Kilimanjaro by the Marangu Route
8 days Grade B Fully Porter Supported
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This is the easiest route to take to ascend Kilimanjaro, the highest
mountain in Africa with its two main summits, the craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, and
the 'flat-topped', glaciated Kibo, 5896m. The Saddle, a 5km wide,
high-altitude, semi-desert separates the two. From the summit glaciers, screes,
cliffs, afro-alpine moorland then forests lead down to the cultivated foothills.
The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through these dramatically
different zones. For the ascent to Uhuru Peak from Kibo Hut a very early start is made
since the scree is easier to climb when frozen and the views from the crater
rim at dawn can be spectacular. Ski sticks are useful when ascending the scree to the summit.
Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts you will require a
sleeping bag, a mat is provided. This is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to
walking in mountain areas. An extra day for acclimatisation to the altitude can
be spent at Horombo. From Horombo there are various walks
to enjoy. Programme- Arrive Springlands hotel (B&B).
- Drive to Marangu Gate. Walk through the rain forest to Mandara hut (2743m),
about 3 hours.
- Leave the forest and cross open moor land to Horombo hut (3760m).
- Rest and acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut. Day walk to Zebra Rocks or to
Mawenzi Hut. This day can be missed out making a 7 day itinerary.
- Walk through moorland then alpine desert to "The Saddle" between the peaks
of Mawenzi and Kibo. From here you will walk for about an hour to reach Kibo
hut (4730m).
- Very early start for the summit on steep scree up to Gillman's Point (5681m)
which is on the crater rim. Continue around the rim (which will take about two
hours if you are fit) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point in Africa.
Descend to Kibo Hut for tea and biscuits or soup and then down to the thicker
air an relative warmth of Horombo hut.
- Descend to Marangu gate. Drive back to the hotel (B&B).
- Depart after breakfast.
The programme is available all the year round. Included in the cost:
All park fees, guides, porters, cook, all meals on the mountain and breakfast
at the hotel. Not included in the cost:
Tips, airport transfers, extra drinks and additional meals at the hotel. See also hotel details and facilities, safari extensions, Zanzibar extensions, weather.
Book Now | Prices | Marangu Picture Gallery
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Snow above Gillman's Poin
Kibo from the Saddle
Mealtime at the Mandara Hut
Route Map
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