Marangu Kili Climb

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 Trip Length
7 Days
 Trip Starts
Kilimanjaro
 Trip Finishes
Kilimanjaro
7 Day Marangu Kili Climb Itinerary (Contiki)
Countries Explored: Tanzania
Trip Operator
Trip Style
In-Depth Explorer
Accommodation
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Max. Group Size
30
Pace
Moderate / Challenging
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BBKM

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Contiki's 7 Day Marangu Kili Climb. In a country of vast wilderness stands a dormant volcano boasting the highest peak in Africa: Kilimanjaro. In this once-in-a-lifetime trip, you'll be embarking on an unforgettable climb up the Marangu route to Uhuru Peak in an epic 7 day adventure. But the true adventure lies in the experience along the way: the paths trodden, the wildlife spotted, and the friends made. Please note, this is a small group trip and won't have a Contiki Trip Manager. You'll be looked after by a Local Guide from the in-country team running...read more the trip.

Itinerary

This is where the adventure begins. You'll be collected from Kilimanjaro airport and transferred to Springlands Hotel located in Moshi Town, close to the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro. This trip is run by a local operator rather than Contiki, so here you'll meet your Local Guide in place of a Contiki Trip Manager. You'll have a climb briefing, dinner, and time to prepare before bunking down for the night. (D) Stay: Springlands Hotel (or similar)

We'll set off from The National Park Gate (1,830 m.) at the edge of Marangu, a charming village with a swathe of small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we'll climb up through an leafy and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). We've reached our accommodation for the night, a group of comfortable wooden huts in a forest clearing.

They may be huts, but this isn't rough sleeping: the largest cabin has a downstairs dining area and an upstairs dormitory and mattresses, with each smaller hut sleeping eight people. We've powered through 3-4 hours of walking today so you're welcome to rest here: the taps gush fresh spring water, you can hear the birds singing, and you might be lucky enough to spot some monkeys. Or for an extra afternoon excursion, you can hike to the volcanic remains of nearby Maundi Crater. (B/L/D) Stay: Mandara Hut Camp

The first part of the today's 4-6 hour walk is a steep ascent through the forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland. If we're lucky, we'll get a good view of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks from here. We'll climb steadily through the moorlands, surrounded by giant heathers and occasional stands of groundsel, to reach Horombo (3,720 m.). We've arrived at our hut accommodation for the night at Horombo. Sunrises and sunsets are often spectacular, and we're close to the glaciated dome of Kibo. There is a real sense of being above the clouds here that can make you realise how far you've come already! (B/L/D) Stay: Horombo Hut Camp

We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree 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. Kibo is a stone-built block house with a small dining area and a number of dormitory rooms leading off a main corridor. There are bunk beds and mattresses for about sixty people. There is no water here so one has to bring an ample supply from the 'last water' supply above Horombo Hut. Platform toilets are behind the hut. 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) (B/L/D) Stay: Kibo Hut Camp

Rise and shine! We're starting our ascent this morning by torchlight at about 1AM, aiming to be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We rest here and spend some time taking in the beauty of the sunrise. For those who are still feeling strong, you 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 via Kibo for the night. We descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect our things, and re-cross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Time to eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep: this was, by far, the most difficult part of the trek. (B/L/D) Stay: Horombo Hut Camp

We retrace our steps with a relaxed 5-6 hour walk through moorlands to Mandara Hut then through the forest back to the National Park Gate. The greenness and lushness of the forest makes a striking contrast to our summit day yesterday, showing just how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro is. Remember to say goodbye to your guides, cooks, and porters at the National Park Gates since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to a hotel in Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration! (B/L/D) Stay: Springlands Hotel (or similar)

It may be the end of the trip, but your memories (and calf muscles) will be forever changed! Say goodbye to your trip-mates and give yourself a huge pat on the back. The morning transfer takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for a final goodbye. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Train your eyes for monkey-spotting at Mandara Huts
  • Enjoy views of Kibo & Mawenzi peaks, Kilimanjaro

  • Every breakfast, lunch and dinner while you are with us is taken care of. We'll make sure you get all the nutrition needed for climbing, with delicious meals to help keep the sustenance up.

  • An expert Local Guide to navigate the trail. Porters to take care of carrying the essentials. This is your team. Trusted Contiki partners who are specialised, smart, friendly, fun, and integral to your adventure.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Contiki. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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