DAY 1 -- To First
Cave
1950m to 2600m
6400ft to
8500ft
About 4 hours
Transfer by
Land Rover/Land cruiser (about 3 hours) to the attractive wooden village
of Nale
Muru
(1950 m). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin
the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and
potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb
consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a
variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first
camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m) with extensive
views over the Kenyan plains.
DAY 2 -- To
Kikelewa Camp
2600m to 3600m
8500ft to
11,800ft
About 7 hours
The morning
walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave
(3450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the
crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across
the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios near
Kikelewa Camp (3600 m).
DAY 3 -- To
Mawenzi Tarn
3600m to 4330m
11,800ft to 14,200ft
About 4 hours
A short but
steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views
and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind
shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m),
spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering
spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the
surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are
spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights
here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization
hike.
DAY 4 -- To
Kibo Camp
4330m to 4750m
14,200ft to 15,600ft
About 5 hours
Cross the
lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo
campsite (4750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The
remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final
ascent before a very early night!
DAY 5 -- To Summit
and Horombo Hut
4750m to 5895m
(and down to 3720m)
15,600ft to 19,300ft
(and down to 12,200ft)
About 11 hours
Begin the
final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb
by torchlight around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a
switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater
rim at Gillman's Point (5685 m) Rest there for a short time to enjoy
the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling
strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak
(5895 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs
that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4700
m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the
descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3720 m).
DAY 6 -- Arusha
Elevation (ft):
12,200ft to 5500ft
Elevation (m):
3720m to 1700m,
Hiking Time:
5-7 hours
After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through moorland to
Mandara Hut (2700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route.
Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the
National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m). At lower elevations, it can
be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and
t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer
clothing handy).
Transfer to Arusha and opt last Overnight at the Impala Hotel.
