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MT.KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES
Marangu Route/ Machame Route/ Umbwe Route/ Shira Route/ Lemosho Route/ Rongai Route/ Western Breach Route/ Northern Circuit Route
East Africa Trekking Adventure Trekking:
Mt.Kilimanjaro/ Mt.Kenya /Rwenzori Mountains/ Mt.Elgon/ Ol Donyo Lengai Mountain/ Mt.Kasirimbi/ Mt.Longonot/ Mount Meru/ Usambara Mountain-Udzungwa Mountains/ Pare Mountains.
Marangu Route Trekking Trail Highlights:
Fondly referred to as the "Coca-Cola route", Marangu is still the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. This is partly as a result of being the only route on Kilimanjaro according trekkers relative luxury of sleeping in huts along the entire route as well as the possibility to accomplish the route in 5 days, (nonetheless, this shorter trekking itinerary available on this route is not always the best option due to insufficient acclimatisation before the summit attempt). However though, there is a possibility to spend an optional extra day to acclimatise at an altitude of 3720m to enhance the chance for a successful summit attempt. Generally, huts accommodation and the availability of mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers on sale in the huts is what sets this route apart from the other camping trails.
Trip tips: Accommodation on this trip is in a comfortable Hotel before and after the climb and in mountain huts throughout the climb. Guides leading the trek always walk along with the climbers and closely monitor the trekker’s adjustment to altitude. All personal and trip equipment is carried by local Porters - you only carry a day-pack with personal gear. We buy fresh produce locally and to ensure good standards of hygiene all food is prepared by our own staff. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments.
Best time for trekking: all year round
Day 1 Marangu route 6 days – Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar generated lighting. Next to the central hut there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
Day 2 Marangu route 6 days – Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Following breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.
Day 3 Marangu route 6 days – Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day
At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut and lunch will either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.
Day 4 Marangu route 6 days – Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).
Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Day 5 Marangu route 6 days – Summit Attempt
Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.
At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
Day 6 Marangu route 6 days – Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 27 kilometers
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of
dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Marangu route 6 days Rates: US$ -----Per Person
Quoted Price included:
-Overnight stays in mountain Huts
-Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
-All Park fees
-Rescue fees
-All meals while on the Mountain
-Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
-Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
-Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
-Clean, purified drinking water
-Crisis management and safety procedures
-Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Items not included:
-Airport transfers
-Accommodation in Arusha
-Tanzania Visa
-Gratuity
-Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
-Meals not listed above
-Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)