Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route

Hiking boots: Sturdy, well-worn hiking boots are clearly a must. Different climate zones make choosing shoes not easy. When wet, the clay-gravel paths turn into slippery to deep sticky mud paths. And the last stage leads along the (hopefully) eternal glacier ice. Unfortunately for me, we walked the last leg during a snowstorm. Despite a good double layer of socks, my hiking boots couldn't stop the cold from chilling my big toes to the point that I suffered from toe numbness for months afterward. My choice of shoes were leather hiking boots with sturdy rubber soles. However, the rubber coating did not extend over the toes. The decision to use leather hiking boots was based in particular on advice for greater breathability due to the African heat on the first stages. Although I had factored in freezing temperatures for the last stage, I didn't include a snowstorm and wading through deep snow. My recommendation: for me it was mandatory to book porters for luggage and food - here I could have also taken a pair of alpine mountain boots with me.

Clothing: You will need clothes for every weather condition, from scorching hot to heavily rainy to ice cold: short and long-sleeved functional shirts, short and long hiking pants, breathable warm underwear, fleece jacket, thick winter pants, thick winter jacket, sun hat, winter hat, sunglasses, scarf and bandana, thick winter gloves, light sports gloves, hiking socks for hot days, hiking socks for very cold stretches, rain clothing (e.g. poncho), hiking poles, hiking gaiters, sleeping bag. The organization through which I booked the Kilimanjaro climb lent me the last four parts. If you don't want to travel with too much luggage, you can always ask your local tour operator whether equipment can be rented.

Evening & night: Comfortable, warm clothing is definitely a must. Slippers and comfortable shoes for the evenings will help you relax after the strenuous hiking stages. This also applies at night. And I recommend hearing protection. You might have to share your accommodation with loud snorers. And you also need to take a small pillow with you to sleep on.

Guide, porters & food: I only carried a smaller backpack for drinks, food, photo equipment and additional clothing depending on the weather forecast. I was told that in addition to an official guide, the appointment of porters is also mandatory. They were waiting for me at the end of the stages with my big bag and provided me with snacks (mostly popcorn), a warm dinner, and in the morning a rich breakfast with fresh fruits and provisions for the stage. One warning from my side: to purify the drinking water it may have just been boiled upon arrival and therefore be very hot. Always ask for the water's temperature and check it yourself briefly before drinking the water.

The stages: There are a total of 5 stages, each of which is hiked in one day. Two special features: the acclimatization day on the third day of hiking, between the second and third stages. And the day of the fourth stage not only includes the final climb up to the summit (starting in the middle of the night), but after the descent and a short break at the Kibo huts, the further descent back to the Horombo huts follows directly in order to reach a lower altitude and more oxygen as quickly as possible.

Stage 1: Marangu – Mandara Huts

Extra hike: Maundi Crater in the evening after the 1st stage

Stage 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts

Extra hike: Zebra Rocks on the acclimatization day

Stage 3: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts

Stage 4: Kibo Huts – Uhuru Peak (+ descent back to Horombo Huts

Stage 5: Return hike Horombo Huts – Marangu (stages 2 & 1 backwards)

Getting there & accommodation Tanzania is well prepared to accommodate tourists. My local tour operator actually took care of everything for me from the moment I landed at Kilimanjaro Airport. It gave me a fairly cheap overall package, including a pleasant hotel in the town of Moshi. So I could start the climb well rested and then relax afterwards. The ride from the airport to Moshi takes about an hour by mini-van, as does from Moshi to the start of the trail.
Moshi offers a wide selection of different hotels. On the Marangu Route itself, however, you will find lesser comfort in huts usually with four beds on narrow plastic mattresses - at the Kibo huts just before the summit there was a larger dormitory.