HIGHLIGHTS

Conquer the “Roof of Africa” atop Mt Kilimanjaro Marangu route.

The Marangu route is usually done in 5days - But you can do it in a 6days for better acclimatization and spent your extra day rest in Horombo or climb to a base camp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival Day

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure – rest in your room, relax in the manicured gardens, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or explore Arusha and the surrounding areas on one of our day tours, the choice is yours.

Overnight –

Day 2: Marangu Gate 1,860m – Mandara hut (2,715m)

After breakfast you will depart Arusha and drive to Moshi, then on 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 as the porters ascend a lot quicker than you, the hikers.

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 animalsarefound.

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 re-join the main trail either after 1.5 hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara Hut.

Your first night stop, Mandara hut, consisting of 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.

Starting Point:

Marangu Gate 1,860m

End Point:

Mandara Hut 2,715m

Walking Time:

5-7 Hours approx. (11km)

Overnight – Mandara Hut

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Mandara hut 2,715m – Horombo hut 3,705m

From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base on the Maundi Crater and then emerges into a transition from rainforest to moorland. It is well worth the short detour to hike 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 magistic glaciers in the morning sun.

Once you are in the open moorland you will get the change to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants including the endemic giant lobelia which grows up the 3m in height. After about 6-hours trek from here you will reach the Horombo Hut.

Starting Point:

Mandara Hut 2,715m

End Point:

Horombo Hut 3,705m

Walking Time:

5-6 Hours approx. (10km)

Overnight – Horombo Hut

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Horombo hut 3705m - The day of acclimatizing

After breakfast you will go on an acclimatization hike towards Kibo Hut and back. After lunch you have the opportunity to walk around the surrounding area, take pictures of Mawenzi Volcano or just sleep before the upcoming trekking to Kibo Hut.

Overnight – Horombo Hut

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: (1B, 1L, 1D) Horombo hut 3,705m – Kibo hut 4,730m

Horombo Hut is usually bustling with hikers, guides, porters and chefs with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.

This day is to aide your acclimatization and will contribute toward your successful summit. A hike towards Mawenzi Hut, passing the Zebra Rocks is around 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down and is highly recommended. This hike will further assist with the acclimatization process.

Starting Point:

Horombo Hut 3,705m

End Point:

Kibo Hut 4,730m

Walking Time:

4-8 Hours approx. (10km)

Overnight –Horombo Hut

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: (1B, 1L, 1D) Kibo hut – 4,730m – Uhuru peak 5,895m

Today you will continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From here there are 2- trails to the “Saddle”. There is an upper route and a lower route to choose from. You will be familiar with the upper route as you will have climbed most of it the previous day, you’re your acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Hut. This section is very stoney and eroded. The recommended lower route is much easier and almost an hour shorter and also passes the last watering point at 4,130m.

Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo Hut. The summit is now 1,195m up and you will descend tonight. Prepare your equipment; replace your headlamp and camera batteries. , have your thermal clothing ready and water in a hot flask to avoid it freezing over.

We recommend an early night and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

You will rise at around 11:30pm and after some chai (tea) and biscuits you will make your way into the night.

Starting Point:

Uhuru Peak 4,730m

End Point:

Horombo Hut -5,895m - Kibo Hut- 3,720m

Walking Time:

9 -12 Hours approx. (16km)

Overnight – Kibo Hut

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Horombo hut 3,705 – Marangu gate 1,860m

The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m) and is a good reseting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s Point (5,681m) which is located in the crater rim. This section is very steep with lots of stone scree requiring great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section on the entire route. Pole Pole – slowly slowly.

From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). This is the Roof of Africa!

After a 3-hour descent you will arrive at Kibo Hut. After a short rest you will gather all your gear and head down (6 hours) passing the Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate. At the gate you will sign your name in the register and this is where successful climbers receive their summit certificate – Green Certificates for Gillman’s Point (5,685m) and Gold Certificates for Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

You will be met at the gate and driven back to Arusha where you can enjoy some much needed rest.

Starting Point:

Kibo Hut 3,705m

End Point:

Marangu Gate 1,860m

Walking Time:

5-6 Hours approx. (18km)

Overnight -

Day 8: Departure Day

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

CLOTHING:

Shorts, mid-thigh or longer

Lightweight, breathable pants

Undergarments, socks

Sport bra for women (roads can be bumpy)

Sun hat with brim and chin strap

Bandana (for dust, washing etc.)

Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable

Belt

Pajamas

Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evening.

Rain racket and pants or rain poncho

Gloves

Warm head protection

Waterproof jackets

COLD WEATHER CLOTHING

Long underwear

Fleece jacket or wool sweater

Fleece pants

Mittens and/ or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)

Wool or pile hat

Balaclava or neck gaiter

Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)

Down jacket or parka (for temperature below freezing plus wind)

FOOTWEAR – Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike

Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle support (not too light and not too heavy)

Tennis shoes or sandal for lounging in the evening

Hiking socks for warmer conditions

Wool socks for colder conditions

Sock liners to wick away moisture

Gaiter (for mud)

Snow cleats (optional)

BAGGAGE:

Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover, for porters to carry

Day pack and rain cover, for you to carry

Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (zip locks are great)

Bottled water is also available for purchase on safari

Sun hat with brim

Money

Bandana (for dust, etc)

Maps, guidebooks

ELECTRONICS – Store electronics in sealed water – proof bags (double bagged if possible)

Headlamp

Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks

Video camera, tapes /disks

Tripod

Cell phone

Batteries

GPS – (for Geocaching)

TOILETRIES

Soap

Shampoo, conditioner

Shaving supplies

Nail clippers, file, brush

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

Deodorant

Moist hands-wipes

Hand sanitizer

Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)

Hairbrush, comb, mirror

Small towel and washcloth

Toilet paper

Facial tissue

Sunscreen

Lip balm with sunscreen

Insect repellent

Q-tips

Sewing kit

Feminine products

Cosmetics

FIRST AID - You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen

Band-Aids/plasters

Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment

Gauze bandages and tape

Throat lozenges

Vitamins

Diarrhea medicine

Antihistamines

Ace bandage

Melatonin, Acetaz Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid

Malaria pills (talk to doctor)

Antibiotics (talk to doctor)

Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)

Diamox for altitude (talk to doctor)

Ginger and Gingko can be helpful for stomach problems

OTHER ITEMS

Sunglasses with straps

Eyeglasses, contacts, solution

Binoculars

Pocket knife

Notebook, pencil and pen

Playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, books, frisbee, football, kite

Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods

Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)

Matches or lighter

Energy bars (also nice to share with other climbers, guides, and porters)

Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.

A plastic syrup bottle with handle and spout makes a good water bottle. Put a rope or lanyard through the handle, and it fits nicely under your jacket.

Write your name on your bottles and bladders to easily identify whose is whose.

SUMMIT DAY - A few more packing tips for summit day:

Keep your camera and water bottle inside your jacket

Don't forget to put on sunscreen when the sun comes out -- on your lips too!

Keep hydrating constantly.

Wear layers that you can remove and won't be embarrassed to be seen in (maybe wear shorts over your long underwear)

To prevent water from freezing on summit day, keep your water and tube inside your jacket. For Camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.