7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route
7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb, Kilimanjaro 7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, due to its more gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts with dormitory style accommodation. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates.
And their memories.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb
But there is so much more to Kilimanjaro than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.
Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.
Itinerary
Day 1: Board shuttle bus from Nairobi at 0800 hrs and proceed to Arusha arriving at 1330hrs. Depart for Moshi at 1400hrs arriving at 1530hrs. Overnight at the Buffalo hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,828m) to Mandara Hut (2,743m)
Elevation Gain: 915 meters
Hiking Time: 3 to 5 hours
Distance: 6 kilometers
After breakfast, vehicle transfer to Marangu gate. Start the climb through fascinating rain forests till you reach the first hut Mandara. Meals and overnight at the hut.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,743m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Elevation Gain: 977 meters
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Distance: 11 kilometers
After breakfast, follow the ascending path through the alpine – meadow. The altitude begins to change and slowdown your pace while enjoying the flora and the view of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at the Horombo Hut 12km from Mandara. Meals and overnight at the hut.
Although extremely busy, the Horombo Huts are considered to be the nicest lodging on Kilimanjaro. The small, A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending and acclimatizing. Horombo can accommodate up to one hundred hikers and many more porters, cooks and guides. There is only one dining hut at Horombo, making meal times a bit hectic.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,750m)
Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 11 kilometers
After breakfast, resume the climb, the landscape becomes rugged and rocky. Lobelias begin to appear. Climb to Kibo Hut. Meals and overnight at the hut. The Kibo huts are made of stone and are not very warm. Make sure you have a four-season sleeping bag or a three-season bag with an extra sleep sheet.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,750m) to Summit (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)Spectacular Mt. Kilimanjaro
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters
Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters
Hiking Time: 12 to 15 hours
Distance to Uhuru: 5 kilometers
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,828m)
Elevation Loss: 1,892 meters
Distance: 17 kilometers
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Vehicle transfer from the gate back to Moshi. Check in at the hotel. After lunch, have a good rest at the hotel. Overnight at Buffalo hotel.
Day 7: After breakfast, depart for your next destination, which is optional, either:
(a) The National Park (This can be arranged)
(b) Kilimanjaro International Airport
(c) Arusha Town
(d) Nairobi via border town Namanga.
end of 7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb