Marangu 5 Day via Gilmans Point
(Ma5G)
WHY THIS ITINERARY?
For those that can’t bear sleeping in a tent or during the wettest months, the Marangu Route remains a good choice. It is, however, very busy and does not see as much of the mountain as western routes.
DESCRIPTION
The original route up Kilimanjaro remains a popular choice for many visitors. Accommodation is in shared huts with bunk beds and the ascent is via Gilman’s point on the rim of the Kibo Volcano. This route descends the same way it ascends.
HIGHLIGHTS
Kilimanjaro: afromontane forest, Mawenzi, glacial valleys and alpine desert, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!
ITINERARY
In Brief
Hike Distance – 47miles / 68 km
Vertical Gain – 12,878ft / 3925m
Drop – 13,176ft / 4016m
Trekking Time – 35 hours
In Detail
DAY 1 – MANDARA HUTS
START – 6,464FT / 1970M
END – 8,924FT / 2720M
DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8KM
TIME – 3-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you start hiking from Marangu Gate. A picnic lunch is taken on route and in the afternoon, you arrive at Mandara Hut. An option of a short walk can be taken to Maundi Crater in the afternoon if desired.
DAY 2 – HOROMBO HUTS
START – 8,924FT / 2720M
END – 12,205FT / 3720M
DISTANCE – 7 MILES / 11KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
After breakfast you set out for Horombo Huts. The altitude gain today is significant and so a gentle pace is ideal to slowly gain altitude. By mid-afternoon you reach camp and can relax. You have 2 nights here to adjust to the altitude.
DAY 3 – KIBO HUT
START – 12,205FT / 3720M
END – 15,486FT / 4720M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 9KM
TIME – 4-6HRS\
CLIMATE ZONES – HEATH / ALPINE DESERT
You start off early to the final hut before the summit attempt. Your crew ensure that water is collected at the last water point whilst you progress slowly up onto the saddle. Here desolate alpine zone stretches out towards the base of Kibo. Progress is slow in this hypoxic (low oxygen) environment but by mid-afternoon you reach Kibo Hut to relax before the evening ascent. A relatively early dinner is taken and then you climb into your sleeping bags for some rest before your night time departure for the summit.
DAY 4 – SUMMIT BID / HOROMBO HUTS
START – 15,486FT / 4720M
END – 12,205FT / 3720M
DISTANCE – 13 MILES / 21KM
TIME – 13-17 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT / ARCTIC / HEATH
Rising early (normally before midnight) you start out from Kibo Hut towards the peak. At night time the scree sections are normally much firmer and the night time start enables the best chance of a clear summit attempt. It takes around 6 hours to reach Gilman’s Point and then a further 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (Alt 19,341ft, 5985m) the top of the highest free standing mountain in the world and the roof of Africa! You then descend the same route before a short stop at Kibo Hut for a refuel and rest. By the evening you descend back down to Horombo Huts for dinner and one last sleep.
DAY 5 – ARUSHA
START – 12,205FT / 3720M
END – 6,164FT / 1879M
DISTANCE – 12 MILES / 19KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH / AFROMONTANE FOREST
The final descent takes you back through the heath zone and forest to Marangu Gate.After saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower! Later that evening you will be visited by a Summits Africa Representative to congratulate you, to find out how the trip went and to answer any final questions you may have about your onward journey.