8 day
MountKilimanjaro climbing, trekking using the Marangu Route - Marangu route on mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
route climbing guide
Brief insight
into 8 day
MountKilimanjaro climbing, trekking safari using the Marangu
Route |
Mount
Kilimanjaro National Park - Tanzania, Marangu route
on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Marangu route via the Mandara, Horombo, Mawenzi, Kibo
huts and camps |
At 19,336 feet, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is
Africa's highest peak. It is the world's tallest walkable
mountain, and what a walk it is. You go through 5 different
climatic zones to reach the summit. |
This 1
days Tsavo East safari is for one and all as long as
you are physically fight and have the spirit to
conquer mount Kenya |
Nairobi
and ends in Nairobi |
Marangu is by far
the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could
partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least
expensive route, it is
possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to
the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. This is
not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatization period.
The Marangu route offer you the option of spending
an extra acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends the
route to a 6-day march, greatly increasing your chances of
success. Hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the
main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you
the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the
entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers
are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment
and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.
Leave Nairobi for Arusha by shuttle bus arriving in time for
lunch. Afternoon spent at leisure and shopping for the
provisions needed for the mountain. Dinner and overnight in an
Arusha Hotel.
Drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate,
passung through the village
of Marangu on the lower slopes of the
mountain. Register at the Park office and make final preparations
for the climb. Our guides will be available to assist with any
additional information or needs you might have. Begin 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.
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.
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.
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, 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.
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 nearly an hour, 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). 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. The summit is
now a further 1195m up and you will make your sleeping hikers at
Kibo hut, 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.
You will rise around 2330 hrs, 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 On the Summit. 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.
Group at Gilmans Point. From Gillmans 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.
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the
Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly
recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all
your gear have reached the gate safely. 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 back to Moshi for a
long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in
a hotel.
After breakfast, leave for Nairobi by morning or afternoon
shuttle bus. Transfer to a Nairobi Hotel or Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport for your flight back home.
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