Climbing Kilimanjaro is a wonderful personal challenge as well as a very rewarding experience.

 

Once you have a reasonable level of fitness, the challenge itself is is very achievable and you will get to see some of the most amazing view of the African Plains below.

The one most challenging aspect of the climb itself is altitude sickness and unfortunately, there is little you can do about it. It can affect some more than others and no matter what amount of physical training you do, it may be the only reason you can't conquer the summit.

 

The one recommendation is to give yourself an extra "acclimatisation" day on the Mountain. The shorter climbs have a lower success rate than those who allow for acclimatisation.

 

 

The Marangu Route is the most popular climbing route and is used my most group climbs and it can feel a little crowded at times especially at the camps.

There are however other routes available of varying durations so it is worth considering these.

 

Below is a sample itinerary for the Marangu Route, but please talk to our Sales Team on 01-895 8665 for details of Machame Route, Lemosho Route, Shira Route and Rongai Route.

 

The 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. Although the trail can be a little crowded at certain times of the year, the views are beautiful 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.

 

ITINERARY 

Day 1

Collection from Kilimanjaro airport, and transfer to Springlands Hotel located in Moshi Town close to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Here you will have a climb briefing and time to prepare and overnight. 

Overnight at Springlands Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis

 

Day 2    

The National Park Gate (1,830 m.) 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 an attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.), a group of comfortable 'A' frame wooden huts. The largest cabin has a downstairs dining area and an upstairs dormitory and mattresses. Smaller huts sleep eight persons. The total capacity is sixty persons. Water is piped onto site from a spring above and there are flush toilets behind the main cabin. 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 rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. (3-5 hours walking) 

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis

 

Day 3

The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through the forest, but the path soon opens 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 heathers and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach the hut complex at Horombo (3,720 m.). The buildings here are similar to Mandara Hut, but total capacity is one hundred and twenty persons. Water is piped from the stream behind the huts. There are platform toilets south east of the main hut, about eighty metres down the slope and flush toilets have been built within the complex of small huts. Sunrises and sunsets here are often spectacular and the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo. There is a real sense of being above the clouds here. (4-6 hours walking)

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis

 

Day 4

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 (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday. Kibo is a stone-built block house with a small dining area and a number of dormitory rooms leading off a main corridor. There are bunk beds and mattresses for about sixty people . There is no water here so one has to bring an ample supply from the 'last water' supply above Horombo Hut. Platform toilets are behind the hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! (4-5 hours walking)

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis

 

Day 5

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 0100 hours, aiming to be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. For those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), 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)

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis

 

Day 6

We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day and it really makes you realise how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. (5-6 hours walking).  When you finish the climb, there will be a vehicle waiting to meet you and transfer you back to Springlands Hotel for overnight.

Overnight at Springlands Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis

 

Day 7

After breakfast you are transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight.