MOUNT
KILIMANJARO CLIMB
Any physically fit person can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.. No climbing
experience is necessary to get you to the top of Africa's highest
mountain 5,895M (19,340FT) with its magnificent gleaming glaciers,
Flora and Fauna.
Weather
Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed any time of the year but there are
two rainy seasons - late March to mid June and November. The best
months are December, January to March and July to October usually
dry and minimum clouds.
8 Days Rongai Route
The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of
the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This
route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different
perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
Day 1: Arrival - Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to SG
Resort for an overnight rest on bed and breakfast in readiness for
the next day's hit to Kilimanjaro.
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 8 km's | Habitat: Montane
forest
Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½
hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before
you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding
path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then
climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but
is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night's
camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and
a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just
down the trail below First Cave, B,L,D.
Day 3: 1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Moorlands
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m)
en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views
start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really big
mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although
you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at
3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves), B,L,D.
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this
wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach
your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the
towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and
exploring the area, B,L,D.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle
between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The
remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final
ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp, B,L,D
Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) -
Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru, 6 hours to descend to Horombo |
Distance: 6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent | Habitat: Stone scree and
ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you
shuffle off into the night. 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. Probably the most
demanding section of the entire route. 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. Total
exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on
the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking
photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a
short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to
Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to
Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The
total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be
prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your
last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office)
on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and
stirring emotions, B,L,D.
Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km's
After breakfast you continue your descent (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 now drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner
and celebrations!! Overnight in SG Resort, B,L.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or
continue with your safari schedule. End of services. B
Tour Price: US$ 1,495 per person sharing.
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 SG Resort 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
-Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport
Excluded:
-Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
-Medical evacuation, USD 30 per person value
-International flights and taxes
-Visas
-Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the
above itinerary |
