No 3. Kilimanjarro 5,895m, Tanzania

Updated: Aug 22, 2022

August 2007 - Kilimanjarro 5,895m, Tanzania (UN Country High Point).

Information

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It has three separate volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It is the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level and about 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) above its plateau base. It is the highest volcano in Africa and the Eastern Hemisphere. It is part of Kilimanjaro National Park and is a major hiking and climbing destination.

Summary

This was our five day ascent timetable on the Marangu route with approx times and stats. Though it is very busy it is a magnificent hike and despite the summit day being very long and hard the views and the of overall ambience of the route is well worth the effort. However don’t underestimate Kili, we had two fatalities on our trip due to high altitude complications; a porter who failed to disclose his asthma condition and a Japanese client who simply did not go down when advised to do so by his guide. Do some extra training and please add another day on if need be.

From Moshi to the Marangu Gate is 44 Km/28 miles. You begin by checking in at the park office and signing the register.

Here is the itinerary for the 5-day climb.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,800 m/5,905 ft) to Mandara Hut (2,750 m/9,021 ft). Hike Time: 4-5 hrs.

You begin by hiking through the agricultural areas at the base of the mountain and continue into the rain forest for probably the best close-up scenery on the entire climb.

Day 2: Mandara hut (2,750 m/9,021 ft) to Horombo Hut (3,780 m/12,400 ft). Estimated Distance: 7km/4.43 Mile.s Hike Time: 5-6 hrs.

You soon leave the rain forest behind and then go around the base of Maundi Crater before entering a high moorland area. Horombo Hut is a collection of huts with double the capacity of the others since this is where descending climbers stay on their last night on the mountain as well.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,780 m/12,285 ft) to Kibo Hut (4,700 m/15,420 ft). Estimated Distance: 12 Km/7.50 miles. Hike Time: 5-6 Hrs.

You leave the moorlands and spend most of the day in a desert-like area that begins to get steep. Conditions can get very cold here as night-time temperatures can fall below freezing and daytime temperatures can still be quite high. You’ll try to get to bed by 7 p.m. because you’ll be beginning your final ascent to the summit at around midnight.

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,700 m/15,420 ft) to Summit/Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) and back down to Horombo Hut (3780 m/12,400 ft). Estimated Distance: 10 km/6 miles. Hike Time: 14 to 16 hrs.

You’ll set off around midnight up a rocky trail to the Hans Meyer Cave and then another 5-6 hours to Gillman’s Point, after which you’ll spend about another two hours climbing in snow up to Uhuru Peak, the summit! This is the most difficult day by far due to the combination of altitude and the steepness of the initial climb up to Gilman's point. The unrelenting steepness of the scree trail leading to Gilman's Point is where those who can’t make it usually turn back, this is long before reaching Uhuru Peak. Once at Gilman's Point there is a sense of relief as dawn should now be upon you and the going gets easier to the summit proper, which is about another two hours. Once there and after spending time getting the obligatory photo shoots you’ll be heading back down to Kibo Hut (about 3-4 hours) for a short rest and then onwards and downwards again to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain (another 2-3 hours). This is a long day.

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,780 m/12,285 ft) to Marangu Gate 1,800m (5,850 ft). Estimated Hike Time 5-7 Hrs.

You leave early retracing your steps back down to the Marangu Gate.

Parking: n/a

Route: see above for description

Route Statistics: See each day above.

Ascent Entry on Peakbagger: Kilimanjaro

GPX files: For gpx files click on the below.