The mountain is also known for its snow-capped peak; however, scientists warn that the snow might disappear within the next 20 years or so. In 1889, German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Mutschler became the first people on record to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. Since then, Kilimanjaro has become a popular hiking spot for locals and tourists. Because mountaineering gear and experience is not needed to reach the peak, tens of thousands of climbers ascend the mountain each year.
The climb is still dangerous, however, because of the risk of altitude sickness—a condition climbers experience if they ascend too quickly, which can be deadly if not treated right away. In 1973, the mountain and its six surrounding forest corridors were named Kilimanjaro National Park in order to protect its unique environment. The park was named a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site in 1987. A variety of animals live in the area surrounding the mountain, including the blue monkey.
Let Ekirale Tours take you through this remarkable safari into the Pearl of Africa that the Fond Memory will stay with you for so long.
Quieter & scenic. Good acclimatization. Success rate: 90-96%s rate: 88-95%
Easier & less expensive. Poor acclimatization. Success rate: 80-85%
Longest, remote & scenic. Very good acclimatization. Success rate: 95-98%
Most scenic & popular. Good acclimatization. Success rate: 88-95%
Quieter, easier & remote. Good acclimatization. Success rate: 86-93%
Most challenging route. Very Poor acclimatization. Success rate: 50-60%
We will suggest best suited route based on your requirements
5 DAYS KILIMANJARO CLIMBING VIA MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut | Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Height: 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m 7 km| Drive Time: Approx. 4-5 hours.
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Accomodation: Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut | Height: 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m 11 km | Drive: 6-8 hours | Heathland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Height: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m 10 km 6-8 hours | Alpine Desert Meals: B, L, D | Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Height: 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m 4 km up / 14 km down | Time: 10-15 hours Alpine | Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Budget Lodging: Horombo Camp
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
Height: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m 18km | Time: 5-7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner