KILIMANJARO CLIMBING AND WALKING GUIDE

WALKING ROUTES

Normal route: from the Marangu Gate (1980m) a wide path leads through forest to the Mandara Hut, 2700m (4h). A path further W, starting just beyond the park gate, is 30 min longer but passes through some of the most beautiful forest hereabouts. In descent the start is clearly marked, about lh below Mandara. Maundi Crater and viewpoint provides a pleasant 30 min excursion from Mandara.

Shortly after leaving the Mandara Hut the forest gives way to giant heather, then moorland; the roomy Horombo huts are situated in this zone at 3700m (5h). Not far beyond these huts a faint but well marked trail traverses off left to the Barranco Hut; a long day's walk. On our route, higher up the vegetation thins and the last water trickle is passed. The path continues to the gravelly Saddle which is crossed at length to the Kibo Huts (4703m), situated below the Kibo scree slopes (5h). If there is little snow, water may have to be carried up to here. Starting well before dawn, climb the tedious scree to the crater rim and Gillman's Point (5680m) (5h). For this achievement a certificate is given at the park gate. Now more easily along the crater rim for about 1.5km to Uhuru Peak (1h30). In descent each leg can be done in 3h. The huts on this route are comfortable and camping is no cheaper. All of them have radios.

Umbwe route: on this and the next routes water is scarce. Carry an adequate supply, as dehydration accentuates altitude sickness. From Kifuni (1500m) an old vehicle track continues about 7km in forest (3h). A marked path turns left off this and in 3km a stream and possible campsite are reached (2h). Now steeply through forest with glimpses of Kibo above and the gorge below. At 2940m overhangs are reached, good shelters. Water is available in a slow moving stream about 50m below (3h). Soon the forest ends and the path proceeds along a spectacular narrow ridge. At 3500m a cave (water 10 min away) could be used as a shelter, but it is better to continue to the Barranco Hut at 3900m. This is beautifully situated at the upper limit of the heather zone and commands superb views of the southern ice cliffs and the Breach Wall; water nearby (5h). 30 min east of the hut, following the Kibo South Circuit to the Horombo huts, a stream is crossed before climbing steeply up the side wall of the valley; at this point there is a fine bivouac boulder.

From the Barranco Hut, going north-west for 500m, a ridge is gained and followed north for about lh to a flatter area. One path now heads east-north-east to the site of the destroyed Arrow Glacier Hut and a poor campsite, 4800m (4h). The main path continues north to traverse over streams; a short scramble gains a slight ridge leading north-east up to the damaged Lava Tower Hut (4600m), good campsites and water nearby (3h).

The Arrow Glacier site can be reached from here by a path climbing east-south-east up tedious scree (1h15).

Machame route: from the Park Post (1900m) a well marked path rises fairly steeply through forest. At 3000m the forest thins and the Machame huts are reached; stream nearby (5h). Above, cross a small valley and continue up ridges and through heather with occasional rock scrambles for about 4h to head of a river valley. Traverse west across this then continue north to the Shira Hut (3800m); water close by (5h). The damaged Lava Tower Hut is reached by a well-cairned trail leading east (3h30).

Lemosho Glades Route: an unspoilt, remote, little-used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Buffalo and other big game animals may be encountered. From Londorossi Park Gate (2250m,) track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2000m, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Forest trails lead to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3 hours). Water is quite 15min away. The trail steepens, enters the giant heather moorland zone, crossing the Shira Ridge at about 3600m to Shira 1 camp by stream (3500m, 5 hours). Across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by stream (3850m, 1.5 hours). A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatisation day. The Shira Hut is a further hour away, here join the Machame and Southern Circuit routes.

Kibo South Circuit: a fine traverse. The middle sections provide magnificent views of the ice cliffs above. From Shira Hut to Barranco Hut as noted above (4h). Then head east to the bivouac boulder under valley wall, 30 min from Barranco Hut (as Umbwe route above). Now scramble up steep trail to top of the Breach Wall. (Turn-off north at this point for the Helm Glacier). The path then traverses over scree and ridges and drops into the Karanga Valley to a fine campsite and stream (3h3 0). Climb out of the valley and continue traversing tediously over ridges till the Mweka-Barafu hut path is crossed (2h). Then traversing again to join the Marangu route just above the Horombo huts (3h).

Descent: the Marangu Route is reserved for those using it exclusively. The Mweka Route is the preferred descent from all other routes. From the summit either the Horombo Hut or the Mweka Hut may be reached in about 6 hours allowing for a short lunch stop and rest at either the Barafu or Kibo Huts.

Mweka route. This is presently only used as a descent route. Not particularly scenic but some fine forests. From Barafu Hut to Mweka Hut (3100m) on the forest edge takes 3h; water nearby. From Mweka Hut down to roadhead allow another 3h30.

Oloitokitok (Rongai) route: the old route from the Oloitokitok Outward Bound School in Kenya. Park fees must be paid and all proper arrangements made at Marangu Park Gate. Access from Kenya is restricted. For further information contact The Warden, Kilimanjaro National Park, PO Box 96, Marangu. Tel: Marangu 50.