5 Days / 4Nights – Marangu Route – Tanzania Wildscape Tours

5 Days / 4Nights – Marangu Route

per person

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Up Marangu Route, Down Marangu Route 5 Days / 4Nights.

The Marangu route has 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 still occupy most of the summit area. The views on a clear morning are absolutely magnificent – the rift valley, Mt. Meru, and the Maasai Steppes stand out from the endless plains almost three vertical miles below as the sun rises behind Mawenzi.

Note: On this program it can also be done for 6 days / 5 nights. Extra day and Night spent at Horombo Huts, a visit to the foot of Mawenzi peak for acclimatization.

5 Days

Climbing Itineraries

Destination

Mount Kilimanjaro

Day 1:

The National Park Gate (1,830m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Huts (2,700m.) The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. (3-5 hours walking ).

Day 2:

The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon open out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach the hut complex at Horombo (3,720m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very spectacular; the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [5-7 hours walking].

Day 3:

We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,750m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder o the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final before a very night! [5-6 hours walking].

Day 4:

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 12 a.m so that we can be up at Gillman's Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well - graded zig - zigs ad a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman's Point (5,685m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m.) passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo for the night. [11-15 hours walking].

Day 5:

We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gate. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contract the summit day, and it really makes you realize how varied Kilimanjaro is. [5-6 hours walking].

All park entry fees
Hut fees
Rescue fees
Transport to/from the gate
Food
Drinking water
Guide and porters.

Sleeping bag
Tips for your guide and porters
Other personal things of nature.

5 Days / 4Nights – Marangu Route