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Marangu 5 Days via Gilmans Point

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  5. Marangu 5 Days via Gilmans Point

Why this itinerary?

For those that can’t bear sleeping in a tent or during the wettest months, the Marangu Route remains a good choice. It is, however, very busy and does not see as much of the mountain as western routes.

Itinerary In brief
  • Hike Distance – 47 mi / 68 km
    Vertical Gain – 12.878 ft / 3.925 m
    Drop – 13.176 ft / 4.016 m
    Trekking Time – 35 hrs
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Description

The original route up Kilimanjaro remains a popular choice for many visitors. Accommodation is in shared huts with bunk beds and the ascent is via Gilman’s point on the rim of the Kibo Volcano. This route descends the same way it ascends.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro: afromontane forest, Mawenzi, glacial valleys and alpine desert, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!

In detail

Day 1
MANDARA HUTS

After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you start hiking from Marangu Gate. A picnic lunch is taken on route and in the afternoon, you arrive at Mandara Hut. An option of a short walk can be taken to Maundi Crater in the afternoon if desired.

START – 6.464 FT / 1.970 M
END – 8.924 FT / 2.720 M
DISTANCE – 5 MI / 8 KM
TIME – 3-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST

Day 2
HOROMBO HUTS

After breakfast you set out for Horombo Huts. The altitude gain today is significant and so a gentle pace is ideal to slowly gain altitude. By mid-afternoon you reach camp and can relax. You have 2 nights here to adjust to the altitude.

START – 8.924 FT / 2.720 M
END – 12.205 FT / 3.720 M
DISTANCE – 7 MI / 11 KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST

Day 3
KIBO HUT

You start off early to the final hut before the summit attempt. Your crew ensure that water is collected at the last water point whilst you progress slowly up onto the saddle. Here desolate alpine zone stretches out towards the base of Kibo. Progress is slow in this hypoxic (low oxygen) environment but by mid-afternoon you reach Kibo Hut to relax before the evening ascent. A relatively early dinner is taken and then you climb into your sleeping bags for some rest before your night time departure for the summit.

START – 12.205 FT / 3.720 M
END – 15.486 FT / 4.720 M
DISTANCE – 6 MI / 9 KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – HEATH / ALPINE DESERT

Day 4
SUMMIT BID / HOROMBO HUTS

Rising early (normally before midnight) you start out from Kibo Hut towards the peak. At night time the scree sections are normally much firmer and the night time start enables the best chance of a clear summit attempt. It takes around 6 hours to reach Gilman’s Point and then a further 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (Alt 19,341ft, 5985m) the top of the highest free standing mountain in the world and the roof of Africa! You then descend the same route before a short stop at Kibo Hut for a refuel and rest. By the evening you descend back down to Horombo Huts for dinner and one last sleep.

START – 15.486 FT / 4.720 M
END – 12.205 FT / 3.720 M
DISTANCE – 13 MI / 21 KM
TIME – 13-17 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT / ARCTIC / HEATH

Day 5
ARUSHA

The final descent takes you back through the heath zone and forest to Marangu Gate.After saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower!

Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Suricata Safaris to congratulate you and answer any other questions you may have.

START – 12.205 FT / 3.720 M
END – 6.164 FT / 1.879 M
DISTANCE – 12 MI / 19 KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH / AFROMONTANE FOREST

Make it more memorable by combining your adventure with a SAfari and a trip to Zanzibar

Ask us how!

Price Includes

  • Arrival and Departure Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) transfers to/from Arusha [For those who arrive/depart from Nairobi, we include schedule shuttle bus transfer, available at 8AM and 2PM daily]
  • Transport from the hotel in Arusha to the mountain and back to the Hotel.
  • Kilimanjaro national park permits, camping/hut fees, mountain rescue fees, value added tax (VAT), and all other applicable local government taxes/fees
  • Services of Guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
  • Maximum of 10 climbers (unless stated otherwise)
  • Accommodation in a hotel in Arusha (upgradeable) for 2 nights (before & after the climb), including breakfast and taxes
  • Meals on the mountain
  • Drinking water: Boiled and filtered water on the trek (recommended to bring a filter/filtrating tablets), and bottled water on the safari.
  • Sleeping mat
  • Dining tent, tables, chairs
  • Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only
  • Oximeter

Price Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Climbing gears (most of them can be rented on arrival; we recommend you email the list of items you think you may consider renting)
  • Tips to the climbing crew
  • Medical equipment which can be rented well in advance for the following costs: $250/group for hyperbaric chamber, $210/group for an emergency oxygen cylinder and $140/group for a stretcher. Please note these prices include a porter to carry the equipment.
  • Portable toilets: If you are concerned about using public toilets, a portable toilet is available for an extra $110/person or $180/group. This service must be confirmed at the time of booking.

Note

  • The luggage that porters are allowed to carry is limited to 35 pounds (ie: 15 kgs)
  • Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at a rate of $10/bag/day
  • You can leave extra luggage at your hotel in Arusha or at our office (do not leave any valuables like cash, jewelry, electronics

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