Mt. Kilimanjaro

This is the easiest route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, sometimes called the Coca-Cola Route. The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through forests, moorlands and then across The Saddle, a high-altitude desert separating the main summit, Kibo, 5896m, from craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, to Kibo Hut. From here an early start is made for the ascent to Uhuru Point (the highest top of Kibo). The path zig-zags up steep scree which is easier to climb when frozen. The views from the crater rim at Gillman’s Point at dawn can be spectacular. Uhuru Peak lies a further 1h30min around the rim.

“Tour Code: GBAS-MTC. 1
7 days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trekking (Kilimanjaro Marangu route climbing guide)

Day 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro Airport. – An introductory briefing upon our arrival in Kilimanjaro Airport, before transferring to Hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Kilimanjaro Climb – Moshi to Mandara Hut. – After breakfast, Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu for the first section of the climb through the mountain forest to Mandara Hut (9,000ft) taking 3 to 4 hours, Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be viewed easily on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Mandara hut.

Day 3: Kilimanjaro Climb – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut. – Breakfast, ascend through the alpine meadow,Leaving the forest, you trek along a good path through open grassy moorland to reach Horombo Hut (12,000ft) taking 5 to 7 hours. Dinner and an overnight stay at Horombo hut.

Day 4: Kilimanjaro Climb – Extra Day for acclimatization. – A leisurely walk to The Saddle by the right hand path takes you close to Mawenzi. This is an extra day of acclimatization and it’s an ideal day to rest as well as walk high and sleep low. You then return to Horombo for the night.

Day 5: Kilimanjaro Climb – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut. – Breakfast, further ascending to Kibo hut (15,000ft). The landscape becomes very stony and eroded. Spectacular mountain vegetation like giant cactus, groundswell and lobelia appear on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Kibo hut.

Day 6: Kilimanjaro Climb – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak. – Wake up at midnight, and after a snack, proceed to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft). It is about 5-6hours and 1-2 hours from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman’s point to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) respectively. Thus reaching the peak in the early morning of the fifth day and start descending after picture taking on the top to Horombo hut for diner and an overnight after a short break at Kibo hut.

Day 7: Kilimanjaro Climb – Kibo Hut to Marangu Gate, Arusha – Breakfast, Descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate. The car will take you to your Hotel.

TIPS ON WHAT TO BRING FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBING:
At least 3 pairs of socks, hiking boots, 3 pairs of pants, water proof-raincoat and trouser, woolen hat, sun glasses, snow goggles, hand gloves, big rucksack and day pack, sleeping bag, water bottles, pocket knife, Torch & batteries, First Aid kit, Energy drink, Camera, Toilet paper, Sun cream / Sun block, Lip salve.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:
Climbing gear, sleeping bags, items of personal nature, laundry, tips and gratuities, mineral water, drinks & travel insurance.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Return transfers from Arusha, 2 nights at Hotel – one night before and 1 after the climb on B/B basis, accommodation during the climb, transfers from the hotel to National Park gate and back, climbing fees (Park Fees), porters (3 per person) and guide/s, cook, all meals, climbing fees, hut fees & rescue fees.”

This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the “Whiskey route”) better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic “slide show” over 6 days. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – acclimatization. The Machame route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630m) on the day 3 and brings you down by nearly 700m for an overnight at Barranco camp (3950m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization.

The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

This route is sometimes used to drive up to a high altitude on the Shira Plateau. The road head at about 3600m is about 6-7 hours drive from Moshi (depending on weather conditions, if it is wet the track beyond the Londorossi National Park gate, 2250m, could become impassable.) There are campsites at the road head and the Shira Hut, 3840m, on the Machame Route is just 1 hour’s walk away. This route is not recommended for walking as it simply follows a road. Beware of starting your ascent of Kili by driving here, you will probably suffer from altitude sickness unless you are already acclimatized.

The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest and shorter walking distances make it a great option for fit hikers. Add to your experience – OVERNIGHT IN THE CRATER!! Be one of a few fortunate people to spend a night in Africa’s largest volcano. This option is highly recommended, as this will be the only opportunity to get close to the beautiful and fascinating glaciers of Kilimanjaro and to be able to visit the ash pit.