Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut.
Take a
short drive from Moshi town to the
Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an
attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After
completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and
unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700
m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good
afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest.
There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. [3-5
hours walking to Mandara Hut]
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
The
first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon
opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of
Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing
giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo
Hut (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the
site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being
above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut]
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
We
climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and
Kibo. The terrain changes to screed and there is a palpable sense of high
altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at
the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to
contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and
eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! [4-5 hours
walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut]
Day 4: Summit Day then down to Horombo Hut
We
will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up
at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over
loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zigzag and a slow but
steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours.
We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are
still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the
crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) passing close to the spectacular glaciers
that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and
we return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking
from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point]
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Moshi
After
breakfast,we will start with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then
a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates to Moshi town.
The
greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit
day, and it really makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro
really is. [5-6 hours walking]
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