Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro - Marangu route

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 25 000 people per year it is one of the world's most accessible high summits. Kilimanjaro contains an example of virtually every ecosystem on earth - glaciers, 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 popular and used route for climbing Uhuru peak. It uses 1 route to ascend and descend the mountain, it is  the fastest and probably easiest of all. In the 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.

Highlights:
♦ Tanzania, famous for its wildlife
♦ The Kilimanjaro National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site
♦ Marangu (Coca - cola) route

Check the Machame Route itinerary here.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arusha - Marangu gate - Manadara hut
Morning meet up with the rest of the group and the tour guide, and then we will head on for the drive from Arusha to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. We will pass through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb.Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have.You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro's animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1½ hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut). Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut. B/L/D
Hiking time: 5 hours; Distance: about 12 km

Day 2. Mandara Hut (2700m) -  Horombo hut (3720m)
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular plants - the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight. B/L/D
Hiking time: 6 hours;  Distance : About 15 km.

Day 3. Horombo Hut (3720m) - Acclimatization day
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night's rest. B/L/D

Day 4. Horombo Hut (3720m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the "Saddle" (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night's time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible. B/L/D
Hiking time: 6-7 hours; Distance: About 15km

Day 5. Summit Day! Kibo Hut (4700m) - Uhuru peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3729m)
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail
consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.  
Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions B/L/D
Hiking time: 14 h;  Distance: 6 km ascent. 21 km descent

Day 6. Horombo hut (3729m) - Marangu gate (1980m) - Arusha
After breakfast you continue your descen, passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive to your hotel in Arusha city for long overdue shower. B/-/-
Hiking time: 6h; Distance: 27 km 

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 gets sick or is 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 follows 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 battery chargers they can plug in the car; or their driver will take them to a nearest lodge to charge batteries.

We reccommend trip in the period: January - March and June - September

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