Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the highest free standing mountain in the world. Snow capped and shrouded by clouds, the local Chagga people called it Kilema Kyaro meaning 'that which cannot be conquered' or 'that which makes a journey impossible.' Today, it is the dream of every adventurer to conquer its summit and stand on the roof of Africa.
Climbing From Marangu Hotel
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Marangu Hotel Below Mt. Kilimanjaro |
We boast over forty years of personal experience with equipping and preparing mountaineers for their climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Our professional guides, who work only for Marangu Hotel, are specially trained by the hotel to ensure a safe and rewarding climb.
Itinerary for the Marangu Route
Day 1
Overnight at Marangu Hotel. Dinner provided.
Day 2
The first day's climb is to Mandara Hut (9000 ft, 2743 m). From the
Park entrance, to which transport from the hotel is arranged, the
climber enters the rain forest. It is a 3 hour walk to the first hut,
through verdant scenery. The forest teems with bird life, and colubus
and other monkeys may be seen.
Day 3
The second day's trek to Horombo Hut (12335 ft, 3760 m) is about ten
miles and takes six to seven hours. About half an hour after leaving
Mandara hut, the climber emerges from the rain forest onto alpine
meadow. This is a very pretty day, with splendid views possible of
the peaks and of the plains below the mountain. The vegetation is
also quite spectacular, especially higher up, where giant lobelias and
senecios may be seen. Higher still, the vegetation becomes thinner,
and the effects of altitude, commonly experienced as shortness of
breath, may begin to be felt.
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Marangu Hotel Porters Preparing for the Climb |
Day 5
On the fourth day, the mountaineer rises at about 1 a.m. to attempt
the summit. The rim of the crater at Gillman's Point (18635 ft,
5680m), recognized as the top, is reached after a stiff climb up a
very steep, loose scree slope. On average, this takes six hours.
Those who feel strong enough can then continue for two hours along the
crater rim to attain the summit at Uhuru Peak (19340 ft, 5895 m). The
climber returns to Horombo Hut on the same day.
Day 6
Complete the descent to Marangu Gate via Mandara Hut. Transport will
be waiting at the Gate to bring the climber back to the hotel.
Overnight at Marangu Hotel. Dinner provided.
Day 7
Your Kilimanjaro trek ends after breakfast.
Trek Dates and Costs
Our Other Treks
We can arrange mountain climbs using the Machame, Umbwe and Rongai
routes. We also offer 'Hard Way' climbs for all routes whereby climbers bring all their own
food and equipment, and cater for themselves on the climb. Contact us for more information.
What You Must Bring:
Accommodations and Meals
All accommodations and meals are provided as described in the
itinerary.
Price Includes:
Hut bookings, park fees for 5 days, guide and porters, bedding and catering on
the mountain, a comprehensive briefing before the climb, and dinner,
bed and breakfast the night before and after the climb.
Price Does Not Include:
Airport transfers, ground transfers to Marangu, tips for porters and
guides, laundry, phone calls, extra meals and/or drinks, alcoholic
beverages, sodas or any personal expense.
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