Trek Diary

So, what is a climb of Kilimanjaro really like?? Read it here for yourselves!

The following is intended to give you an accurate pen picture of what you can expect to encounter on your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Together with the details provided on your clothing and health needs, we hope that you have sufficient information to prepare for your expedition.

Remember that we are always on hand for a chat and will support you throughout your preparations.

Day One - Marangu Gate to Mandara (5,900 ft to 9,000 ft)

Arriving at Marangu Gate your baggage is separated into what you will be carrying and what the porters will be carrying. A short introduction to the mountain is given and then you will be officially signed in to the park - a written record is kept of everyone who climbs the mountain, to make sure nobody gets lost along the way!

Mandara, the first camp is approximately seven kilometres from Marangu Gate. The trail passes through dense tropical rain forest. The gradient varies from almost flat to 45º, but it is a comfortable walk and good practice if you are not as fit as you would like to be. There is no need to rush though. As already said, the slower you go the more easily your body adjusts to the change in altitude.

The first day's trek will take between four and five hours. You begin the ascent at around 2,000 metres and rise approximately 700 more to the primary camp at Mandara.

Mandara Hut is a collection of triangular buildings on a gentle gradient. There is also a communal dining area.

Wrap up warm when you go to bed. It can get cold, even at this low level. If there are any clouds in the sky, you are probably already above them.

Day Two - Mandara to Horombo (9,0000ft to 12,000ft)

This is an 11km trek. The rain forest here gradually gives way to burnt grassland, speckled with darkened bushes and the husks of fire ravaged trees. The trail is slightly easier here than on the first day, though it will take longer, between five and seven hours. You will catch your first sight of the summit along the way.

We will stay for two nights at Horombo. This is to aid acclimatisation, and certainly increase your chances of reaching the top.

Day Three - Rest day at Horombo (12,000ft)

Your choice of taking it easy or a two hour trek up to Zebra Rock and back to camp. Either way this will help you to acclimatise and get ready for the next stage.

Day Four - To Kibo (12,000ft to 15,400ft)

The next and final camp is Kibo. It is a ten kilometre walk from Horombo and is another thousand metres up. The journey to Kibo is probably the easiest of the treks. The rocky, bush speckled terrain that leads up to the last water point (the point where the plumbing gives out because of the sheer cold) soon gives way to open desert and the gradient here is barely noticeable. Do not be tempted to increase your pace. Take it easy!

In comparison to Horombo, Kibo is a very small camp. There is basically one large building with several dormitories and a lodge for the porters. After dinner you retire early.

Day Five - To the Summit (Gilman's - 18,640ft / Uhuru Peak 19,340ft)

At midnight, barely five hours after you have gone to bed, your guide will wake the group. After some sweet tea and popcorn - the ideal energy givers - the group will make its way out into the night and begin the final ascent. The head guide leads the way. A second guide brings up the rear. The porters will be spaced at regular intervals along the rest of the line. For the next six or seven hours, virtually the only thing you will see is the feet of the person in front of you.

Your ascent will be an elongated zigzag, not just because of the difficulty in finding a footing in the fine dust but again to minimize the dangers of altitude.

As the night gives way to the light of early morning, you will notice the streaks of ice stretching down the mountain either side of you as you close on the glacial area.

Pulling yourself onto Gilmans Point a while later you will rightfully feel a sense of achievement and euphoria. Reaching here you have officially climbed Mount Kilimanjaro!

However Gilmans Point is not the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Uhuru Peak is 300 metres higher up, and lies a couple of kilometres, about an hours trek, around the rim of a crater.

Don't let this put you off. It may seem insane at the time, but the view, and the sense of achievement make the extra effort worthwhile. 

From the top you descend to Kibo, and then on to Horombo as there are not enough beds at Kibo to support people coming down as well as going up, which makes for a long day, but one that has a comfortable bed at the end of it!

Day Six - Back to Base

A leisurely descent to the bottom of the mountain. You will sign out at the gate and in your delirium you might wish to buy a 'I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro' t-shirt before piling into a minibus and returning to your hotel.

Conclusion

If you want to climb a real mountain but have no knowledge of mountaineering, give Kilimanjaro a go. If nothing else, it will give you something to boast about for years afterwards and a lifetime of memories. Good Luck!

If you would like to join our trek, or want more information, please fill in our online form.