Mount Kilimanjaro

Brief Summary about the different Routes to Mount Kilimajaro:

The Marangu Route offers walking on gentle forest and moorland paths up to 4700m. Above, scree leads to Gillman's Point on the often snowy crater rim which is followed to Uhuru Peak. Accommodation is in huts.

The Machame and Umbwe Routes are tougher. Steep forest paths, easy scrambling and airy ridges lead to the final screes and hence the crater. Nights are spent in tents. The Mweka Route is generally used to descend after either of the last two routes. The remote Lemosho Glades Route, is particularly beautiful and goes through one of the few areas on Kilimanjaro that is rich in game.

Kilimanjaro Route: Marangu Route

(So called “Coca Cola Route” because most tourists use this route to hike Mount Kilimanjaro)

Marangu Route is the most easy way up and/or down. The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through forests, moorlands and then across The Saddle, a high-altitude desert separating the main summit, Kibo, 5896m, from craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, to Kibo Hut. From here an early start is made for the ascent to Uhuru Point (the highest top of Kibo). The path zig-zags up steep scree which is easier to climb when frozen. The views from the crater rim at Gillman's Point at dawn can be spectacular. Uhuru Peak lies a further 1h30min. around the rim. Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. An extra day for acclimatisation to the altitude is recommended at Horombo from where there are various walks to enjoy.

Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut: 3 - 4 hours

Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut: 5 - 6 hours

Horombo – Kibo Hut: 5 - 6 hours

Kibo – Gilman’s Point: 5 – 6 hours

Gilman’s point – Uhuru Peak: 1 - 2 hours