- Park entrance & rescues fees
- Accommodation and meals with 2 nights in a hotel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation in tents with 2 persons per tent during climb
- Services of a cook to prepare meals during the climb
- Service of a mountain guide (English speaking) and porters
- Government taxes
Excludes:
- Extras at the hotel i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
- International flight
- Departure tax
- Tips to guides, porters and drivers
- Climbing equipment and sleeping bags
What to bring
A) Waterproof hiking boots,
B) Rain suit, sleeping bags,
C) Flashlights,
D) Sunglasses balaclava,
E) Hand gloves,
F) Night shoes
G) Large plastic bags -essential for wetness in case of rain. |
