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CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the largest extinct volcanoes. It can be climbed at any time except in April and May during the long rains. January to March and August to October are the best climbing seasons. We have several routes that we use.

MARANGU ROUTE 4 days
Day 1: Nairobi- Moshi
0700 to 0730 hrs Pick from your Nairobi hotel 0800 hrs-Depart town of Namanga arriving at lOOOhrs. Continue to Arusha for lunch after immigration formalities. Drive to Moshi where the afternoon is spent organizing climbing gear. Dinner and overnight at a Hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi - Mandara Hut
After breakfast, drive 45kms to Marangu gate. an altitude of 1,860m. Walk 9kms to Mandara hut. 2.744m (9,000) above sea level through dense semi-tropical rain forest. for first overnight on Kilimanjaro Meals and overnight at the hut
Day 3: Mandara- Horombo Hut
Start early morning for a ten hour walk towards Horombo. The landscape becomes more rugged and rocky but superb, with both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks in view. You spend your second night on the mountain at Horombo hut, an altitude of 3,761m (12.335 ft)
Day 4: Horombo - Kibo Hut
Take a tiring 13 km walk which takes 6hrs to Kibo hut 4,732m (15,520 ft) above sea level. Spectacular mountain vegetation like giant cactus, groundsel and lobelia appear. Meals and overnight at the hut
Day 5: Kibo- Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
The final attempt to the summit is made in the early hours of the morning at 2.00am It takes about 5 hours to climb the steepest and most difficult part of the route to Oilman's Point 5,681m (18,630 ft) From Oilman's it takes 1 1/2 to 2hrs to Uhuru peak, 5.896m (19,344 ft). Descend to Horombo for dinner and overnight
Day 6: Horombo - Moshi
Descent is rapid. After breakfast walk down to Marangu gate for transfer to Moshi. Overnight at Hotel in, Moshi.
Day 7: Moshi-Nairobi
After breakfast, drive to Arusha for Lunch, then to Nairobi Via Namanga border town, arriving early in the evening.
please note: On this itinerary clients may be accommodated at suitable hotels in Arusha Accommodation may also be up graded at extra cost.

MACHAME ROUTE 8 days
Day I: Nairobi/Arusha
0700 to 0730 hrs pick from your Nairobi hotel. 0800 hrs: Leave for Arusha by shuttle bus via Namanga border town. Arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at an Arusha hotel.
Day 2: Arusha/Machame
Drive to Machame village. The climb begins at the end of the tarmac road. Walk through the shamba and through the forest to the Machame hut (3000m) in about 6 hours. Overnight in tents after dinner.
Day 3: Machame/Shira
Cross the village and continue along the steep ridge going on to rock ridges and through heather. The route turns west into a river gorge, reaching Shira hut (3800m). Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 4: Shira/Barranco
Continue east towards Kibo passing the junction, then east towards the Lava Towers. Shortly after this, you climb down to Barranco Hut. (3940m). Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 5: Barranco/Barafu
From Barranco a steep rocky climb, passing the Barranco wall. then up and down until you come to Karanga Valley and then on to Barafu Hut (4600m). Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 6: Barafu - Mweka/Horombo
Very early start for the summit, first to Stella point and then to Uhuru Peak (5896m). There are two ways to descend on this route-Marangu or Mweka The Mweka Hut will take about 6 hours. The route is steep but picturesque. The Marangu route Uhuru- Kibo- Horombo is the main route, it is easier but can be dusty and busy. It is also longer.
Day 7: Mweka/Horombo-Arusha
Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate will take about 3 hours. Horombo to Marangu Gate will take about 6 hours. Drive to Arusha for hot showers, dinner and warm bed.
Day 8: Arusha/Nairobi
After breakfast leave for Nairobi by morning or afternoon shuttle bus where the tour ends.

UMBWE ROUTE 8 days
Day I: Nairobi - Arusha
Leave Nairobi for Arusha by Shuttle bus arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon spent at leisure and shopping for the provisions needed for the Mountain. Dinner and overnight at an Arusha hotel
Day 2: Arusha - Lava Caves
After breakfast, transfer to Marangu gate and then to Umbwe Village to start the climb. Climb for four hours through the rainforest to camp at the caves 2800m above the sea level.
Day 3: Lava Caves - Barranco Hut
After breakfast, continue ascent along a sharp ridge, giving a distinct high mountain feeling, then unto the Moorland Camp and arrive by mid afternoon. Stay at Barranco hut, 3900m.
Day 4: Barranco Hut - Arrow Glacier
A four hour walk past enormous breach walls to camp at the foot of the Arrow Glacier. A Leisurely afternoon and evening, acclimatizing at around 4900m and watching the sunset behind Mt. Meru.
Day 5: Arrow Glacier - Kilimanjaro Crater Rim
Climbing the same steep walls and scrambling up the screen and across the frozen lava on the tottering wall. We camp on the stunning crater rim of Kilimanjaro.
Day 6: Kilimanjaro Crater Rim - Horombo Hut
You trek up the highest point in Africa. Uhuru Peak. (5,896m), Descend via Gilmans point and onto Kibo hut for dinner and overnight (3.761m).
Day 7: Horombo Hut - Arusha
After breakfast, descend to the Marangu Park Gate via Mandara. You will be transferred to Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Arusha - Nairobi
After breakfast, leave for Nairobi by morning or afternoon shuttle bus where the tours ends.

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT: Gear for mountain climbing is not included in the tour cost but can be hired at MountSafaris offices.