Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route - 7D/6N

Majestic Kilimanjaro - photo courtesy of Kenya Tourist BoardClimbing Mt Kilimanjaro, 5895m and the highest mountain in Africa, is certainly one of the most invigorating experiences of a lifetime! Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. This is not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatisation period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day march, greatly increasing your chances of success. Hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. It is imperative that you are fully prepared (both physically and mentally) for this trip and you must ensure you have all the appropriate equipment and clothing, which can greatly affect the overall enjoyment of your tour. The climatic variation range begins with the warm dry plains with an average temperature of 30C (86F) and ascends through a wide belt of wet tropical forest, through zones with generally decreasing temperature to the summit where there is permanent ice and below freezing conditions. The altitude and seasons determine weather conditions. The fact that for most months of the year there are so few rainy days makes it possible to climb in relatively good conditions all year round. The rainy season is from March to June, with short rains in October and November

INCLUDED: Half board in Marangu and full board on the climb, Park entrance fees, guide, porters, bedding and equipment, and catering on the mountain, Rt transfer from Arusha Town to Marangu.

NOT INCLUDED: Tips, porterage, beverages, items of personal nature such as laundry, phone, fax etc. International and domestic flights, visas and airport taxes, Any other item not mentioned in the itinerary.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: All climbers should attempt to bring as much as possible of the following:- anorak, mittens, balaclava (ski-masks), snow goggles or ski sunglasses, scarf, 3 pairs of warm trousers, sweaters, 6 pairs of warm socks, thermal underwear, waterproof layer, sunproof hat, comfortable boots, sun cream, small first aid kit, daypack, torch plus spare battery, and water bottle(s) with 2 litre capacity. Suggested medicines: headache tablets (preferably not aspirin since this tends to irritate stomachs already sensitive at altitude), Imodium/Lomotil for diahorrea sometimes associated with altitude. Climbers may like to consult their physicians about azetazolomide (Diamox), a drug that many find mitigates the ill effects of altitude, headache, diahorrea & vomiting.

TIPPING: It is customary for satisfied climbers to tip guides and porters. Amounts given are entirely within the discretion of the guest. As a general guideline, however, guests are advised to budget $50-100 each for this purpose. The amount per guest tends to be larger the smaller the group.

DEPARTURES: DAILY

SKETCH ITINERARY:

  • Day 1 – Marangu
  • Day 2 - Marangu to Mandara Hut 9,000 feet
  • Day 3 - Mandara to Horombo Hut 12,500 feet
  • Day 4 - Horombo to Kibo Hut 15,500 feet
  • Day 5 - Kibo Hut to Summit, Descent to Horombo Hut
  • Day 6 - Horombo Hut to the Park Gate
  • Day 7 – Depart

Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Special Destinations, Mountaineering, Safari, Active Travel


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