Our Marangu Climbing Itinerary will bring you beautiful views and each day of walking progresses through a different climate zone, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. The real highlight is the walk from Gillman’s point along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that occupy most of the summit area. The views as the sun rises behind Mawenzi on a clear morning are absolutely magnificent – The Rift Valley, Mt. Meru and the Masai Steppes stand out from the endless plains, almost three vertical miles below. All guides have "Wilderness First Responder" and "Wilderness First Aid" certificates, along with over 7 years of experience in climbing. At the end of the tour, you will receive an International certificate for a successful ascent!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Marangu Route: often considered the easiest and one of the most popular routes to the summit, the Marangu route is used by almost 40% of all climbers and uses comfortable mountain huts with solar power lighting. It is suitable for those adventurers who are not particularly experienced in the mountains, therefore classified as a moderate trek rather than a climb.
Día 1: ARRIVAL KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – MOSHI (40km – 1hr)
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative, and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, join the briefing with the climb representatives, who will share various information or you upcoming climb and ensure you are ready to embark on your adventure (For the kit list please refer to the ‘What do I need to bring section’). Please note the check-in starts at 02:00 pm.
Overnight in Moshi.
Día 2: MOSHI – MARANGU GATE / MANDARA HUT (hiking 11km – 5/7 hrs)
Wake up to an early breakfast and shortly after a guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also your raincoats. When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the necessities, pitch the tents, and prepare lunch. Throughout the entire Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. They offer a great alternative to those who do not want to sleep in tents. Change in Elevation: Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m). Hiking distance: 11 km. Hiking time: 5–7 hours.
Overnight in Mandara Hut.
Día 3: MANDARA HUT / HOROMBO HUT (hiking 10km – 5/6hrs) – HOROMBO HUT / KIBO HUT (acclimatization hike 2.5km – 1/2hrs)
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut (2,700 m) to start a moderate trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi. Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude (3,920 m), and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you. Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut: Change in Elevation: Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,720 m). Hiking distance: 10 km. Hiking time: 5–6 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Destination point en route to Kibo Hut (3,920 m). Hiking distance: 2.5 km. Hiking time: 1–2 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to add an extra acclimatization night (upon an additional cost):
Extra Acclimatisation Night: After having breakfast, you will start acclimatization hike towards Kibo Camp and go back. After lunch, you will have an opportunity to rest and take some photos, having Kibo and Mawenzi volcanoes as a spectacular background. Acclimatization hike: Elevations: Horombo Camp (3720 m) – Setpoint (3920 m) / Trekking distance: 2 km / Duration of trekking: 1-2 hours. Please note that if you select this option, the services will be moved one day ahead.
Overnight in Horombo Hut.
Día 4: HOROMBO HUT – KIBO HUT (hiking 10km – 4/8hrs)
On this day, right after breakfast, the group will be trekking to the Kibo Hut (4,700 m). The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp you will be served lunch, after which we recommend you sleep as much as you can, avoid any strenuous activity, and drink lots of water. Change in Elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m). Hiking distance: 10 km. Hiking time: 4–8 hours.
Overnight in Kibo Hut.
Día 5: KIBO HUT – UHURU PEAK – DESCENT TO HOROMBO HUT (hiking 16km – 9/12hrs)
Night departure from Kibo Hut (4,700 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m). The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem. For the entire length of the trekking, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring your stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m). Change in Elevation: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,720 m). Hiking distance: 16 km. Hiking time: 9–12 hours.
Overnight in Horombo Hut.
Día 6: DESCENT FROM HOROMBO HUT – MARANGU GATE (hiking 18km – 5/6hrs) – MOSHI
You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel. Change in Elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) — Marangu Gate (1,860 m). Hiking distance: 18 km. Hiking time: 5–6 hours.
Overnight in Moshi.
Día 7: MOSHI – DEPARTURE KILIMANJARO (40km – 1hr)
Indulge in a tasty breakfast and then transfer to the airport. Please note that the hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee (available as an optional extra).
Passengers arriving in Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in East Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president).
KIT LIST:
- Small backpack (20–40 litres) for your daily necessities
- Large duffel bag for your belongings, which will be carried by a porter (80–120 litres)
- Sleeping bag (designed for up to −15°C)
- Rain poncho, a waterproof covering for your backpack
- Hiking boots with a water-repellent layer and good protector
- Gym shoes for the first days of the climb and to change at the camp
- Hiking pants for the first days of the climb (2 pairs)
- Waterproof pants
- Warm ski pants (designed for −15°C)
- T-shirts, long sleeve shirts (4–5 pieces)
- Soft-shell or fleece jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Insulated jacket for −15°C is an absolute necessity for the final ascent to the summit
- Thermal underwear for active sports (preferably 2 pairs)
- Light trekking gloves
- Mittens/gloves designed for −15°C for the final ascent to the summit
- Hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
- Gaiters for protection against dust/snow
- Cap/Panama hat/hat to protect your face and neck against the equatorial sun
- Fleece hat
- Balaclava for wind protection during the final summit ascent
- Good quality alpine sunglasses or googles
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Trekking poles
- Water flasks (2 litres in total); the flask may be substituted by a water bladder installed in your backpack
- SPF 40-50+ sunblock
- Lip balm
- Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
- Personal medication in case of a chronic disease
- Snacks and energy bars, chocolate and nuts
