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6 days kilimanjaro trekking marangu route. The route is perhaps the easiest and most
comfortable so easy to reach the Kilimanjaro summit. The route is well-developed and the
climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception but it is
slightly more demanding. The accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which
might be an advantage compering to the camping routes.
Accommodation and food
The accommodation is in good huts, either dormitory or smaller four-bed A-frames. The
lower huts have spacious dining rooms, where you will be served meals cooked by your
cook. All food and utensils will be carried by the porters and cooked by an experienced
cook. It will be plentiful and delicious. Beer and soft drinks are available at the huts. Your
supply of chocolate and high-energy snacks is a good idea.
Water is available at several points and should be purified before drinking. All water at the
huts will be boiled and some provided for drinking the next day. A comforting tip is to fill your
bottle in the evening with boiled water for the next day and to use it as a hot water bottle
overnight. There are water points between the huts – check with your guide.
Acclimatization
Acclimatization is extremely important, both to let you enjoy your ascent and more
importantly to avoid any serious complications. The route is planned to optimize the height
gain, but you may still get a headache or feel nauseous. There are two important
preventative measures: to drink copiously, even when it is really difficult, and to walk very
slowly, avoiding as far as possible increased heart and breathing rates.
A drug, Diamox, is available from your GP and is well proven to help with acclimatization.
This is taken as tablets for a few days before and then during your ascent. It is safe and has
no serious side effects. It is important to remember that one possible effect of altitude is
light-headedness and odd behavior, which can lead to foolish decisions. The danger here is
of someone who is not well insisting on continuing
Departure
Arusha/Moshi town
Departure Time
08:00 AM
Return Time
Approximately 05:00 on the 6th day
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you are welcomed by our mountain guide
who will usher you into a waiting vehicle and transfer you to the Mvuli hotel in Arusha Our
tour coordinator will have a short climbing briefing session with you at the lodge and leave
you to relax and have dinner. Bed and Breakfast booked.
Depart Arusha/Moshi around 0800hrs to Marangu Gate for the Mountain Climb Registration.
Begin your Kilimanjaro trek by walking along a narrow trail through the rainforest of
Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, day one’s halfway point.
After lunch continues walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for
the rest of the day or take a short walk to Mahundi Crater. The views to the east over
Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are striking on a clear day, making the short
hike well worth the effort.
After breakfast, depart Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro forests to Horombo Hut. Most of the
day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants.
Have your picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the day is
clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around
1500hrs and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
This extra day and night at Horombo are ideal for body acclimatization. A hike towards
Mawenzi, passing through Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down),
is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization.
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Change: +3018ft/+920 m
Estimated Distance: 7.46 miles
Habitat: Alpine desert.
After breakfast continue your ascent into the Alpine desert, passes the last water point at
13550 ft/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). The summit is now a further 3921ft /1195m up and you will make your final
ascent the same night. Go to bed around 1830hrs and try to get as much rest and sleep as
possible.
Around 2330hrs, you will wake up and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the
night, and this is where the going gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky
path to the Hans Meyer point (17225ft/5250m), also a good resting spot. The path then
zigzags up to Gillman’s point (18639ft/5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This
section is very steep with a lot of stone screed, requiring a great physical and mental effort.
From Gillman’s Point, you will normally come across snow up to Uhuru peak
(19341ft/5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will
determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs before the 3 hours
descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest, you gather all the gear you left behind for the
ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. Later in the evening,
you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories
and stirring emotions.
After breakfast, end the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last trek on Kilimanjaro
is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the
descent, as the trail can be slippery. At Marangu Gate, you will sign for departure. This is
also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who
reached Gillman’s Point (18652ft/5685m) are issued with silver certificates and those who
reached Uhuru Peak (1 9341ft/5895m), receive gold certificates. Our vehicles will be waiting
at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha.
