5 Days Marangu Route
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- 5 Days Marangu Route
5 Days Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Duration
5 Days
Tour Type
Hiking
Group Size
2-20 People
Languages
Any Language
Overview
Rising 3 miles straight up out of the surrounding game-filled plains, Uhuru peak stands at 5895m! Made up of three extinct conical volcanoes, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, Mount Kilimanjaro houses a diverse range of ecosystems, so that trekkers experience everything from lush tropical rainforest and savanna grasslands through to magical alpine woodland and vast moorland, concluding with the summit's snowfields and stunning glacial region.
Highlights
- Hike through vast grasslands, scenic alpine meadows, and giant cacti fields.
- Experience panoramic views with a backdrop of dramatic mountain peaks.
- Enjoy a memorable sunrise over Africa as you make your way to the summit.
- Conquer Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Include / Exclude
Included
- Pick up at International Airport
- Transfer to Maridadi Hotel or Selig Annex Hotel in Moshi
- Professional mountain crew.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits Fees
- Camping/hut fees
- 3 meals daily
- First aid kit
- Warm and comfortable sleeping matress (2 inches thick)
- Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery)
- Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel
- Accommodation before and after the climb
- International certificates for a successful ascent
- Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.
Excluded
- Flights tickets
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rental
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry services
- Tips for the mountain Crew (Recommeded, $20-25/Guide/day, $15-17/Chef/day and $10/Porter/day)
- Portable Toilet Available for Extra cost (100 USD)
Tour Itinerary
01
Day 1 : Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: LD
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walkthrough the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.
02
Day 2:Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: BLD
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
03
Day 3 : Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into moonscape. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
04
Day 4 : Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down: 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly pole and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
05
Day 5 : Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha or Moshi
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: B
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Wild Vista Expedition vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
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