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Mountain Climbing - Kenya - Tanzania
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About Mount KILIMANJARO

Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as Ol Doinyo Oibor in maasai language, is located 3.04 degrees south of the equator and 37.21 degrees east, on the Tanzania side of the common Tanzania-Kenya border in East Africa.  It is Africa’s highest mountain at 5896 metres (19,344 ft) and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, attracting trekkers and climbers from every corner of the world. The attraction is even greater because with time and adequate preparation, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without technical mountaineering equipment or experience.

The Kilimanjaro massif has two main peak areas: Kibo, the flat topped dome at the centre of the massif, and Mawenzi a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side. The top of Kibo dips inwards to form a crater which cannot be seen from below. Although Mount Kilimanjaro lies just three degrees south of the equator, both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice.

The highest point on Kibo and the whole Kilimanjaro massif is Uhuru Peak. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillman's Point, both are goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only.

DISTANCES
- From Arusha Town to Moshi is 80 kms (an hour by road)
- From Arusha Town to Marangu is 120 kms (an hour and a half by road)
- From Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi is 35 kms (half hour by road)
- From Kilimanjaro Airport to Marangu is 85 kms (an hour by road)

About Mount MERU
Located only 40 kilometers away Mount Kilimanjaro, is Tanzania's second highest mountain – Mount Meru.  Standing at 4566m (14,979ft), Mount Meru provides spectacular view of Mt Kilimanjaro and the surrounding countryside. It is a classic volcanic cone with a dramatic horseshoe crater or caldera. The trek to the summit takes three days with two nights on the mountain either in tents or mountain huts. A day trek up Mount Meru is an ideal way to acclimatize for the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is situated in Arusha National Park.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR TREKS ON MOUNT KILIMANJARO

The best time to climb would be during the dry season. Tanzania and East Africa in general has two rainy seasons, long rains from end of March until June, and the short rains which normally occur in October and November.

During the rainy seasons, rain can be expected as opposed to the dry seasons where it will be unlikely. However it does not rain all the time even then. Naturally conditions on the mountains can become very slippery in the rains and snow can become a problem on some of the routes to the summit. Dry season months of June to September and December to February can usually be counted as the best months for trekking.

The altitude normally affects the temperature as the trek progresses, especially considering the Mountain is only three degrees south of the Equator.

Day-time temperatures on the lower parts of the mountain are often pleasantly warm, even hot, although a brief rain shower in the afternoon is always possible. As soon as the sun goes down the air temperature becomes cold and as the trek progresses, on the higher parts of the mountain the temperatures often drop to below freezing. Warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag are essential.

Although many thousands of trekkers successfully reach Gillman's Point or Uhuru Peak every year without any real difficulty, many others do not make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness, which is caused by a combination of the decrease in atmospheric pressure and the decreased oxygen content of the air. To avoid this it is very important to acclimatise by ascending slowly and steadily, even if you are fit, you should not try to rush up Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Guides and porters are all men between 20 and 40 years old.  They are employed by the Hotels on piece-work terms but have to be officially registered by the Park Authorities, who periodically give them medical check-ups.  Anybody with heart or lung condition is not allowed to climb above the Kibo Hut. The Guides work as a team throughout the Year, with the porters being added as required.  Each Porter carries about 10 to 20 Kilograms, usually on their heads or back. 

The huts and camping sites are positioned so that the ascent each day is harder than the previous day, even without considering the thinner air. As a result one feels more and more tired at the end of each stage but not to the extent of losing confidence.  To provide some encouragement there are notices on the huts and the upper parts of the climb giving in both feet and metres the height above sea-level that you have reached.  In most cases the ratio of these figures is incorrect.  One effect of each morning's climb and afternoon's rest is that you assume (wrongly as it happens) that the next day will be no worse than the last.  Despite the difficulty in getting a good night's sleep and the resulting aches and pains, you expect to be fit enough by the next morning to reach that day's objective.  This optimism may vanish on the third day, for which the final part of the ascent is really hard, but unless illness intervenes you feel that by then you have nothing to lose in attempting the final climb.

The guides and porters may be climbing separately from you for a good part of the first three days.  They climb without resting for long periods but stop for long periods, at times upto 20 minutes at what they call half-way points.  These points are not actually half-way in time or distance, merely convenient places to stop

As is often the case with such climbs, mental attitude is just as important as physical fitness. For both the ascent and descent, walking seems to be far easier when the weather is sunny rather than dull and misty.  However it will almost certainly be cloudy for part of the first two days.

The Kilimanjaro climb is strenuous but interesting, and worth doing once preferably before you reach fifty.  Although it is possible to plan a good deal of the trip beforehand, you cannot rely on the weather at any time of the year or on any part of the climb. You should perhaps take some books to read during afternoons, and a wide-angle lens as well as standard lens for the final climb.  Extra baggage can be left behind in the store at your base hotel.  The trip will be easier and more enjoyable if you can forget minor difficulties and take each day as it comes.


MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES

MARANGU ROUTE
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS (5 DAYS ON TREK)

The most popular route up the mountain, the Marangu Route is in fact probably followed by ninety percent of all climbers. It has a well defined path, which has been well set out and where most obstacles have been modified to make them 'climber friendly'. Despite the human traffic (it can be fun to mingle with climbers from all over the world), this is a very scenic route with good views of Mawenzi and excellent prospects for viewing wildlife.
Accommodation on this route is in purpose-built mountain huts providing adequate shelter and even bottled water, beer and soft drinks.

DAY 01:  ARUSHA TRANSFER TO MOSHI/MARANGU (BASE HOTEL)
At 14.00 hours, collected from your Arusha hotel and transfer to Moshi/Marangu area, the base for the climb.  Dinner and overnight at Springland Hotel (the base hotel).

DAY 02: BASE HOTEL TO MANDARA HUT
(1,800M TO 2,700M)
Walking about 9 km in 4 hours, and ascending 900 m.
After breakfast and briefing transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Marangu, an ascent of 400 m, for registration before starting the climb. The trek from Marangu to Mandara takes 3 – 4 hours, on established forest trails.

There are two possible routes both following the same stream but on opposite banks.  At first the main path is wide and not too steep, being bounded on each side by large trees.  Higher up in the rain forest it is steeper and muddier, and is crossed by many tree roots which are difficult to climb over when they are wet.  Eventually the path leaves the forest and soon afterwards it reaches a clearing containing the Mandara Huts where the first night is spent.
The initial ascent is warm and sunny but after an hour it could became dull and misty.  After a picnic lunch (consisting of sandwiches, boiled egg and a fruit) at the Huts, optional visit to Maundi Crater, about 1.5 km from the huts.  There are several unusual flowers near this crater and on the path.  There are also a few monkeys and birds. 

Meals and overnight at Mandara Hut (2700m or 9000ft)

This camp, at an altitude of 2700 m above sea-level, has one large A-frame, which is partly used as a communal dinning-room and several smaller ones with four raised platforms with mattresses. It is recommended that one should carry a mat to put on top as the mattresses could be damp due to high humidity.   There is a cold water wash-basin and two flush toilets for the latter a torch is helpful even in daylight. Dinner is served at about 17.30 Hrs because darkness falls early and the huts are not lighted by electricity except for some solar panel lighting which is low.  Dinner consists of soup, meat or fish with vegetables, a fruit and tea/coffee.

Clothing + Other Information:
Sports shoes, short trousers with track trousers in a day pack, T-shirt and if cloudy a sweater and /or jacket. Also required is a sun-protection cream and drinking water.

DAY 03: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT  (2,700 M TO 3,820 M)
Walking about 14 km in 4.5 hours, and ascending 1020 m.

Woken up between  06.30 and 07.00 Hrs for breakfast, which consists of Tea/Coffee, eggs, Sausage, toast and a fruit (pineapple).  After breakfast leave the short forest stretch, cross a meadow and a wooded stream, emerging into grassland, then continue across the numerous moorland ravines before ending at Horombo Hut. The climb from Mandara to Horombo takes 5 to 7 hours.  Lunch, a picnic, consists of boiled egg, sandwich plus a fruit. 

As on Day one, there is a choice of routes. This time the main path starts by rising steeply through the rain forest and is again muddy with many tree roots to be negotiated.  After about 2 km it levels out into a region of heathland with grasses, some shrubs and trees and a few flowers while higher up there are heathers and giant groundsels called senecios. At this stage the path is not clearly defined and it is easy to get off the main track.

The weather could be sunny in the morning, turning dull and misty hence little visibility along the route.  There is a 200 m high volcanic cone called Kifinika en route.  After crossing some ridges and ravines you come to Horombo Huts where you spend the night.

Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut (3720m or 12,000ft)

These huts, built by a stream on a hillside 3720m above sea-level, are similar to those at Mandara.  Again there is one large hut and several smaller ones, but a lot more than in the lower camp since the descending climbers also sleep here.  The area is rather exposed and there is little to see or do.    The only place to wash is in the stream.  There are two flush toilets on which you have to squat, and also two earth toilets 100m away down the slope.  Good views of the tops of Kibo and Mawenzi can be obtained from this part of the site.  The valley of the stream contains small groups of senecios and clusters of everlasting flowers.  On arrival at the Hut, you will be served with tea/coffee.  Like Mandara, dinner, consisting of meat and spaghetti plus vegetables, is as served around 17.30/18/00 Hrs.

Clothing + Other Information:
Sports shoes, short trousers (only if sunny)/track trousers, T-shirt and if cloudy an extra warm sweater and /or jacket.  Also required is a sun-protection cream and drinking water.

Temperatures:
 These could be around 12 to 14 degrees Celsius and could get as low as 5 degrees Celsius in the night

DAY 04:  HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT (3,820 M TO 4,850 M)
Walking about 13 km in about 5 hours and ascending 1030 m.

Standard breakfast (like the previous day's) is served at around 07.00 Hrs.  After breakfast trek past the last water point to the saddle, a dry desert like area separating the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Continue to Kibo Hut (4700m or 15,000ft), your nightstop. The climb from Horombo to Kibo Hut takes 5 to 6 hours.
It could be misty at the start of the Climb and cloudy for the rest of the way.

The route goes straight up a ridge towards Mawenzi but there is no water available on it.  The main path keeps further west and reaches the saddle much nearer to Kibo.  It crosses two or three streams, the final one of which is clearly labeled as the last water.  Some climbers, guides and porters stop there to fill their water bottles.  The first part of the path is dry and dusty with the occasional stony stretch.  On each side there are everlasting flowers, heather and some groups of senecios but the only bird commonly seen is the Alpine Chat.  The second part of the path is flatter but stonier, by the time it reaches the saddle there are very few plants though occasionally a White-necked Raven flies over. The main route it passes between two red hills which have an interesting geology.  At this point the Kibo Hut is visible and seems to be fairly close in the clear air but there is still about 2.5km to walk and 300m to climb.

Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut (4700m / 15,000ft)

The Kibo Hut, at 4750m above sea-level, consists of 4 dormitories with beds each containing a table and bunks for twelve people plus another one for only 10 people.  There is another (older) building used by the guides and porters and two earth toilets a short distance away.  The huts are built of stone, unlike Mandara and Horombo which are wooden.  The insides of the Huts is humid but cold.  In both this and previous camp the warden radio link with headquarters is powered by a group of solar cells on a pole.  The Sun is more likely to be shinning here and it can be pleasantly warm during the day but because of the altitude precautions against sunburn  are essential.  The cloud could clear by the middle of the afternoon and one could catch some good views of the saddle and Mawenzi.  Dinner is served at about 17.00 hrs and as due to the weather and exhaustion, this would mainly consist of soup and rice.    On arrival at the Hut, it is recommended that one stay in the huts (in the sleeping bag) as coffee/tea is served as it is very windy outside. 

Clothing + Other Information:
Long trousers with a warm sweater or windy breaker jacket during the trek and high mountain clothes at night.

Temperatures:
 This is around 9 degrees Celsius and could get as low as 0 degrees Celsius in the night

DAY 05:            THE FINAL CLIMB

Woken up at 00.00 Hrs for tea/coffee and thereafter commence climb.  The start for the summit is usually after midnight at 02:00hrs or earlier. The ascent up to Gillman’s point is the steepest part of the climb (see Stage 1 below for details). From Gillman’s the trail continues along the rim through snow to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19,340ft), the highest point in Africa (see Stage 2 below for details). Thereafter descend to Horombo Hut for overnight (see Stage 3 & 4 below for details).

STAGE 1:         Climb to GILMAN'S Point at 5680 M.  Distance of 6 Km, estimated time: 5 hours for 930 m ascent
The route ascends the main cone of Kibo, immediately to the west of the Kibo Hut, and from below appears to be very steep.  Actually for the upper part you climb on a zig-zag path (which is a bit easier) but the gradient is still greater than 1 in 5.  At first the surface is stony though rather loose. It gets much worse later on, especially where the zig-zags cross the line of descent, and on each step you seem to slip down as far as you had climbed up.  Only on the final stretch when climbing over rocks does it get easier to get a good hold, might need to use your hands.  About half-way up the Hans Meyer Cave, at an altitude of 5151m, shelter from wind and cold is provided.
The temperature is below freezing point (could be as much as minus 30 degrees Celsius) but not much wind.  Depending on the weather/season, the Moon could be overhead and nearly full but it would still be necessary to occasionally use a torch despite the paraffin lamp or torch carried by the guides. 
Gilmans point, which is 5680m above sea-level, consists essentially of a slab of rock facing east with steep cliffs on the other three sides. 

STAGE 2:         Climb to UHURU Point at 5895 M  estimated time: 1.5 hours to 2 hrs for a distance of  2 Kms
The path to Uhuru Peak, which is at an altitude of 5895m, follows the edge of the rim. It involves a scramble over fairly large boulders but probably through very little snow.  The Reusch Crater and the central Ash Pit are not visible from Gilmans Point but there are good views of the Eastern Icefield and the Rebmann Glacier.  It can be warm on the rock in the sunshine though it can also be rather windy at certain times of the year.

STAGE 3:         The descent to KIBO HUT Walking about 3 km in 3 hours, and descending 990m.

On arrival at Kibo Hut you are given a light meal and after a small rest commence descend to Hormone Hut.  There are several interesting rock formations on this part of the route, mostly crystals of  volcanic lava. 

STAGE 4:         The descent to HOROMBO HUT  -  Walking about 13 km in about 3 hours, descending 1030 m.
You leave Kibo Huts at about 10.30 for the descend, A steady pace down to the saddle is impossible and thence follow the main path down to the Hormone Huts.  As the sun will be getting higher in the sky, you require a hat to provide some shade to the eyes.   For most of this stage the clouds are well below and views of the upper part of the mountain are unrestricted, a complete contrast to the ascent.  This part of the descent is comparatively easy but because of the heat and altitude one needs to drink plenty of water.  It is advisable to fill your water bottle from the supply carried by the guides before leaving the Kibo Hut.  Lunch is served on arrival at the Hormone Huts.

Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut (3720m or 12,000ft)

Clothing + Other Information:
Long trousers with a very warm sweater or windy breaker jacket.

Temperatures:
Depending on the seasons  temperatures could be as low as 30 degrees Celsius

DAY 06:            DESCENT TO BASE HOTEL
 Walking about 18km in 6.0 hours, and descending 1890m.

After breakfast at 06.30 Hrs commence the descend to Marangu Gate, where you will be met and transferred to Springland Hotel in Moshi.

On the descent, it can be quite warm, with the clouds were well below you.   At about 3000m you enter the top of the cloud level and hereafter the weather could be dull and damp.  The mud on the path and the tree roots make the steep descent through the rain forest somewhat tiring.  You get to the Mandara Huts about noon and after lunch you start down again through the rain forest.  This time it is easier to step on the tree roots and avoid the muddy patches. Lower down the path is drier.   You get to Marangu at about 14.00 hrs and after signing the book at Park headquarters and obtaining certificates starting how far one has climbed, you are transferred back to the base Hotel. 

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure - perhaps to relax from exhaustion or cleaning up!!

Dinner and overnight at Springland Hotel.

Clothing + Other Information:
Warm in the morning (temperatures could be around 7 degrees Celsius) and light at the end if sunny.   Recommended you wear a short inside track trousers, T-shirt, warm sweater/jacket - you can shed these en route if it gets too hot.  Furthermore the porters are ready to repack the bags at Mandara Hut.

DAY 07:            MOSHI/MARANGU TO ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast at the Hotel.  In the morning transfer to Arusha and dropped of at your Arusha hotel (use of room and lunch are excluded) or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international/local departure flight.

 MACHAME ROUTE
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS (6 DAYS ON TREK)

One day longer on trek than the standard Marangu Route, climbing a natural, rather than man-made path, the Machame Route is a more demanding but much quieter and scenic route up the mountain. Highlights of this route are the Shira Plateau, Barranco wall and the Karanga Valley reaching the summit via Stella Point. 
Because this route is more taxing it is recommended that trekkers should be physically fit and with the additional day on trek to assist with acclimatisation there is a good chance of reaching the summit.
Overnights are spent camping in tents which are carried and pitched by the accompanying porters.


DAY 1: ARUSHA TRANSFER TO MOSHI/MARANGU (BASE HOTEL)
At 14.00 hours, collected from your Arusha hotel and transfer to Moshi/Marangu area, the base for the climb.  Dinner and overnight at Springland Hotel (the base hotel).

DAY 2:  Morning transfer to Machame Gate and start the climb through the Shambas and passing the forest guard for the first section of the climb through the montane forest, up to the first uniport hut. Dinner and overnight at Machame Hut – Camping (3100hrs). (About 5 to 7 hours walking). Dinner and overnight Machame camp

DAY 3:  After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path following the steep ridge and across heath and moorland to ‘picnic rock', crossing the little valley walking along steep rock ridge (3658m). (About 4hours to 6hours walking). Dinner and overnight Shira camp

DAY 4: Continue to the East passing Junction, crossing a broad valley and climbing to a ridge crest and crossing scree slopes and a river valley towards the peak of Kibo and Lava Tower. (4876m). Continue down to Barranco Campsite (3860m) for overnight (About 5hours to 7hours walking).  Dinner and overnight Barranco campsite.

DAY 5:  Cross the floor of the Great Barranco Valley, up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga river - the last water point on this route. A steep climb over rocky slabs to Barafu Campsite at 15500ft/ 4600m. for overnight camp taking 8 to 9 hours. Overnight Barafu camp

DAY 6 :  CLIMB TO THE PEAK
An early start, ascend to Stella Point (5745m) en route to the summit - Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19340ft/5896m taking 6 to 7 hours.
Descend via Barafu Campsite through the forest to Mweka Campsite at 10000ft/3000m. for overnight camp.- taking 5 to 7 hours.
This is the hardest day of the climb.
Dinner and overnight Mweka Camp

DAY 7: Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College taking 3 to 4 hours.  Met and transfered to Springland Hotel Inn for dinner and overnight.

DAY 08:            MOSHI/MARANGU TO ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast at the Hotel.  In the morning transfer to Arusha and dropped of at your Arusha hotel (use of room and lunch are excluded) or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international/local departure flight.

***

MWEKA ROUTE

The Mweka Route had been closed for the last year for regeneration and is now reopened.
The Mweka Route is used for descending the Mountain after you have climbed all routes except the Marangu Route. The Mweka Route is a direct route to the bottom of the mountain with one stop over at Mweka camp half way down the mountain.

Possible Itinerary:

DAY 1:  Transfer to the base hotel from Arusha for briefing, Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: Drive from moshi to umbwe gate commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route dinner and overnight at the umbwe camp

DAY 3:  After breakfast leave the glades of the      forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to the barranco encampment located at 3 900 m dinner and overnight at karanga campsite.

DAY 4: Depart from barranco ascending slowly to the arrow glacier (4 850 m )
Dinner and overnight at barafu camp.

DAY 5: Early in the morning commence the ascent to the summit on steep and heavy scree up to uhuru peak ( 5 895 m ) the highest point in africa. From here we descend going straight down to the mweka camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6:  After breakfast you continue descending down to the mweka park gate.
Transfer to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 7:  Breakfast at the Hotel.  In the morning transfer to Arusha and dropped of at your Arusha hotel (use of room and lunch are excluded) or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international/local departure flight.

***
SHIRA ROUTE
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS (6 DAYS ON TREK) 
ON THE MOUNTAIN, SLEEPING IN TENTS

This route starts an altitude of 11600ft (3500m) and should only be attempted by trekkers who are already acclimatised or know from previous experience that they can tolerate altitude. From the trailhead the trail heads east across the centre of the Shira Plateau, where it is often likely to spot big game, such as elephant and buffalo. The route then joins up with the Machame Route at Shira Camp and approaches the summit via Stella Point descending via Mweka Camp.

DAY 01: Arusha transfer to Moshi (BASE Hotel)
At 14.00 hours, collected from your Arusha hotel and transfer to Keys Hotel, the base for the climb.  Dinner and overnight at Keys hotel.

DAY 2:  Drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Londorossi for the first section of the climb through the lush forest to reach Forest Campsite close to the gate at 9000ft/2750m taking 4 to 5 hours.
Overnight Forest Camp

DAY 3: Continue through the forest on to the Shira Plateau to reach Shira Campsite at 12,500ft/3800m for overnight camp taking 5 to 6 hours. Overnight Shira Camp

DAY 4:  Heading eastwards, continue ascending through the dry landscape before reaching Barranco Campsite at 13,000ft/3900m for overnight camp taking 5- 7 hours. Overnight Barranco Camp

DAY 5: The path climbs steeply out of the Barranco Valley, crosses the Karanga Valley, then turns north to reach Barafu Campsite at 15,500ft/4600m for overnight camp. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

DAY 6:  A long day and an early start to reach the crater rim at Stella Point in time for sunrise. Continue on to Uhuru Peak 19,340ft/5896m the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Campsite at 10,000ft/3000m for overnight camp taking 6 to 8 hours ascent 5 to 7 hours descent. Overnight Mweka Camp

DAY 7: Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka wildlife college, taking 3 to 4 hours to be met and transfered back to Keys Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 8: Moshi/Marangu to Arusha/Kilimanjaro International Airport
Breakfast at the Hotel.  In the morning transfer to Arusha and dropped of at your Arusha hotel (use of room and lunch are excluded) or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international/local departure flight.

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