Itinerary

Marangu Route 6 Days / 5 Nights

The towering snow-capped volcano of Kilimanjaro, located almost on the equator, is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. The views are even better from its lofty summit, which, at 5895m, makes it the highest mountain in all of Africa and one of the so-called ‘Seven Summits’, the highest peaks on the seven continents. Mount Kilimanjaro (Swahili for Shining Mountain), the highest free standing mountain rise in the world has several non-technical routes to its summit, making it possible for any reasonably fit trekker to reach the top. Our Kilimanjaro climb follows the continuously interesting Marangu route. Reaching the summit and standing on the snows of Africa at sunrise, gazing over the plains of the Serengeti and Masai far below you, is an experience you will never forget.

Marangu Route

DAY 1 To Mandara 7Km.900m, 5 Hrs.

Minibus from hotel to Marangu gate (1800m) to start climbing. You will carry a day bag and porters are employed to carry the rest. The trail climbs through tropical rain forest with enticing glimpses of colubus monkeys in the canopy. You reach the first camp at Mandara (2,700m) in 4 to 5hrs, no rush the slower the better to acclimatise to high altitude. The comfortable huts here will be your overnight shelter.

Day 2: To Horombo 11Km, 1000m, 6 Hrs.

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Horombo

Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo.

At 3700m we take a rest day and second night here will help acclimatise to altitude. A 2 hour trek to Zebra Rock is better again.

Day 4: To Kibo, 10 Km, 1000m, 6Hrs.

Your ascent will take you on a looping route that passes underneath the Mawenzi peak on your way to the Kibo peak. This offers some fantastic views of Mawenzi as you pass by. Hike through the rugged and rocky landscape which changes to open desert across the Saddle to Kibo, a very small camp of wooden huts.

Day 5: To The Summit 1200m, 7Hours &Descent.

Summit day! To stand atop the ‘Roof of Africa’ requires a long and strenuous day. – To reach the crater rim of Kilimanjaro for sunrise requires

departure from Camp between midnight and 1.00am. The head guide leads the steep zigzag climb through the night. Dawn breaks to expose a snow covered mountain. Reaching the summit at Gilman’s Point, on the rim of the volcano crater at 5,680m, gives a great sense of achievement and euphoria. You have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro the highest peak on the African continent, one of the Worlds Seven Summits and earned your certificate. From here you can look down into the snow-filled crater, back to The Saddle and Mawenzi, and view the spectacular cliffs of the Eastern Icefields But there is more to tempt you, Uhuru Peak at 5895m is 2 Km. further around the crater rim. As the sunrise unfolds, you’ll walk around the crater rim which overlooks the Serengetti and Masai plains far below, another hour and well worth the effort.

The Summit

After a short rest and snacks on Kilimanjaro summit you start the descent to Kibo Hut for breakfast and another rest before returning to Horombo Hut for a well earned full nights sleep.

Day 6: Back to Base and Hotel.

After a leisurely descent by the same route back to Marangu Gate, you will receive your certificate. The minibus will return you to your hotel for the best hot shower you have ever had.