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This perfectly shaped volcano, still active, raises sheer from the plains. At5895m it is the highest in Africa and is snow capped. Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed any time of the year but there is usually a lot more rain during April, May and November. At the lower levels, you will pass through cultivated farmlands rising through tropical rain forest onto alpine meadows and finally the barren landscape leading to the snow and ice capped summit. The lower levels also offer the chance to view a wide variety of animals, birds and fauna in their natural habitat
There are six major routes through the forest and moor land areas before joining the south circuit path between 3500m and 4500m and they are:
- Marangu
- Mweka
- Umbwe.
- Machame
- Rongai
- Shira
From the south circuit path various walking (trekking), scrambling, and technical climbing trials take you the last 1200m or so to the summit. Most people however take the final leg of the Marangu route unless you are a technical climber in which case the summit may be reached via Rebmann glacier or Decken glacier amongst others. The final ascent to the summit starts normally at about 2.00 am from Kibo hut so that it is reached before dawn to watch the sunrise and gaze out over the vast expanses of African bush land.
MARANGU ROUTE
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This is the most popular and easiest way to the summit. The trail has (modern) huts along its route with all the basic necessities. No technical skills are required for this five day trek.
Day 1 Transfer by shuttle bus from Nairobi to Arusha in Tanzania for overnight stay.
Day 2 Transfer to Marangu route at an altitude of 1860m. The path to Mandara Hut, for the first overnight stop, passes through rain forest and will take up to four hours.
Day 3 Leaving behind the forest and following the ascending path through the alpine meadows onto the slopes of Mawenzi, Horombo Hut will be reached after about six hours and is 11km from Mandara.
Day 4 The landscape now becomes more rocky and rugged until the saddle is reached. Kibo Hut will be your overnight stay.
Day 5 An early (2.00 am) start to make the steep and demanding final ascent known as the "normal route’’ through the snow. By day break you should be at the rim of the crater at 5685m. Time and weather permitting the final push to Uhuru Peak should take 45 minutes. At the top there will be stunning views of the ice walls offset by rugged rocks. After a fast descent to Kibo hut for a meal and rest you will continue to Horombo hut for the overnight rest.
Day 6 After an easy descent to Marangu gate transfer to Arusha for the last night in Tanzania.
Day 7 Transfer to Nairobi and connect with your onward flight or extend to the Indian Ocean Coast of Mombasa, Lamu or Zanzibar (see accommodation section).
Classic Value
Prices from $932.00 to $1352.00 per person including accommodation in Arusha, shuttle transfer to and from Tanzania, meals on full board whilst on the mountain, guides, porters, park fees, two person tents and mineral water.
For an alternative accommodation selection please consult us |
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