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MARANGU ROUTE

7 Days Marangu Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha

Breakfast, drive from your hotel to Marangu gate, we will spend about two hours for registration, payments of fees and final parking.  Start climbing through dense semi-tropical to the first hut- Mandara hut (9,000ft). Dinner and an overnight stay at Mandara hut.

Breakfast, ascend through the alpine meadow, and grassland and moorland to Horombo hut (12,000ft). Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be viewed easily on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Horombo hut.

Breakfast, further ascending to Kibo hut (15,000ft). The landscape becomes very stony and eroded. Spectacular mountain vegetation like giant cactus, groundswell and lobelia appear on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Kibo hut.

Wake up at midnight, and after a snack, proceed to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft). It is about 5-6hours and 1-2 hours from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman’s point to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) respectively. Thus reaching the peak in the early morning of the fifth day and start descending after picture taking on the top to Horombo hut for diner and an overnight after a short break at Kibo hut.

Breakfast, Descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate. The waiting car will take you to your hotel in Arusha

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

6 day - Itinerary for the Marangu route
For the 5-day route, simply exclude the additional acclimatisation day at Horombo hut - day 3 on the itinerary below.


Climbing Marangu route  mount Kilimanjaro
DAY 1
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 the 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 1,5 hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)
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.


DAY 2
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 3
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.

DAY 4
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. 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.

DAY 5
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 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.

DAY 6
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. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. 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 Springlands hotel.

Climbing Marangu route on mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu route climbing Hiking and trekking

Kilimanjaro price includes:
• Experienced Tanzanian guides and camp staff
• Couriers and porters (1 porter for every 2 climbers)
• Park fees
• Mountain climbing orientation the afternoon before the climb
• Scheduled accommodations, dayroom lodge accommodation after the climb, quality expedition camps on the mountain
• All meals while staying in camps or lodges (excluding alcohol)
• All group camping and cooking equipment
• All land transportation and all airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates and times.

Prices do not include:
• International airfare
• Unscheduled airport transfers
• Unscheduled lodges
• Trip cancellation and medical/evacuation insurance
• Visas
• Airport taxes
• Immunizations
• Staff/guide gratuities, items of a personal nature (personal equipment, phone calls, laundry, alcohol, etc.).

Why climb us:
Climb to the top of African Holiday safaris on this once in a lifetime adventure! Africa is an exciting and diverse continent which will enchant and delight the adventurer in everyone. We will ascend the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, in first class style the entire way! Our success rate is high: Over 90% of all African Holiday safaris clients summit Kilimanjaro! Our route takes us up the Western Breach via the Shira Plateau

Great Leadership: All African Holiday safaris guides have completed many training courses on subjects such as natural history, environmental conservation and wildlife. All guides speak Swahili and English fluently. Each guide also speaks a native tribal language that has been passed on to them depending on which of the 140 tribes into which they were born. African Holiday safaris guides have a passion for Kilimanjaro and all of Tanzania. They truly love helping others experience the amazing beauty of their country. Back


Mountain Safety: This is a priority at African Holiday safaris and we equip all our Kilimanjaro climbs with Gamow hyperbaric bags and oxygen on the mountain. In addition to having the equipment, we have biannual trainings to ensure guides are up to date on the use of this equipment. Water Filters: Clean water is critical to your health on the climb. We supply high volume commercial Katadyn water filters which can produce the vast quantities of clean drinking water your body requires for hard work at high altitudes. Katadyn is the only water filter endorsed by the World Health Organization to guarantee pure water. Back

Environmental and Social Practices: African Holiday safaris not only strives to offer the highest standard of service, but also to be the most socially and environmentally responsible adventure travel company in Northern Tanzania. Although there are many interpretations of "ecotourism," we feel that most importantly it means choosing a company that is respectful of the environment and the local cultures. At African Holiday safaris, we practiced ecotourism long before it became a buzzword and we have a broad understanding of the issues. We are always involved in training, conservation and social development programs that ensure that the net impact of our company in Tanzania is positive. Please read more about our commitment to Tanzania and our social, cultural, and environmental practices. Back

Mountain Cuisine: The menus for all climbs are specially prepared to provide a balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, plenty of protein and carbohydrates. We have tried to choose food items that are easiest to digest at high altitude. Our cooks undergo extensive training and we have ongoing workshops to review menus. The cooks are particularly vigilant in their hygiene practices as contracting stomach bugs is common for visitors to the developing world.

Dinners are typically a main course with vegetable and salad. Chicken and fish are served at the beginning and end of the climb, with pastas and rice dishes being served in the middle of the climb while up high. Lunches are often on the trail and usually consist of cold cuts and vegetables laid out on a table so you can make your own sandwich. Fresh hot vegetable soups are served at every meal, and packet soup is available on request between meals as is coffee and tea. Breakfast is your choice: granola, toast, fruit, eggs, and sometimes pancakes or French toast. While hiking some people have a favorite snack that they like; it is a good idea to bring this from home.
We also cater to different dietary requirements and full vegetarian menus can be provided on request. Back

Safari: All our safaris are led by specialized trip leaders who have been working in the National Parks for years and have a broad understanding of the ecosystem. Your trip leader will take you out for the day in our specially modified safari vehicles to search for game. In the evening return to your private camp and sit by a campfire under the star studded African sky while the camp crew prepare your hot shower and dinner.

Climb Equipment List for Umbwe
Proper equipment is extremely important to the success, enjoyment, comfort and safety of your trip. Please bring the following items for your climb. If you have any questions, call us for advice.

Sleeping Gear
These items are available for rent for $30 each. You must order and pay Mountain Madness, Inc. for them before your departure.
sleeping bag and stuff sack: night-time temperatures on Kilimanjaro can be as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit so bring a warm bag
sleeping pad: full-length Therma-Rest or equivalent

Head and Face
pile or wool hat: it must cover the ears; a balaclava works well
shade hat: a visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the equatorial sun
bandannas: various uses - cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc.
sunglasses with side shields or glacier glasses: essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water

Upper Body
t-shirts: two t-shirts that will get dirty; polypropylene is best; no cotton.
upper body layers: three warms layers for the upper body. These must be made of wool, polypropylene or pile. Layers must fit over each other and provide good insulation. A long underwear top, a sweater and a pile or heavy wool shirt make a good combination. Cotton should be avoided.
rain parka: a good parka made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Afternoon showers are common in East Africa, especially on Kilimanjaro.
poncho: quick and handy protection for your body and your day pack; poor protection in windy rain
wool gloves or mittens: wool or pile; one pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves works well
mitten shells: one pair to go over mittens; provide protection from the wind and rain at higher altitudes on the mountain

Optional
Down or Synthetic Jacket: although not required some individuals may prefer to bring a heavier expedition weight jacket for cold mountain nights.

Lower Body
undergarments: adequate supply for the entire climb
hiking shorts: one pair of quick-drying shorts; good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
tights: comfortable to hike in, protection from vegetation and sunburn, warm on cool misty days; Lycra are best
long underwear bottoms: one pair, either wool or polypropylene pile, bunting or wool pants: one comfortable pair that fit loosely over the long underwear bottoms
rain pants: a good pair of Gortex or nylon pants (nylon pants must be made of breathable, water resistant nylon); must be roomy enough to fit comfortably over pile or wool pants

Feet
thin socks: two pair of polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks; help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
thick socks: six pair of heavy wool or polypropylene socks
hiking boots: one pair medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock (see Boot Fitting and Maintenance section in this booklet)
gaiters: one pair of high gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots
tennis shoes: to wear in camp after a day of hiking

Personal Health and Comfort
toiletries: toothbrush and paste, comb, shampoo, tampons, footpowder, handcream, etc. Bring enough for the entire trip as few are available in Tanzania.
sunscreen: bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 15 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for equatorial sun protection.
lip balm: must have SPF rating of 15 or more
ear plugs: to block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
flashlight and/or headlamp: bring extra batteries
adjustable ski poles: required to assist with a rigorous descent from the mountain
pocket knife: simple Swiss Army type with scissors
personal first aid and drug kit: see Health and Medical Information
towel: for wash up in camp
Towelettes: individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels are great for general hygiene
spare contacts or glasses: contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions; glasses wearers should have a spare set
umbrella (optional): protection from rain and sun; most guides use one
portable chair: (optional): Therma-rest and Crazy Creek both make light-weight, comfortable portable chairs. Stools are provided in camp for dining.
snacks: (optional): bring a supply of your favorite snacks to eat on the climb. It is a nice treat for the porters to receive a small snack on the climb.
fingernail brush (optional): for removing dust from your nails, clothes or boots
plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry

Water
water bottles: two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, continue to bring at least one hard plastic bottle in addition. These can be used in cold weather as hot water bottles in your sleeping bag (example: Nalgene ).
water treatment tablets: two bottles of Potable Agua or Polar Pure crystal iodine; purifies drinking water while on the climb and is lightweight and easy to use
water flavoring: powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler's lemonade make treated water taste better.

Carrying Gear
arge day pack: with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 15 and 20 pounds. A climbing pack with a volume between 2500-3500 cu. in. (40-50 liters) severs most people needs well.
large duffel bag: with a lock; mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel will weigh between 25-30 lbs.
medium duffel bag: to store your non-mountain gear; this will be stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel.
baggage tags: makes identifying your bags easy at the airports or hotels
plastic bags: sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains. Heavy duty garbage bags work great and can store dirty or wet clothes as well.