Huts are offered for accommodation
in this route and therefore making it relatively comfortable
than the rest of the routes.
Though you can get some beers, soft drinks, mineral water
on this huts, its advisable to buy enough since the prices
are on the higher side.
Day 1: Depart Arusha and drive to Marangu village
via Moshi where you start the climb. The drive is about
one and half-hours. Proceed to Marangu gate to start the
climb, the hikers are asked to sign at the park office,
the trail takes you on a cleared ridge trail through the
rain forest, there is also an alternative and more scenic
parallel forest trail that 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 rejoin the main trail after a hike of about 1½
hour. Mandara hut is a group of wooden
A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut has 6-8 sleeping
bunks. There is a 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. The three
hours hike covering 12kms takes you to Mandara hut for dinner
and overnight (2774m)
Day 2
The average hiking time is about 8 hours, covering a distance
of 15kms, From Mandara hut, the trail passes through a short
stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater.
Once you are in the open moorland you will have a chance
to see Kilimanjaro most spectacular plants like giant Loberia,
this trail takes you to Horombo hut. When the weather is
clear, there are possibilities of having scenic views of
Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Dinner and overnight at Horombo
(3761m)
Day 3 After breakfast,
another 13kms hike to reach Kibo huts, the average hiking
time is about 6 to 7 hours. There are 2 trails to choose
from. The upper route commonly known as the right hand is
stony and eroded. The lower hand route that is most common
is much easier to trek. This route also passes the last
watering point at 4130m and so hikers are recommended to
refill their bottles as they continue with slow pace towards
the summit. A Kibo hut is a stone build blockhouse with
a capacity of 60 climbers in bunk beds. The summit is another
1195m up and since the last ascent is in the same night,
the climbers are advised to go to bed early by 1900hrs,
prepare necessary equipment well like the thermal clothes,
replacement of the head lamp and camera batteries.
Day 4 This is a long day! You will
need to start the climb by 2330hrs, the total distance is
6kms ascend and 21kms descend. After some tea and biscuits,
take off and this is where the going gets tough! The trail
consists of a rocky path, and then zigzags to Gilman's point
on the crater rim. This is probably the most demanding section
of this trip. From Gilman's point, you will encounter snow
all the way to the summit (Uhuru peak 5895m) the weather
at the summit determines the time you spend here. You will
descend
3 hours to get to Kibo huts and take all you had left by
the time you left for the summit and continue on for 3 hours
again to get to Horombo. The descend to Horombo is quicker
than imagined, and once back at Horombo, it's a beehive
of activities, many hikers on their acclimatization day,
others going up and others going down. Enjoy your last dinner
at the mountain with a good sleep of course filled with
memories and emotions of conquering the Kilimanjaro.
Day 5 After breakfast, descend to the park gate
via Mandara hut is slow and enjoyable. This takes about
6 hours. At the park gate, successful climbers are issued
with certificates. Those that reached Gilman's point {5685}
get green certificates and those that get to the summit
{5895m} get gold certificates. The memories of having conquered
the Kilimanjaro makes you feel more relaxed and strong for
the walk down .You will drive back to Arusha for long due
hot shower and a nice sleep at Sakina camp 0n BB.
Price includes.
- 2 nights accommodation at Sakina camp on BB
- 4 nights/5 days in the mountain. (Marangu route)
- 1 porter and 1 guide for the climb.
- 3 meals per day while on the mountain.
- Mountain fees.
- Mountain camping.
- All government taxes.
Price excludes
Tips
Personal insurance
all climbing gears.
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