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JTKMC00
9 -
Tanzania
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING SAFARI.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route
7 DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI,MT. KILIMANJARO CLIMBing MARANGU ROUTE
It
takes about 5 days to climb Kilimanjaro, which
is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the
largest extinct volcanoes. Any physically fit
person can climb it. No climbing experience is
necessary. The mountain climb can be in any
month except during long rains in April and May.
The best months are January to March and August
to October usually with cloudless days. There
are two peaks: Mawenzi-5149m and Kibo–5895m.
(Mawenzi from Saddle)
Probably no other mountain in the world has the
same mystique and appeal of Kilimanjaro, the
highest peak in Africa at 19,340 ft. (5,900m).
It is also the highest mountain on earth that is
not part of a mountain range and its snow-capped
peak hovers majestically over the African plain.
This is a very challenging but rewarding trek!
Marangu route (also called 'Coca Cola Route' is
the easiest and the most popular route up
Kilimanjaro with excellent well-defined trails .
Marangu is the classic trail with comfortable
mountain huts and good facilities intermittently
spaced at ideal locations. The hikers' summit is
Gillman's Point - 5685m on the crater rim, but
more energetic hikers can continue on to Uhuru
Peak - 5896m, the actual summit and the highest
point on the African continent!
The Marangu route offers climbers an opportunity
to socialize with other climbers from all over
the world. The descent is via the same trail. An
extra night at Horombo Huts is recommended and
it offers climbers a chance to acclimatize. An
experienced Tanzanian guide and porters, who
will carry the bulk of your gear, will escort
you during the climb and prepare all meals
during the climb.
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 Keys Annex 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.
The A-frame Mandara Huts (meal time) can
accommodate up to seventy people and consist of
several sleeping huts and a dining area. All of
Marangu's huts have beds with mattresses and
pillows. During high season, the huts can be
crowded and you may have to wait your turn to
eat dinner in the dining hall.
Day 3:
Mandara Hut (2,743m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Elevation Gain: 977 meters
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Distance: 11 kilometers
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. Most hikers experience some
of the effects of altitude sickness at this point. Be sure
you are aware of altitude sickness symptoms, and if you are
feeling very sick, please tell your guide.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,750m)
to Summit (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters
Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters
Hiking Time: 12 to 15 hours
Distance to Uhuru: 5 kilometers
Distance from Uhuru to Horombo: 16 kilometers
The beginning of the last ascent is made in the wee hrs of
the morning while the screen is still frozen. Climb the very
steep part of the route to GILMAN'S POINT (most difficult and tiring part). UHURU
PEAK is reached within an hour's walk along the crater rim.
(19,344ft). Start the walk along the craters rim.
(19,344ft). Start the descent to Horombo hut for overnight.
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 Keys Annex hotel BB.
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.
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