Travel-and-Leisure
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route
All Kilimanjaro treks are challenging and a good level of fitness is required for a successful climb. The Marangu Route is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to hill walking. Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular route to this, the highest point in Africa. Kilimanjaro has twin peaks, the craggy Mawenzi standing 5149m, and the 'flat-topped', glaciated Kibo standing at 5896m. The Saddle, which stretches between these two peaks is 5km wide, high-altitude and semi-desert.
This route from Marangu Village to the summit is also popular as it uses the park huts for accommodation which have dormitory style rooms; although you will require a sleeping bag and mat. This route ascends and descends by the same route and is the only route on Kilimanjaro to do so. There are no shower/bath facilities while doing the climb and toilets will be longdrops. You will need to prepare for very variable temperatures, from hot to extremely cold.
Numbers of climbers are restricted on this route and it must be booked in advance. An extra day for acclimatization to the altitude is recommended and can be spent at the Horombo Hut which has various walks to enjoy.
Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace from the hot dusty plains and cultivated foothills, through rainforests, alpine moorland, scree and onto summit glaciers. For the ascent to Uhuru Peak from Kibo Hut a very early start is made since the scree is easier to climb when frozen and the views from the crater rim at dawn can be spectacular. Ski sticks are a necessity when ascending the scree to the summit and can be hired from the park gate.
The five day climb will have the following itinerary: -
Day 1 - In order to acclimatize it is recommended that you spend one night in Marangu village. This will help with your climb. Meet your guide in Marangu and have a pre-climb briefing.
Day 2 - Start your climb walking through rainforest until you reach the first hut. Mandara Hut, 2,752 meters. Climbing time 3 hours
Day 3 - Climb the ascending path through alpine meadow. Here the altitude will slow your pace, take your time with this part of the climb enjoying the flora and the views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Horombo Hut 3,780 meters. Climb time 5 hours
Day 4 - Today the landscape becomes rugged and rocky with groundsels and lobelias appearing. Overnight: Kibo Hut 4,730 meters. Climb time 5 hours.
Day 5 - UHURU PEAK - starting at about 1 am while the scree is still frozen. Climb the steep assent to Gilman's Point [the most difficult and tiring part of the climb] walk along the rim to Uhuru Peak - this is a one hours walk from Gilman's Point. Take your photographs and then start the decent. Overnight at Horombo Hut. Uhuru Peak 5,680 meters. Climb time 6 hours.
Day 6 - Descend to the Marangu Gate - return to the hotel for a hot shower a rest and then to celebrate.
For further information on Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and Zanzibar see http://betheladventure.co.uk using tourism to fund community initiatives focused on the education of the young and the medical care for the whole family. Using tourism to change lives. |
Ian Williamson
Similar articles
Cigar Occasions
We are all aware there are certain occasions in one's life where lighting a cigar is as integral as breathing itself. There are moments when it is expected everyone on hand will have a cigar in hand, smoking away in a puff of celebration. Read more →Cigarettes
A cigarette is a small paper-wrapped cylinder. The cylinder contains cured, shredded or cut tobacco leaves. A normal cigarette length is 120 mm in length and 10 mm in diameter. Read more →Climbing the Maasai Mountain of God - A Journey to the Top of an Active Volcano
The Maasai call it "the mountain of god", for not only do they believe their ancestors descended from it; they believe God lives atop it. It rises sharply and proudly out of the Great Rift Valley with jagged edges and carved angular slopes - as regal as is ominous, as beautiful as is rare - we call it Lengai. Read more →Colorado Springs - What Is There To Be Seen
The most frequently visited man-made attractions in Colorado Springs is the U.S. Air Force Academy, which is very interesting. Its tries to develop young men and women into brave Air Force Officers. Read more →Aphorism
Should we have stayed at home and thought of here? Where should we be today? Is it right to be watching strangers in a play in this strangest of theatres?