MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING, MARANGU ROUTE
seven days climbing safari

BUDGET MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING SAFARI IN TANZANIA

PRICES IN UNITED STATES DOLLAR BASED ON 2 PERSONS - USD - $:

(Prices subject to change without notice please inquire here to get the current accurate price

MOUNT KILIMANJARO GENERAL INFORMATION:

Kilimanjaro (formerly called Kaiser-Wilhelm-Spitze) is an enormous stratovolcano, not currently active, in northeastern Tanzania near the Kenya border. It includes the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters. The dormant volcano towers 15,000 feet above the surrounding arid plains, and 2.5 square miles of its surface are over 18,500 feet. Kilimanjaro's summit crater, called Kibo, measures an incredible 1.5 miles across. The highest point on Kibo's steep edge is Uhuru, the highest peak in Africa.

Africa's highest mountain and the highest free standing mountain in the world remained relatively unfamiliar to the outside world until 1848. Snow capped and veiled 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 explorer to conquer its summit and stand on the "roof of Africa."

The mountain consists of three volcanoes: Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. Shira became extinct and collapsed leaving a series of rocky ridges on the Shira plateau. Mawenzi is dormant and its uneven peaks require an experienced climb and last but not the least is the Uhuru Peak, (19,340 ft.) Kibo's highest peak

Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible high summits of the world compared to other mountains. That is why it is as everyman's Mount Everest. Most climbers reach the crater edge with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater consider themselves very lucky to reach the lofty heights-where Gods dwell! It is an unforgettable experience for them and the delightful memory remains with them throughout their lives.

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the convincing beauty of East Africa -anybody who visits this mysterious lofty land secluded by clouds would agree with the previous statement.

For those of you that relish challenges climbing to the highest point in Africa (Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro) will be a lifetime fulfilment. The breathtaking view of the diverse tropical landscape will prove to be worth every step of the challenging climb. You can also attempt to climb Mount Kenya following any of the routes described below

MARANGU ROUTE MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ITINERARY:

The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way to the summit. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the basic necessities. It usually takes 5 days/4nights for the round trip. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo Hut. The supplementary cost for an extra day is indicated separately as an option.

Day 1     Pick up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.

Day 2     After breakfast and a short tour briefing from the guide, we will depart to Marangu gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (it is a 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate). Upon registering with park authorities, our climb will officially commence with a four-hour walk to the Mandara encampment. We will pass through a thick rainforest zone, where there is a high chance of rain in the afternoon. We will spend the night at Mandara Hut (2,750m), an attractive collection of buildings. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Day 3     Today we will continue our ascent through the forest for a short time, before reaching the heather and moorland zone at roughly 3,000m (approximately a six-hour walk). Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. We will spend the night at Horombo Hut (3,720m), which lies in a valley surrounded by giant lobelia and groundsel, flora which are characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Day 4     Our trek continues past the final watering point, and ascends onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro, between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation thins out as we enter the desert-like alpine zone (approximately 4,000m) and, once we cross the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. Be careful to notice signs of altitude sickness. This seven-hour walk will be taken at a slow pace. We will spend the night at Kibo Hut (4,703m), a comfortable stone construction (no running water at Kibo Hut). This semi-desert zone receives an annual rainfall of under 250mm; the ground often freezes at night, but ground temperatures soar to above 30 degrees Celsius by day. Few plants other than lichens and grasses survive in these conditions.

Day 5     Shortly after midnight, we will commence our climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, since it is easier to climb the scree slope to Gillman's Point (5,861m) on the crater rim when it is frozen and an early start for the six-hour hike improves our chances of reaching the summit in time for sunrise. From Gilman's Point, it is a further two-hour round trip along the crater's edge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From the summit, it is downhill all the way to Horombo Hut where we will spend our last night on the mountain.

Day 6     Today’s descent continues past the Mandara encampment to the bottom of the mountain, where each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate. From here, you will be transferred to a Base Hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight.

Day 7     After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town.