Wheelchair Tours in Africa, Disability Adventures in East Africa

East Africa Disability Tours

7 Days-6 Nights-Wheelchair Kilimanjaro climbing (Marangu Route Trekking)

Total hiking distance: About 96 kms (Excluding any acclimatization hike)

Tour Feature: Generally known as the "Coca-Cola route", Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day march, greatly increasing your chances of success. Hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are pottered and a cook prepares all your meals. For the 5-day route, simply exclude the additional acclimatization day at Horombo hut - day 3 on the itinerary below.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival –Nairobi / Kilimanjaro Airport
On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport, you will be transferred to Arusha arriving ready for lunch and then to Moshi town where you will be accommodated ready for the climbing the next day. Alternatively, on arrival at the at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by our tour manager who will then transfer you to your hotel for overnight rest on bed and breakfast ready for next day climbing expedition.

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara hut (2700m)
Distance: About 12 kms, Hiking time: 5 hours, Habitat: Montane forest

After early breakfast, you will be driven to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro animals are found. An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1½ hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.

Your first night stop will be at Mandara hut, which is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut, B, L, D.

Day 3: Mandara hut (2700m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Distance: About 15 kms, Hiking time: 6 hours, Habitat: Moorland

It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater (side Trek) for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro most spectacular. After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.

Day 4: Horombo hut (3720m) - Acclimatization day
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night's rest.

Day 5: Horombo hut (3720m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Distance: About 15 kms, Hiking time: 6 hours, Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the "Saddle". There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby.

The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest as possible.

Day 6: Summit Attempt, Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Distance: 6 km ascent - 21 kms descent, Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will rise around 23h30, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.

From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. You made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest start heading down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. Later in the evening you enjoy your last on the mountain and a richly deserved sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions, B, L, and D.

Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
Distance: About 27 kms, Hiking time: 6 hours

After breakfast you continue your descent for about 6 hours, passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.

You will be received by your tour guide and taken for an overnight at your hotel at Moshi before departure or proceed to Arusha town if you are to either continue on a safari or depart via Jomo Kenyatta international Airport in Nairobi.

End of services.

Cost: US $ 2,100 for single person on a wheelchair for 6 days Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and 4 porters.

Cost Include:

-Transport to and from Nairobi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport then to Moshi town and back
- Transport from your hotel to the Park Gate,
-Marangu route trek as itinerary depicts
-All services begin and end at Nairobi / Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary
- Accommodation and 3 meal plan while in mountain huts or tents when camping
-Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook together with treated water on the trek
- All National Park entrance and camp site fees, Rescue fees, Hut fees,
- All food - breakfasts, lunches (packed if necessary) and evening meals prepared by our own cook.
-Return airport transfers from / to Nairobi / Kilimanjaro Airport

Cost Exclude:

- Travel and personal accident insurance
- Tips, Visas, International flights and taxes
- Personal hiking equipment-sleeping bags, boots etc
- Expenditure on all drinks
-Medical evacuation insurance
-Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

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