Kilimanjaro - Marangu Trek
Our exhilarating 6-day hike of Mount Kilimanjaro includes the services of a leader and local mountain guide, porters to carry gear, and accommodation in mountain huts.
'SHINING MOUNTAIN'
For serious mountain walkers, the most appealing way to experience East Africa is to ascend Kilimanjaro. It is one of the world's most impressive sights soaring in majestic isolation above the game-filled plains to 5895m.
6-DAY ACCOMODATED 'KILI' TREK
Starting the hike at 1800m you'll trek the classic Marangu Route staying in dormitory huts on the mountain. As we gain altitude, we walk through distinct climatic zones - tropical rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine deserts and scree slopes to Gilman's Point. Then, if feeling up to it, we make the final push to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the top may not by any means be the ultimate goal. There are magnificent views to be seen on the way and diverse flora and fauna to be enjoyed.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(HK-6201-P) |
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Flights ( London - Kilimanjaro - London) |
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Accomodation ( Hotels/Mountain Huts) |
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7 breakfasts |
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6 Lunches |
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7 Dinners |
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Price Excludes |
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Local Payment 635 USD |
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Suitability / Level |
Strenous |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Among the many highlights featured on this tour, we particularly mention:
KILIMANJARO
Climbing Africa’s highest mountain on this hut-based trek led by an Explore Leader and experienced guides.
ZANZIBAR
Opportunity to unwind and relax on an idyllic tropical island paradise.
DAY 1. SATURDAY. JOIN TOUR MOSHI
Arrive Moshi and check-in at our hotel.
DAY 2. DRIVE TO MARANGU; HIKE TO MANDARA HUT
We make the short drive to the National Park Marangu Gate at 1800m and begin our hike up the mountain. Porters will assist throughout the trek carrying all of our luggage. You only need carry what you need for the day – waterproofs, a camera, waterbottle and a packed lunch.
The first stage is along a rocky path through lush rainforest, with lichens and bright ferns, huge trees and tiny colourful flowers all adding interest to our first day. We arrive at our hut at Mandara, situated close to the Maundi Crater at an altitude of 2745m. Approx. 3-4 hours walking.
DAY 3. WALK TO HOROMBO HUT
After leaving the rainforest, we ascend on a path through open moorland and alpine meadow. As we are climbing to over 3700m today, you may start to feel the effects of altitude and that you get breathless more easily. The mountain guide will make sure that you take your time and have plenty of rest stops, allowing many opportunities to take in the views. Later, above Podocarpus Hill, the scenery changes again.
Rocky volcanic ravines covered with dense shrubbery, giant lobelia and groundsels, as well as many other wild flowers particular to Kilimanjaro. If the weather is clear you should get views of the gaunt peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. We arrive at Horombo Hut (3720m) and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surroundings. Approx. 5-6 hours walking.
DAY 4. ACCLIMATISATION DAY
We have built in an extra day to acclimatise, so you could either rest or do an optional hike from the hut. We recommend the hike via Zebra Rock to ‘The Saddle’ between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak (4-5 hrs, 4350m). Since we are now above the rainforest, views are not hampered by trees.
DAY 5. WALK TO KIBO HUT
The sun rises dramatically from behind Mawenzi Peak, lighting up the sea of cloud, that shrouds the lower reaches of the mountain. After our rest we continue ever higher, past huge cactus-like groundsel and the last spring water (we now rely on porters to carry supplies). Breathing becomes noticeably more difficult and the climb now begins to test even the fittest.
Climbing above 4115m, we see clearer views of Kibo and the almost lunar landscape of ‘The Saddle’. Here we’ll find only the most hardy forms of vegetation amid the sand and rocks. Temperatures may vary dramatically and strong winds can whip up in a very short space of time. Despite the seemingly inhospitable terrain, it is not unheard of to see herds of eland at this altitude.
Continuing for 2-3 hours across the plateau, we finally reach Kibo hut, at the base of Kibo Peak. The air is considerably cooler here and once the sun drops, temperatures often fall to below freezing. If you are finding that the altitude is having an adverse affect on you, you may have to make a tough, but wise decision, to go no further than Kibo hut (4700m). About 5 hours walking.
DAY 6. WALK TO SUMMIT; DESCEND TO HOROMBO HUT
We set off very early in the morning, in darkness, to attempt the summit, walking up a steep scree slope, past icy crevasses and giant boulders, to the final ridge. We will be ascending to 5680m in just a few hours to reach Gilman’s Point on the rim of the crater. Although at times you may be able to walk for only 10 paces before you have to stop and rest, there is no doubt that it is all worth it when you reach the top.
Gilman’s Point is perhaps the most spectacular in Africa, where the whole of East Africa seems to spread out below you; one can see the Maasai Plains; the Rift Valley and in Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks of Kenya. From Gilman’s Point, you may continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5895m. We descend down the same way we came up via Kibo hut where we’ll have a rest and then continue down to Horombo Hut. About 13-15 hours walking.
DAY 7. WALK TO MARANGU; DRIVE TO MOSHI
After a good long rest at Horombo, we pass through the moorland once more, enjoying the increasing warmth and richness of the mountain air. Stopping for a short time at Mandara hut for lunch, we continue down through the rainforest to the Park entrance. We continue by road to Moshi and arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. Approx. 5 hours walking.
DAY 8. IN MOSHI; OPTIONAL GAME DRIVE. TOUR ENDS
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before the evening group flight home. Weather permitting, we may be treated to some final views of Kilimanjaro from here. You could join an optional game drive around the Momella Lakes area in Arusha National Park famed for its high giraffe population in addition to elephants, hippos and buffaloes to name but a few. |
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Accommodation
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2 nights hotel
5 nights dorm-style mountain hut |
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Holidays
Extras |
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Included
