Day
0: Arrival from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Depending on the flight schedule our tour guide will meet you at
Kilimanjaro International Airport and been transferred by motor
vehicle to Keys Annex Hotel for an overnight rest on bed and breakfast
in readiness for the next day's hit to Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Drive from Moshi to Rongai. Walk to Moorland Camp
(2600m)
After breakfast we will drive to Rongai. We first head out on the
main road to Marangu Gate for registration formalities and then
go around the mountain to Rongai, which is a 2 to 3 hour drive on
rough track through the villages. The climb begins from the attractive
wooden village of Nale Moru (1950m) on a small path that wind 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, including the beautiful
black and white Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long
'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins
to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone
(2600m) with extensive views over the Tanzania and Kenyan plains.
This side of the mountain does not receive anywhere near as much
rain as the western flank and the underfoot conditions do not deteriorate
into the thick boggy mud that is not uncommon on the Machame route.
We will ascend 650 metres today. (3 to 4 hours walking). Overnight
camp, B,L,D.
Day 2: Moorland Camp to Kikelewa Caves Camp (3600m)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up from Moorland Camp to the
'Second Cave' (3450m). Early morning is normally clear at camp and
as we make our way up across the moorland we should get increasingly
good views of Kibo, the eastern ice fields, and the jagged peak
of Mawenzi. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out
across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of
Mawenzi. This is the start of our extra acclimatization. Our campsite
is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves
(3600m). We will ascend 1000 metres today. (6 to 7 hours walking).
Overnight camp, B,L,D.
Day 3: Kikelewa Caves Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
A short but steep climb from Kikelewa Caves Camp up grassy slopes
is rewarded by superb all round views and a feeling of real remoteness.
We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next
camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m). The camp is spectacularly situated
in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. This
is good terrain for the famous giant senecios to grow into impressive
specimens and the afternoon will be free to rest or explore the
surrounding area, this is another important an aid to acclimatization.
We will ascend 730 metres today. (3 to 4 hours walking). Overnight
camp, B,L,D.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Acclimatisation Day
Today is a day for relaxing around camp and exploring the area,
which will provide additional acclimatisation for the ascent of
Kilimanjaro. We may walk above the tarn and onto "The Saddle", the
flat, alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo (Kilimanjaro) for stunning
views of our route all the way to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Overnight
camp, B,L,D.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp
Today the trek leads directly across "The Saddle" between the two
volcanoes of Mawenzi and the towering Kibo. As you cross the alpine
desert of the Saddle, the open landscape affords all round views;
all the way through the day there is Kibo looming up ahead. Eventually
you can make out the winding summit path high above on the flanks
of the mountain. Keep an eye out for the elusive eland that inhabits
this high altitude zone, this is largest antelope in the world and
is horse like in proportions. Throughout the day you should try
to eat as much as possible in preparation for the summit attempt,
which starts very early tomorrow morning. Keep snacking through
the afternoon if you can. We should get into Kibo Camp (4700m) by
early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation
for the final ascent.
Once rested you should pack your day sacks for the morning and change
your clothes in advance so that you are wearing the correct layers
for the summit day. We go to bed very early (18:00 hrs) and hopefully
get to sleep soon after that. You will be woken at around 23:30
for tea and biscuits. We will ascend 370 metres today. (4 to 5 hours
walking). Overnight camp, B,L,D.
Day 6: Summit Ascent
We will leave Kibo Camp (4700m) and start the final and by far the
steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around
midnight. There are five to six hours of trudging up generally well-graded
zigzags in the dark. We plod very slowly in the darkness. On some
stretches the ground is stable, whilst on others the loose volcanic
scree scrunches and slides underfoot.
Heading up past Williams Point (5000m) we keep going to Hans Meyer
Cave (5182m). All the way our climbing guide is keeping you going
at a very slow plod, taking regular rest stops to drink and catch
your breath. The temperature though is very cold and it is better
to keep going very slowly. We walk on the switchback trail through
loose volcanic scree to reach our first summit, the crater rim at
Gilman's Point (5685m) in time for sunrise. When you reach this
point the park authorities will grant you a certificate. We will
have ascended 985 metres (5 to 6 hours walking) so far. We will
rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over
Mawenzi before those who wish, continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the
second summit and Kilimanjaro's true peak.
The optional three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing
close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy
most of the summit area. Our journey only climbs 210 metres but
this is deceptive. Eventually we will reach the summit and the wooden
notice board confirming that you are actually standing on the roof
of Africa. By now the warming rays of the sun will be thawing out
our cold bodies. We will have time to absorb the fantastic scene
and take those all-important summit photographs. Climbing to Uhuru
Peak we will ascend a total of 1196 metres so far. (8 to 9 hours
walking).
Summit Descent to Horombo Camp (3720m)
Coming down is much easier than going up and "skiing" down the scree
is easy, quick and lots of fun. The descent to Kibo huts (4700m)
is surprisingly fast. Here we will rest and have some refreshments
before continuing to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3720 m).
We will descend 3016 metres. (4 to 6 hours walking). Overnight camp,
B,L,D.
Day 7: Horombo Camp (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1830m). Drive
to Moshi
Leaving Horombo Camp our steady descent takes us down through moorland
to Mandara Hut (2700m), the first stopping place on the Marangu
route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on
a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830m).
Your vehicle will be waiting for you at the bottom of the hill.
Here we will say goodbye to our porters and distribute well-earned
tips. We will descend 1890 metres. (5 to 6 hours walking). You now
drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Overnight in Keys Annex Hotel, B,L.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast a shopping day around the Moshi town and a rest
to the hotel. Depending to the itinerary you will be going to the
Tanzania renowned National Parks or connect the flight back home.
Price: US $ 2000 per person
Additional day per person $ 250
Tour price includes:
- Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
- Rongai route trek as itinerary depicts
- Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
- Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
- Accommodations at Keys Annex Hotel in Moshi for 2 nights and huts
on the mountain as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees to include government taxes
- Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on
the mountain, porters and skilled cook
- All services begin and end at Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary
- Treated water on the trek
Excluded:
- Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
- Medical evacuation, US$ 30 per person value
- International flights and taxes
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in
the above itinerary.
Kilimanjaro
Summit Gear List
.
Leather or thermal boots
.
Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech Trilaminate jacket
.
Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech pants
.
Fleece jacket
.
Fleece pants
.
Gore-Tex mittens or gloves
.
Fleece gloves (use as inner for Gore-Tex mittens)
.
Thermal glove liners (use as inner for Gore-Tex gloves)
.
Gaiters
.
Fleece balaclava
.
Thermal balaclava
.
Thermal top
.
Thermal long johns
.
Thermal socks
.
Sunglasses with UV protection
.
Day pack
.
Head torch
.
Thermal flask
Kilimanjaro
Trekking gear: (Wear between camps)
.
Rain suit or poncho (mainly used in the rain forest)
.
Hiking boots or cross trainers
. Day pack
. Short pants
. Tracksuit
pants
. T-shirts
. Sun hat
(peak caps do not offer enough protection)
. Woolen socks
. Fleece beanie
. Water bottle
Kilimanjaro
General gear & equipment
.
Duffel bag
. Walking
stick (adjustable)
. Sleeping
bag (-10 rating)
. Sleeping
mat
Kilimanjaro
Helpful hints
.
Drink at least three to four litres of water a day.
. Use water filters and purifying pills to minimize
stomach bugs.
. Take enough snacks like energy bars, drink mixes,
etc.
. Do not move too fast, walk at a slow steady pace.
. Move as lightly as possible, do not carry unnecessary
weight.
. All clothing in Duffel bags or backpacks must
be protected with sack-liners to avoid getting wet, especially through
the rainforest.
. High factor lip balm and sun block is essential.
. Nausea and headache pills should be kept handy
on summit night.
. Symptoms of altitude sickness can be reduced
by using medication (consult your doctor).
. New boots should be walked-in; this avoids blisters.
. Use a sleeping mat when camping.
. Use a thermal flask on summit night; other water
bottles will freeze.
. Allow camera or video camera to acclimatize;
do not wrap or place them in plastic bags.
. Thermal glove liners allow easier camera handling
on the summit.
. Use only new camera and headlamp batteries on
summit night.
. Guides and porters will expect tips; confirm
amounts with your tour operator.
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