Fondly referred to as the “Coca-Cola route”, Marangu Route is still the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. This is partly as a result of being the only route offering trekkers relative luxury. This by offering sleeping in huts along the entire route. A Kilimanjaro hike gives climbers utmost pleasure at Africas highest point.
<p>Departure from Nairobi is in the morning hours for a 4-5 hours journey via Namanga boarder to get to Arusha town. On arrival have lunch then take the rest of the afternoon to sort out your trek gears. Dinner and overnight at a Hotel in Arusha.</p>
<p>After breakfast at the hotel we leave Arusha behind and head for the mountain via Moshi town and Marangu village. The drive from Arusha to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 2 hours. . From the gate we ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest is normally suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss and is home to most Kilimanjaro animals. Today’s trek takes us 5 hours and ascends 720m to reach the first nights stop – Mandara hut.</p>
<p>From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater before emerging into the moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for the first impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once we’re in the open moorland we’ll get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s spectacular. </p>
<p>After breakfast ascend higher into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks). The upper route forks right passing Mawenzi that’s rocky and rough underfoot but very scenic. The alternative lower route forking left that’s much easier to trek but more plain but passing the last watering point along the way. Prepare all summit equipment and go to bed early and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.</p>
<p>We are arisen before midnight, and after taking some tea and biscuits we start off into the night with the going getting tougher as we progress. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), then the path steeply zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5,681m) on the crater rim.</p><p></p><p>From Gillmans Point expect snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long we’re able to spend taking photographs. After cerebrations at the summit we have a 6 hour descent back via Kibo hut to Horombo hut for our overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent with the total time spent walking on this day being around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp) then a well-earned restful night.</p>
