5 days Marangu route

5 days Marangu route: Africa Natural Safari

AFRICA NATURAL SAFARI (The best tour company in Tanzania)

Specialized in:  Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism , Beach holidays and

Mountain climbing

Contact +255 653 679 958

Email-info@africanaturaltours.com

About marangu route

Marangu Route has been referred to as the 'Coca Cola' route and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the summit. This is far from the truth to be honest! The fact that it requires a minimum of 5 days to complete does not mean it is easier than any other route. The trail goes through lush rainforest, heath and moorland to alpine desert and ultimately the arctic zone at the peak and same route down. This safari is a great chance for you who is up for a Kilimanjaro adventure!

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut.

Take a short drive from Moshi  town to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. [3-5 hours walking to Mandara Hut]

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut 

The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut]

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut]

Day 4: Summit Day then down to Horombo Hut

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zigzag and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point]

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Moshi

After breakfast,we will start with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates to Moshi town.

The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day, and it really makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. [5-6 hours walking]

 Included.

• Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
• 18% VAT on tour fees & services
• Double layered Sleeping Mats
• Transportation to & from the mountain gate
• Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
• 3 meals daily while on the mountain
• Filtered water throughout the trek
• Pre & Post Trek accommodation at the Parkview Inn
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
• 2- way private airport transfers

Not Included

• Flights
• Tips to mountain crew
• Items of a personal nature
• Laundry Services
•  A doctor for the group  
  
• For more information visitwww.africanaturaltours.com