| Marangu Route Mountain Climb |
 |
Marangu Route This is the most popular and easiest way to the summit. The trail has huts along its route with all the basic necessities. No technical skills are required for this five day trek. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo Hut. Day 1 An alternative is to ascend along the parallel forest trail and descend on the main trail. The forest trail branches off to the left, a few minutes after the gate, and follows the edge of a stream through the under growth. About halfway (1 hrs from the gate) you can choose to cross the stream and rejoin the main trail, or continue on the forest trail. Both trails continue on opposite sides of the stream, merging about one hour before Mandara Hut Marangu-Mandara Hut. 1830m-2700m. 3-4 hours trek. Transfer to Marangu Gate at an altitude of 1,860m. The path to Mandara Hut, the first overnight stop, passes through rain forest and takes up to four hours. The trail crosses numerous moorland ravines before ending at Horombo Hut, which is set in a rocky valley with a fine stand of giant sceneries or groundsels. Leaving behind the forest and following the ascending path through alpine meadows on to the slopes of Mawenzi. Horombo Hut is reached after about six hours and is 11km from Mandara. The left fork from Horombo Hut is an easier trail and emerges on the Saddle much closer to Kibo and about one kilometre from Kibo Hut. The landscape now becomes more rocky and rugged until the Saddle is reached. Kibo Hut is the overnight stay. (The reasons for this are to see the sun rise over Mawenzi from the top of Kibo, the loose stone scree is frozen- making it easier to climb, and you can get back in good time). The first part is an uneven trail which leads to the Hans Meyer Cave, a good restpoint. After that, the trail makes more regular switchbacks most of the way to the top, with a last scramble over rocks to Johannes Notch and Gillmans Point. From there, the trail continues along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak.An early (2.00am) start to make the steep and demanding final ascent through the snow. By daybreak you should be at the rim of the crater at 5,685m. Time and weather permitting the final push to Uhuru Peak should take about 45 minutes. At the top there are stunning views of the ice walls offset by rugged rocks. After a fast descent to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest continue to descend to Horombo Hut Horombo Hut Kibo Hut: Water
   Before the climb....
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final checklist to get to this very important step in you preparation.
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physically challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. We have developed a fitness training program which will assist you in getting your body in shape for your Kilimanjaron summit expedition. Please click fitness program for more information in this regard.
It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded. This should be top most in you mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remaining a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possible encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group, Your mental stamina will, with out a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from barafu to Uhuru , easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the final checklist, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from this internet guide-you will be mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
Go slowly –“Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili !. this is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 liters of liquid a day – Preferably water. For both the Marangu and Machame routes, It is possible to buy mineral water at all the huts and camps. Although a little bit more expensive on the mountain, this is probably the most convenient option – we are however at this stage, not to sure how reliable the supply lines are, for your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water which may be purchased at the hotel in moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the Mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day 2 onwards, but care should still are taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets.
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low ” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.
Climb as lightly as possible; this becomes even more important on your summit night.
Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable topack items individually in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in Plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in
Hiking/running shoes (it is not necessary to walk with boot or climbers shoes until the last sections where scream and rocks are encountered) and very importantly, a walking stick/ski –Pole. One of the most critical items of clothing is a an outer jacket. You want it to perform the functions of keeping you warm, Protect you at temperature of as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, keep the wind out and yet still ”breath”. Try to avoid tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and T-shirts are strongly recommended, especially during hiking on the lower slop, when thee day temperature are still high. It is therefore very important to use Proper thermal underwear with “wicking” Properties ( a fabric which has the ability to draw moisture away from the body ) and thus enabling it to evaporate to the outside. The middle layer should provide the insulation and a product like polar fleece will be adequate in this regard. The outer layer should be windproof and breathable. Products like Vertex, Goretex or Entex offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro.
A ski – Pole is essential, buy one or hire one but take one – click here for our Gear Rental options.
Replace your headlamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.
AMS commonly affects people at high altitude, who are not accustomed to high altitude conditions. AMS can be lethal if not treated immediately or if its symptoms are ignored. Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarize yourself with this condition and take Preventative care.
Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics. Please consult your doctor about these. Larium is very popular, but should be taken with care. Known side-effects may lessen your chances of success. Currently found in Tanzania. Women using oral contra captives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics.
Essential Items
High Altitude Gear
Footwear
Equipment
Personal Items
Medical and First Aid Supplies
Optional Items
|
