Mount Kilimanjaro
Climb Marangu Route - 6 days
Trip Summary:
Kilimanjaro is the world's highest free standing mountain and is also the Africa's highest peak 5895m. Although fitness and healthy is required, as the finishing point is a bit challenging, Marangu route is the easiest way up to and from the summit among other routes which does not need more technical and experienced climbers. Accommodation in wooded huts
Kilimanjaro is the world's highest free standing mountain and is also the Africa's highest peak 5895m. Although fitness and healthy is required, as the finishing point is a bit challenging, Marangu route is the easiest way up to and from the summit among other routes which does not need more technical and experienced climbers. Accommodation in wooded huts
Trip Info:
Minimum Rate Per Adult: US$ 1350
Departing From: Arusha or Moshi
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro climb - Marangu route
Departure Time: 0830 Hrs (possible to leave earlier than)
Departures: Daily
Minimum Persons Required: 2
Best Time: All the year round
Minimum Rate Per Adult: US$ 1350
Departing From: Arusha or Moshi
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro climb - Marangu route
Departure Time: 0830 Hrs (possible to leave earlier than)
Departures: Daily
Minimum Persons Required: 2
Best Time: All the year round
- KILIMANJARO MARANGU ROUTE TREKKING
- Departs daily
- Total Kilimanjaro hiking distance: About 96 km's
- (Excluding any acclimatisation hikes on day 3)
- 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 Kilimanjaro 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 Kilimanjaro 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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- 6 day - Itinerary for the Marangu route
- For the 5-day Kilimanjaro route, simply exclude the additional acclimatisation day at Horombo hut - day 3 on the itinerary below.
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Day
1: Arrival - Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to Arusha for an overnight rest on bed and breakfast in readiness for the next day's hit to Kilimanjaro. - Day 2: Arusha - Kilimanjaro Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara hut (2700m)
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Distance: About 12 km's
- Habitat: Montane forest
- The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. 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 Kilimanjaro hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)
- Your first night stop, Kilimanjaro 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: Kilimanjaro Mandara hut (2700m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
- Kilimanjaro Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance: About 15 km's
- Habitat: Moorland
- From Kilimanjaro 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, B,L,D.
- Day 4: Kilimanjaro Horombo hut (3720m) - Acclimatisation day
- Kilimanjaro 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 Kilimanjaro 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: Kilimanjaro Horombo hut (3720m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
- Kilimanjaro 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.
- 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.
- Day 6: Kilimanjaro 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.
- 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.
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- Day 7: Kilimanjaro 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 Arusha Hotel, B,L
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Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule. End of services. B
CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO - Marangu route
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 clearly detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
-Accommodations at Arusha Hotel for 2 nights on bed and breakfast
-Accommodations in 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
-Chemical toilet/s on the mountain
-Kilimanjaro climb certificate (Those that reach Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates & Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates)
-Mountain rescue fees
Excluded:
-Any possible park fees entrance increments
-Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
-Travel, health, baggage loss and flight delay insurance
-Medical & hospitalisation bills
-International flights and taxes
-Visas & travel documents
-Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.
- Extra day for acclimatization is subject to USD 250
-The above prices are based on a minimum of 2 persons. Group Incentive Safari Prices Available contact us and enjoy up to 25% saving on the per person rate!
-Christmas and New Year Supplements US$ 45 per person per day 23 December to 3 January
K I L I M A N J A R O -P A C K I N G -L I S T -A D D I T I O N A L -I N F O R M A T I O N
Kilimanjaro Gear Packing List: Food
Meals will be provided, as well as basic snacks like cookies and fruit. You should also bring your own energy snacks, for example:
Chocolate
Nuts
Dried fruit
Trail mix
Glucose sweets
Energy gel sachets
Sports drink powder
Some recommend vitamin C fizzy tablets to improve the water's taste and added vitamin benefit
If you prefer de-caf tea, it's best to pack a few bags
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Kilimanjaro Gear Packing List: Gear
Important: Sleeping bag: -15°C/0°F (or warmer weather sleeping bag with extra fleece liner for warmth)
Self-inflating mattress
Small travel pillow, or you can use your polar fleece/windbreaker
Daypack (approx. 35 litres)
Waterproof cover for daypack
Large kit bag/duffel bag, to be carried by a porter
Plastic bags: normal and "Ziplock" type (for rubbish/wet washing/muddy shoes/organise clothes in duffel bag -for the latter you can also use stuff sacks). Smaller Ziplock bags for glucose or other gel packets -lower air pressure may cause them to break and mess.
Headlamp (with spare batteries and spare bulb)
Insulated water bottle/"flexi-flask"/Camel Back with drinking tube (the latter is most recommended as water bottles usually freeze on summit attempt)
Water purifying tablets/drops
Telescopic trekking poles
Whistle
Important: Sunglasses (preferably the polarized glacier type)
Camera and/or video camera and extra film/memory cards
USB cable, battery charger (nowhere to plug it on the mountain, but perhaps for afterwards)
Extra batteries (headlamp, camera, iPod etc. -batteries may freeze)
Lens cleaning cloth (for cameras, sunglasses)
Earplugs (for the busier camps)
Pocket Knife (Swiss/Leatherman type)
Small scissors, if not on your pocket knife
Small unbreakable mirror
String/rope (washing line, tying sleeping bag, multitude of uses!!)
Small calculator (or if you're taking your mobile phone) for currency calculations
Watch
Some form of entertainment, e.g. deck of cards/travel size game/reading book
Plug adaptors: 3-prong round (like South Africa/India) or square (like Britain)(not needed during your time on the mountain) -Tanzania is on 220V
If applicable to you/optional:-
Tripod for camera/video camera
Binoculars
Alarm clock (your guide/porter will usually wake you)
Prescription glasses (plastic type lens is better as glass might crack in the extreme cold)
Goggles if you wear contacts, to keep dust out (especially on the descent) and prevent your eyes from drying out when there's wind
Small compass or GPS (optional, for interests sake only -your guide will be your compass)
Waterproof matches
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Kilimanjaro Gear Packing List: Clothing
Important: Waterproof trekking boots (well broken-in)
Extra shoes, like sneakers (when you’re not hiking and as a back-up)
Gaiters to ensure water, mud and snow stays out of your boots
Thermal outer socks
Inner socks -moisture wicking ones are best (moisture promotes blisters)
Waterproof trousers
Long trousers (warm)
Long trousers (light)
Short pants
Thermal underwear (longs)
About 5 sets of underwear, bras
Waterproof outer gloves
Inner gloves
Wind- and waterproof jacket with inner fleece
Sweater
Long sleeved shirt
T-shirt
Poncho
Scarf
Bandana (dust)
Cap or hat for the sun
Ski beanie or balaclava
Mini sewing kit, safety pins (needle and thread can also be used to drain blisters on your feet)
Extra shoelaces
Washing powder/travel soap for laundry (not during your time on the mountain)
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Kilimanjaro Gear Packing List: Toiletries & First Aid
Toilet paper
Tissue (nose)
Sun block and after sun
Lip balm with sun protection
Skin lotion
Wet wipes
body bath/soap
Soap
Travel Towel / light-weight and takes very little space
Foot powder to help keep feet dry and avoid blisters
Shampoo (normal or better yet "no-rinse" type)
Brush, comb
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Deodorant
Insect repellent
Tweezers
Q-tips & cotton balls
Nail clippers/scissors
Razor & shaving cream/gel
Medicines/First Aid:
Diamox or similar (high altitude)
Anti malaria medication
Band aids & moleskin (blisters, small cuts)
Bandages, gauze pads
Emergency blanket
Vitamins
Painkillers
Nasal decongestant
Antiseptic cream
Heartburn remedy
Indigestion medicine
Anti-diarrhea medicine
Re-hydration salts
Cold/flu tablets
Throat lozenges
Some people take a basic antibiotic, just in case
Sterile needles (in case you need an injection and don't trust the hygiene conditions)
If applicable to you/optional:-
Contraceptives
Feminine products -the Mooncup is ideal for this kind of travel
Contact lens solution & extra set of disposable lenses
Eye rinse/moisturising drops
Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip)
Allergy remedy
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Kilimanjaro Gear Packing List: Money & Documents
Some of the documents won't be needed on the mountain, but some of it (like money and passport) you should keep with you anyway, even if you're storing excess luggage somewhere during your trek.
Important: Cash (to buy drinks, tipping etc.) USD or Tanzanian Shilling
Other money: credit card (Visa is best) and/or travellers cheques
Passport & relevant visa papers
Flight ticket(s)
Africa travel insurance policy
Notebook & pen/pencil
Your itinerary & Kilimanjaro consultant contact numbers
Emergency phone numbers
Addresses and mobile numbers (postcards/e-mails/texts)
Medical history
Vaccinations certificates (e.g. yellow fever)
Phone card and international access numbers
Extra passport photos
Copy of your passport, kept in a separate place than your passport (or scan a copy electronically and keep it in your e-mail box where you can access and print at an internet terminal)
Back-up ID (e.g. driver's license)
If applicable to you/optional -
Kilimanjaro guide book, worth more to read prior to your trek
International Youth Hostel card (depending on your type of trip and accommodation)
Copy of marriage certificate, especially if you recently tied the knot
Copies of prescriptions
Business card
