“On top of Kilimanjaro, you can see the whole, wide world” wrote Ernest Hemingway. It’s name is a mystery wreathed in the mist and clouds. Local people say it means “mountain of light,” but others say “mountain of caravans” whatever its’ meaning, it is great! Majestically rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain in the world and the highest in Africa at 19,344 ft. high (5,895 mt.). From the distance, you can see its’ snowy peak, the summit of Africa, that stands imperiously overseeing the continent. Amani Tours has two Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing routes for the adventure traveller.
5 Days/ 4 Nights - Roof of Africa - Marangu Route Total Hiking Distance: About 96 km's (CODE: AT-K1)
Affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola Route", Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. This is not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatisation period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day march, greatly increasing your chances of success.
Day 1
After breakfast, drive to Marangu gate. The first days's climb is to Mandara Hut 9,000ft (2743m), the climber enters the rain forest. It is the 3 hour walk to Mandara Hut through verdant scenery. The forest teems with birdlife, black and while Colobus Monkey and other Monkeys maybe seen.
Day 2
The second trek Horombo Hut (12,335ft, 3760m) is about 10 miles and takes six to seven hours. About half an hour after leaving Mandara Hut, the climber emerges from the rain forest onto alpine meadow. This is very pretty day with splendid views possible of the peaks and the plains below the mountain. The Senecio may be seen. Higher still the vegetation becomes thinner and the effect of altitude commonly experienced as shortness of breath may begin to be felt.
Day 3
On the third day the climb continues to Kibo Hut (15,520ft, 4730m) which is at the foot of Kibo peak. The route takes the climber up to the saddle between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi and then across the high altitude desert to the Hut. Again the climb takes about six hours.
Day 4
On the forth dat the mountaineer raises at bout 1 am to attempt the summit. The rim of the Crater at Gilman's Point (18,635ft, 5680m) recognised as the top is reached after stiff climb up very steep loose since slope. On average this takes 6 hours. Those who feel strong enough can then continue for two hours along the Crater rim to attain the summit at Uhuru Peak (19,340ft, 5895m) the climber return to Horombo Hut the same day.
Day 5
This complete the descend to Marangu gate via Mandara Hut. There will be transport at Marangu gate to Moshi or Arusha.
6-Days/5 Nights - Snows of Kili - Machame Route Total Hiking Distance: About 100 km's (CODE: AT-K2)
This is probably the most beautiful route up Mount Kilimanjaro. The Machame Route, also referred to as the "Whiskey Route" is more a direct and shorter climb than the others. It is ideal if you only have 6 nights to spend on the mountain. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route.
Day 1
LEAVE/ MOSHI and drive to the entrance gate. The route start at Machame gate walking through thick forest until it eventually breaks into giant heath near Machame Hut Campsite at 10,000ft.
Day 2
Ascend through heath and moorland to Shira Hut at 12,598ft. Overnight with fine views of KIBO's western breach and the wide Shira plateau.
Day 3
Proceeding to Kibo peak, then turn southwards just before reaching the Lava outcrop beyond which the Lava tower Hut is located. Crossing several ridges and valleys you arrive at the lip of the great Barranco. Views from the campsite at Barranco Hut at 12,795ft.
Day 4
Descend into the Gorge then climb its vertical Eastern wall, walk beneath Kibo's Southern ice field. Still going until the path descends into the shallow Karanga valley (Last water) CROSSING Lava ridge to the Barafu Hut 15,094ft.
Day 5
You begin the summit climb in the frigid past midnight hours. Passing through boulder stwen ridge and gap between Rebman and Ratrel Glaciers to arrive at the rim, near Stella Point about midway between Gillman's Point and Uhuru. You then proceed to UHURU PEAK, at 19,340ft. From there you descend straight to Rau Campsite Via Barafu.
Day 6
The descend from Rau camp continue to the gate. There you'll be picked up by car to Moshi or Arusha.
