- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
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The Marangu route is used by almost 50% of all climbers and has comfortable mountain huts with solar power lighting. Although the trail is crowded, the views are beautiful and each day of walking progresses through a different climate zone, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. The real highlight is the walk from Gillman’s point along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.
The views on a clear morning are absolutely magnificent – The Rift Valley, Mt. Meru, and the Masai Steppes stand out from the plains almost three vertical miles below as the sun rises behind Mawenzi. We also add an extra day to the standard five-day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatization and give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. National Park statistics indicate that the chance of reaching the summit increases by at least 20% if an extra day is spent acclimatizing. The extra day is used to make an interesting excursion towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
Itineraries
Day 1
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.
Distance: 7 km Hiking
Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Overnight: Mandara Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 2
Mandara Huts to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Distance: 12 km Hiking
Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 3
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heath-land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Distance: 10 km Hiking
Time: 6 - 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 4
Kibo Hut to Summit then to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and having an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down Hiking
Time: 10 - 15 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 5
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi/Arusha
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
Distance: 18 km Hiking
Time: 5- 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.
- Accommodation before and after the climb
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- Hut/camping fees and tents
- Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
- Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
- Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cooks, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airports)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
- Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent!
- Items of personal nature (expenses)
- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
- Emergency Oxygen
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
- Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).
- Visa fees & travel insurance.
- Flight tickets.
Yes. The price also contains the salary of a porter, who is assigned to carry the oxygen tanks during your summit attempt.
The symptoms of altitude sickness can appear while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, in all climbers irrespective of their age and/or fitness level. Due to which, most climbers choose to use Diamox (Acetazolamide), a medication that diminishes headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath which occur when climbing to high altitudes. Side effects include a tingling sensation in fingertips and on the face, and frequent urination.
Anybody who are able to run for at least half an hour without feeling shortness of breath. You should also be able to walk for at least 2 hours in hilly terrains without feeling overly exhausted. No one with a sore throat, cold of breathing problems should go beyond 3000m. However, anybody with heart or lung problems should consult his/her physician before attempting to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, i.e., from June to early November and from December to end of March. However with changing weather patterns, the chances of getting a clear sky during your climb in November and April is rare.
No, you are not required to bring filtering systems or purification tablets, our climbing staff will provide you with plenty of purified drinking water during your trek.
The climb to Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb. No mountaineering equipment is require to summit Kilimanjaro. Anyone in good physical condition can reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Our mountain crews are in constant radio communication with us via ICOM radios so if anything goes wrong on your trekking we are informed. Also, the cell reception on the mountain has improved so we can effectively communicate with our teams using mobile phones.
Yes we do have a kit list of all the items you will require for your climb. You can rent sleeping bags, parkas, gaiters, trekking poles, etc. Just e-mail us your list of needs, and we will reserve these items for provide you upon your arrival.
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