Walking ascent routes of Mount Kilimanjaro (part 3)

Marangu Route

This is the easiest route to take to ascend Kilimanjaro. It crosses The Saddle, a 5km wide, high-altitude, semi-desert that separates craggy Mawenzi from Kibo - the main summit. From the summit glaciers, screes, cliffs, afro-alpine moorland then forests lead down to the cultivated foothills. The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through these dramatically different zones.

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 useful when ascending the scree to the summit. Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts you will require a sleeping bag, a mat is provided.

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 can be spent at Horombo. From Horombo there are various walks to enjoy.

Outline Programme

1. Drive to Marangu Gate. Walk through the rain forest to Mandara hut (2743m), about 3 hours.
2. Leave the forest and cross open moor land to Horombo hut (3760m).
3. Rest and acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut. Day walk to Zebra Rocks or to Mawenzi Hut. This day can be missed out making a 5 day itinerary.
4. Walk through moorland then alpine desert to "The Saddle" between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. From here you will walk for about an hour to reach Kibo hut (4730m).
5. Very early start for the summit on steep scree up to Gillman's Point (5681m) which is on the crater rim. Continue around the rim (which will take about two hours if you are fit) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point in Africa. Descend to Kibo Hut for tea and biscuits or soup and then down to the thicker air an relative warmth of Horombo hut.
6. Descend to Marangu gate.