Marangu Route

Day 1: from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

The visit of the park begins at Marangu Gate, 1,870 meters high. The first stage takes place in the lush scenery of the rainforest and it takes about three hours to walk to get to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). The characteristics of this retreat are similar to those of the next who will meet on the Marangu road: it is a refuge very "spartan", able to accommodate, in dormitories promiscuous, about sixty people. The dinner is prepared in a common kitchen where each group uses their own supplies.

Day 2: from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

The visit continues with the second leg of your trip, early in the morning, the Mandara Hut. This stage is much more challenging, winding through a steep path that crosses a landscape in which the vegetation thins out as you go along: the rainforest gives way to moorland, with patches of heather and typical groves of giant ragweed. After about eight hours of walking you get to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) where we spend the night. These dimensions can feel the first signs of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite, insomnia). The temperature is lowered considerably, especially at night.

Day 3: Acclimatization day

A too rapid ascension to exacerbate the risk of altitude sickness. This is the reason why it is advisable to arrive at this altitude, be a break for acclimatization. The beauty of the places and breathtaking scenery make it a very pleasant stop. To gradually accustom the body to the lack of oxygen guides recommend to make a "Sgambati" to a height of 4,000 m, at the base of Mawenzi massif (the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro) and then go down and spend a second night at Horombo Hut.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Check out the early morning hours, eight hours of driving in an increasingly "extreme" in which the vegetation is disappearing, the landscape takes on a desert and desolate, and the thin air makes itself felt more and more. "Pole pole" (Swahili for "slowly") suggest the guides. In the afternoon you arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m).

The opportunity for a few hours of the austere reception of the refuge (no running water, no heating, sanitation outdoors) to rest waiting for the final ascent to the summit. At night the temperature drops significantly.

Day 5: ascent to Uhuru Peak

Around midnight we set off for the summit. This is by far the most difficult stage: we proceed diagonally along the flanks of the volcano sand, until arriving at dawn, at Gillman Point (5,685 m). The spectacle of the sun rising over the glacier fully pays for all your efforts! After a further hour and a half walk among the glaciers, with the forces now reduced to the extreme and with temperatures that can reach - 30 ° C, we arrive at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on the continent Africa.

Day 6: Return to base

Under the signboard of the peak there is a register: it is a must affix his signature! Answered this mandatory formalities and take the usual photos you begin the descent. First stop at Kibo Hut to catch up on some 'of energies, then descend to Horombo Hutdove, where you spend the night. The next morning only stop up to Marangu Gate, where the adventure ends.

From 1500 USD per person