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Mount Kilimanjaro Charity Challenge Itinerary - Marangu Route
Grade – up to very difficult
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent.
It is the world’s highest free standing mountain and one of the largest volcanoes ever to erupt from the earth’s crust. It is composed of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo, Mwenzi and Shira.It is generally accepted as the highest ‘walkable’ mountain in the world. To summit is a considerable achievement for walkers though it requires no technical climbing skill. It is a long and hard trek which reaches an altitude of 5,896m. Those who do make it to Uhuru Peak are rewarded with stunning views across the African plains. On a clear day it can be seen from more than 160 kilometres away, its famous peak always vivid, covered in ice and snow.We do stress, however that if you are not prepared to exercise and take regular walks, you are unlikely to make it to the summit.
You will be lead by experienced guides and you will notice from the itinerary that we also add an extra day to the standard five day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatisation and give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. The National Park statistics indicate that the chance of reaching the summit increases by at least 30% if an extra day is spent by acclimatising. This accommodated trek follows the gentler Marangu route, staying In mountain huts and involves five walking days, plus the extra acclimatision day.
The secret of success is going slowly giving everyone the chance of reaching the top. Each day is extremely varied, as we pass through several climatic and vegetation zones en route to the summit. We go through tropical rainforest, moorland and alpine desert to the snow and ice line. Around 5 to 7 hrs is spent walking each day. The exception is the day when you attempt the summit, this is a much harder day and you will be expected to walk for about 12 to 18 hours.
Day 1 - Drive to Marangu Gate: Hike to Mandara Hut.
From the Park entrance the climbers start the climb passing through the tropical rain forest. It is about a 4-hour walk to Mandara Hut 9,000ft but we advise people to go very slowly. The forest teems with bird life. Colobus and other monkeys may be seen. We should arrive early afternoon so the rest of the day will be used to relax and recheck your equipment.
Day 2 - Mandara hut to Horombo (12,335ft, 3760m)
Rising early you climb to Horombo Hut it is about a 10 mile hike and takes six to eight hours. About half an hour after leaving Mandara Hut, you will emerge from the rainforest onto alpine meadow. This is a pretty day with splendid views possible of the peaks and of the plains below the mountain. Giant Lobelian appear at 11,000ft. Overnight Horombo
Day 3 - Additional day at Horombo
Today you will have an additional day to acclimatize. We will climb higher for a small walk then come back down to Horombo. This will be our second night at Horombo Hut.
Day 4 - Horombo to Kibo Hut
Today the climb continues onto Kibo Hut (15,520ft, 4,730m). The route takes you onto the alpine desert up to the saddle between the two peaks of Kibo 19,340ft and Mwenzi 17,000ft. Walking along the saddle and up to Kibo can be slow and cold because of the high altitude. Overnight Kibo Hut.
Day 5 – Kibo to Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak
Rise very early shortly after midnight, it will be very cold. We will make the steep climb to Gillman’s Point 18,655ft, 5,686m situated on the rim of the crater and watch the dawn break. If you still have the energy continue around the rim of the crater to Uhuru Point 19,342ft, 5,895m . The air here is variable and the climb will take at least another 2 hours. On a clear day there will be spectacular views of glaciers and the surrounding countryside. Descend to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Day 6 - Descend to Mount Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort
This is the last day of the climb; you will descend the mountain slopes to Moshi. After a refreshing shower we will celebrate with our guides and porters after the splendid achievement of conquering Mt Kilimanjaro ‘the roof of Africa’.
Notes:
The tipping procedure is an art all in itself which we will explain at the time! Basically, we never give one guide all the money. At our little celebration we give every single porter and guide their own money. We suggest you set aside a minimum total of $50 - $80 for this. Never give any gifts intended for your particular porter to one specific guide.
If you get to Gilman’s Point you will have reached the top and can say ‘I got to the top of Kilimanjaro’ you will receive a certificate from your head guide for this.
The summit, Uhuru, is a little over 200m higher but because of the dips in terrain takes an extra 2 hours.
For those of you who are not aware; we have been taking groups to climb the wonderful Kilimanjaro since 1999, sometimes more than 1 group per year. Of those people, we have only had 9 who haven’t summited – even then some of those have reached Gilman’s Point. Our statistics are better than the park’s figures!!!
Our aim is to get everyone to summit safely but at least reach Gilman’s Point which is a fantastic achievement.
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