Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro - Marangu route (Tanzania)
Mount Kilimanjaro, situated in the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain on Earth. Climbed by around 25000 people per year it is one of the worlds most accessible high summits. Kilimanjaro contains an example of virtually every ecosystem on earth - glacier, snowfields, deserts, alpine moorland, savannah, and tropical jungle, all of which found on the mountain.
Important! We offer 2 options of climbig the roof of Africa: Marangu and Machame route. Marangu (or the Coca cola route) is the most fpopular and used route for climbing Uhuru peak. It uses 1 route to ascend and descend the mountain, and is less attractive, but is also the fastest and probably easiest of all. In high season huts and pathways might be crowded with hikers. We suggest this route to the less experienced hikers and those whose main goal is climbing the peak.
Tour Highlights:
♦ Tanzania, famous for its wildlife
♦ The Kilimanjaro National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site
♦ Marangu (Coca - cola) route
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Nairobi Airport (transfer airport to bus station included, shuttle bus from Nairobi to Arusha not included – 30 $, to be paid on the spot). Transfer to Arusha for accommodation in a hotel.
Day 2. Marangu gate - Manadara hut - Maundi crater
Morning transfer to Mt.Kilimanjaro at Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro for registration at the park gate. We start hiking at around 1030hrs. We start through a rainforest from the park gate (1800m) and reach Mandara Hut (2700m). Unpack, rest and have some tea or coffee. Dinner is served during early evening, about 7 PM. A side trip to Maundi Crater (about 15 minutes away) is a good way to see the surroundings as well as views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Bathrooms with running water are available. Hiking time : 5 hours
Day 3. Horombo hut
We start at around 8:30 and hike to Horombo Hut (3650m). We walks through lower heath land with small shrubs being the main vegetation. We enjoy great views to Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo Crater. Bathrooms with running water are available. Hiking time: 6 hours
Day 4. Kibo hut
Today we hike to Kibo Hut (4700m). The first half of the day’s hike traverses the upper heath land while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. No running water at Kibo Hut. Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Day 5. Summit Day! Gilman's point - Uhuru peak - Horombo hut
Wake at around midnight to a light breakfast, and then prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out during the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at around sunrise. Leave at about 1:00am and reach Gilman’s Point at about 7:00am. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the crater rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to Uhuru Peak (5894m) at about 8:30 am. From there you will descend back to Kibo Huts, collect your things and cross the saddle again at Horombo Huts where you will spend the night. Hiking time: 14 hours
Day 6. Back to Mandara hut
Today we continue our descend to Mandara Hut. Take lunch there and continue on to the park gate where you will be met by your transport back to Arusha/Moshi town.
Day 7. Departure
Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya.
We offer you to extend your stay in Africa with an unforgettable 5 days Safari trip in Kenya Wildlife National parks. For more information click here - Safari extension
Included in the price: ►transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International airport► 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (day 1 and day 6) on BB basis, 4 nights in huts on full board► camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag)► park entry fees► all mountain fees► English speaking guides► 2 porters per each climber
Not included: flight tickets, rental of equipment, entry visa for Tanzania (and transit visa for Kenia if arriving at Nairobi), personal expenses, alcohol drinks, tips ,Medications and toiletries, transfer from Nairobi airport
Other expenses: single room supplement (day 1,8): 50 euro, rental of equipment: prices on the spot
Good to know:
♦ Guides: the guides used are highly trained and qualified, registered with the Kilimanjaro National Parks Board. One chief guide and one assistant guide will be provided to every 2 climbers. In case one of the climbers get sick or unable to continue an assistant guide will help him/her to descent to the lower altitude or even back to the hotel
♦ Terrain and route: with its three volcanic cones, Kilimanjaro is an inactive stratovolcano. The Marangu route folows the most popular way to the top meaning there is a lot of active erosion on the trails. Be prepared for rocky and dusty tearrain.
♦ Luggage transportation: your luggage will be placed in our specially designed waterproof bags carried by your porters, giving it that extra protection if it is wet on the mountain.
♦ Electricity: there is no electricity at the camps inside the parks, but we recommend climbers to bring their batterychargers they can plug in the car; or theirdriver will take them to a nearest lodge to charge batteries.
How to get there: For flights to Arusha and Nairobi please check KLM Airlines, Ethiopian airlines, Kenya airways
We reccommend trip in the period: January - March and June - September
Necessary equipment: please see detailed trip dossier