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Affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola route", 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, but more so, perhaps the fact that
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
acclimatisation period. The Marangu route does however offer
you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation 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.
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For the 5-day route, simply exclude the additional
acclimatisation day at Horombo hut - day 3 on the itinerary
below.
Day 1: Arrival - Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer
to Ilboru Safari Lodge or Jacaranda Hotel for an overnight
rest on bed and breakfast in readiness for the next day's hit
to Kilimanjaro.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara
hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 12 km's | Habitat:
Montane forest
The drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. The journey
passes 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. Porters will be
seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food,
water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. 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).
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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.
Day 3: Mandara hut (2700m) - Horombo
hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km's | Habitat:
Moorland
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.
Day 4: Horombo hut (3720m) -
Acclimatisation 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 5: Horombo hut (3720m) - Kibo hut
(4700m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km's | Habitat:
Alpine desert
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.
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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). 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.
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Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut
(4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo
| Distance: 6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent | Habitat: Stone
scree and ice-capped summit
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.
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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.
Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu
Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km's
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), 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 back to Arusha for a
long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight
at Ilboru Safari Lodge or Jacaranda Hotel, B,L,D.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or
continue with your safari schedule. End of services. B
Tour Price: US$ 1,400
per person sharing. Any extra day:
US$ 190
Tour price includes:
-Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
-Marangu Route trek as itinerary depicts
-Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
-Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
-Accommodations at or Ilboru Safari Lodge or Jacaranda
Hotel for 2 nights and huts on the mountain as per the
itinerary
-All park entrance fees to include government taxes
-Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on
the mountain, porters and skilled cook
-All services begin and end at Kilimanjaro Airport as per the
itinerary
-Treated water on the trek
-Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport
Excluded:
-Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
-Medical evacuation, USD 30 per person value
-International flights and taxes
-Visas
-Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed
in the above itinerary.
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To reserve the above 8 days Marangu Route trek,
please
contact us.
