Mt
Kilimanjaro Mt Kenya,Mt Meru Kenya and Tanzania Tours
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Kilimanjaro
Climb Rongai
Route - 7 Days / 6 Nights
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 $ 1650 per person
Additional day per person $ 210
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
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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)
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Thermal glove liners (use as inner for Gore-Tex gloves)
.
Gaiters
.
Fleece balaclava
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Thermal balaclava
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Thermal top
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Thermal long johns
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Thermal socks
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Sunglasses with UV protection
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Day pack
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Head torch
.
Thermal flask
Kilimanjaro Trekking gear: (Wear between
camps)
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Rain suit or poncho (mainly used in the rain forest)
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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
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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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