World > Continent > Tanzania > Kilimanjaro Marangu

One of the best hikes in the world is

KILIMANJARO
MARANGU ROUTE

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Hike — not climb — to Uhuru (Freedom), the highest point in Africa, on the Kibo volcano, part of the Mt. Kilimanjaro massif.

Kilimanjaro = "mountain of greatness"

The Marangu Route, also called the Tourist Route, or the Coca Cola Route, is used by 80% of hikers. We prefer more expensive tenting alternatives — the Machame and Rongai (Loitokitok) routes.

AT A GLANCE

TANZANIA, AFRICA

  • one of our top 10 hikes in the world
  • the most sought after trek in Africa
  • the highest mountain on the continent
  • one of the seven summits
  • extremely difficult due to altitude
  • most hikers do not reach the final summit due to altitude sickness and / or fatigue
  • anywhere between 2-10 hikers die each year on the attempt
  • no independent hikers allowed
  • minimum cost in 2006 is US$800 carrying your own pack. Choose a less expensive adventure if budget is a concern.
  • 64km (40mi) plus sidetrips
  • recommended 6-days, 5-nights (most hikers do it in 5-days to save money)
  • Jan - mid March recommended. Also June - Oct (dryer & colder)

Att 5896m (19,344ft) this is the highest altitude most hikers will ever reach. A classic "trekking peak", there's no need for rope or technical experience on the Marangu route.

Over 80% of trekkers book their trip before arriving in Tanzania. On-line research is essential. The adventurous who book close to the trailhead may have some good options to choose from.

The snows of Kilimanjaro are melting. Ice cap volume has dropped more than 80% over the past 100yrs. Get there before it is entirely gone.

WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE

  • the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, 4,600m (15,000ft) above the plains
  • wonderful to see ice and snow on the equator after passing through so many other climatic zones on the way up
  • "like walking from the equator to the North Pole"
  • weird, unique vegetation
  • seeing the stunningly beautiful glaciers on top, the same that will be completely gone in less than 100yrs
  • the sense of accomplishment getting to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. (Most turn back here.)
  • few do the extra 2hrs or more to Uhuru peak to get a photograph with the sign "Highest Point in Africa".
  • on the Marangu Route you can sleep in huts or tents. (Other routes you must sleep in tents.)
  • can be climbed year round
  • the summit actually has GSM mobile phone service for emergencies
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CONSIDERATIONS

Hikers die every season on Kilimanjaro, most from altitude sickness.

  • summit is much higher than Everest Base Camp, by comparison
  • acclimatization is really difficult here as — unlike the Himalayas and Andes — there is no place to acclimatize. (We recommend doing the lower Mt. Meru trek first.)
  • normally the final climb is done at night as the scree is frozen. Many hikers start climbing at midnight. This can be a 16hr walking day!


click for larger image - 3 peaks of Kilimanjaro

  • the Marangu route has been called filthy and overpriced
  • Kilimanjaro often called the highest 'walkable' mountain in the world — not true. There are many volcanos higher that can be 'walked' in good weather and more than a few higher trekking peaks. Kilimanjaro must be the most popular of the high volcanos, however.
  • over 20,000 hikers in 2000
  • even though the volcano is close to the equator, high up be prepared for rain, snow & bitter cold any day of the year
  • warm sleeping bag needed
  • you can tent instead of staying in the huts, but the cost is the same
  • must carry water up to Kibo hut
  • many foreign hikers bring antimalarials
  • check to see if you need a yellow fever vaccination
  • though technically not active, steam is released from the crater & there is a slight chance the mountain could collapse as did Mount St Helens
  • no independent hiking has been allowed since 1991

COST

  • buy insurance for high altitude trekking before you arrive in Tanzania
  • there are many fees levied to climb Kilimanjaro. Most of those are included in the flat fee paid to your trekking company (minimum US$800). Confirm carefully what is not included.
  • the biggest additional cost is tips, paid directly at the end of the trip. (Guides & porters are not well paid — they are counting on your tip.)
  • budget about 10% extral of your trip cost as a basic tip. Pay more if you are happy with the service.
  • pay extra if you want porters to carry your gear
  • on less expensive treks, there are more complaints from hikers. Get a recent, personal recommendation before you sign on with any guide or company.
  • in the past we've heard complaints about incompetence, even dishonesty. Know the details of your trip — don't follow along blindly.
  • hikers have been bamboozled by fake guides who took cash, then disappeared
  • only about 60 start each day on the Marangu Route due to limitations of space in the huts
  • Africa is not inexpensive. Head for Peru and Bolivia if you want low cost high altitude hiking
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ROUTES

The fixed Marangu Route starts and finishes at Marangu Gate

  1. Mandara hut
  2. Horombo hut (1 or 2 nights)
  3. Kibo hut
  4. Horombo hut
  • we recommend the extra day at Horombo on the ascent to help with acclimatization
  • you can explore that area during the extra day
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Aside from the alternative routes offered by trekking companies, consider doing a lower altitude circuit around Kibo instead. This is sometimes called the Northern & Southern Circuit trek.

TREKKING GUIDES

Inspect very carefully any on-line company before making payment.

LOGISTICS

  • most hikers are coming from Dar es Salaam or Arusha
  • Arusha is 128km (80mi) from the Park
  • in Tanzania it is easy to get public transport to the town of Moshi, the jumping off point for the trek.
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport is 40km (25mi) from Moshi, if you are rushed for time
  • Moshi is the place to buy last-minute provisions
  • rental gear is available in Moshi, but the quality is not great. Bring everything with you.
  • in Moshi, you can even sign-on with a guiding company if you prefer to negotiate in person.
  • check well in advance what visas & documents, inoculations, etc. you need. Get an up-to-date travel guidebook as early as possible.
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LOCAL INFORMATION

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This page last modified Wednesday, March 11, 2009.