7days-rongai-route

7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

by with No Comment MOUNTAIN TREKKING

ITINERARY

 

Rongai starts from the northeastern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route rises above the Amboseli plains and approach the summit of Kilimanjaro west of the Mawenzi peak. It is an unfrequented route and is also the easiest camping approach to Uhuru Peak. The descent normally uses the Marangu Route. There are two variations to this route. Rongai route is best option during the rainy season, due to its location, which receive little rain. This route can be climbed for 6days, although 7days is recommend for better acclimatization

 

1st day rongai gate-first cave

After an early breakfast in our hostel/hotel/lodge in Arusha, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registration at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain. Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.

2nd day second cave-kikalelwa

Second Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikalelwa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters, 3,280 feet

during day two hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

 

3rd day kikalelwa-mawenzi tarn cave

Kikalelwa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) Elevation Gain: 730 meters, 2,390 feet

this day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

4th day, mawenzi tarn cave-kibo camp

Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) Elevation Gain: 420 meters/1380 feet

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.

 

 

5th day, kibo camp-

Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) Elevation Gain: 420 meters/1380 feet

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.

 

6th day, kibo camp—uhuru peak

Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet
around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

7th day day, horombo hut-marangu gate

Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet.  After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha.

 

ITEMS INCLUDED

˖ Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary

˖ Professional English speaking guide

˖ Mountain crew (cook & porters)

˖ Meals according to the itinerary

˖ Drinking water

˖ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, table)

˖ All national park fees

˖ All mentioned transfers

ITEMS EXCLUDE

˖ Flights

˖ Optional activities

˖ Visa fees

˖ Alcoholic and soft drinks

˖ Travel insurance

˖ Tips

˖ Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

6-days-marangu-route

5 OR 6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE

by with No Comment MOUNTAIN TREKKING

ITINERARY

 

The Marangu Route is popular known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the summit. This is far from the truth to be honest! The fact that it requires a minimum of 5 days to complete it does not mean that it is easier than any other route. The only reason that people say it is easier is because it is the only route up Kilimanjaro where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents. An optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended for those with no prior trekking in altitude experience under their belt. Advance booking of hut accommodation is required to avoid any inconveniences. The route starts from the park headquarters in the village of Marangu and heads straight westwards towards Kibo. The trail goes through lush rainforest, heath and moorland to alpine desert and ultimately the arctic zone at the peak and same route down.

 

1st day, marangu gate-mandara hut

Leave Arusha at 8am after breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate. At the gate you will do the paper work registration, begin your Kilimanjaro trek. Walk along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, day one’s halfway point. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort. The A-frame Mandara Huts can accommodate up to seventy people and consist of several sleeping huts and a dining area. All of Marangu’s huts have beds with mattresses.

2nd day, mandara hut-horombo hut

After breakfast, leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro’s forests for Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro’s moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Eat a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3pm and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Although extremely busy, the Horombo Huts are considered to be the nicest on Kilimanjaro. The small, A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending and acclimatizing. Horombo can accommodate up to one hundred hikers and many more porters, cooks and guides.

3rd day, horombo-mawenzi hut

Day three is an acclimatization day. We suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut to allow for maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo.

 

4th day, mawenzi hut-kibo hut

Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb

5th day, kibo hut-horombo hut

Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters). The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut

 

 

6th day decend to marangu gate

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha.

 

ITEMS INCLUDED

˖ Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary

˖ Professional English speaking guide

˖ Mountain crew (cook & porters)

˖ Meals according to the itinerary

˖ Drinking water

˖ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, table)

˖ All national park fees

˖ All mentioned transfers

ITEMS EXCLUDE

˖ Flights

˖ Optional activities

˖ Visa fees

˖ Alcoholic and soft drinks

˖ Travel insurance

˖ Tips

˖ Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

kipok kkk

6 & 7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE

by with No Comment MOUNTAIN TREKKING

ITINERARY

 

The Machame route, also known as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes  on climbing  Kilimanjaro. Machame route is one of the highest summit success rates given the topography and nature of the route which allows climbers to “trek high & sleep low” hence making it a more favorable route for acclimatization. This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the mountain. The Machame route starts in the south west side of the mountain and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes just after the Shira cave camp. The Machame route can be done in minimum 6 days but a 7 day trek is recommended to allow climbers been well rested and acclimatized before making the final ascent to the summit.

Day 1, machame gate-machame camp

At 8am after breakfast, leave Arusha  for Machame Gate, where you will be with all the crew In the car, chief guide, assistant guide, cook and will spend the next seven days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Once you arrive, you will have a chance to wait at the gate while the staff registers your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Machame Camp. Each day, porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival. On the first day, hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin at the end of the hike and vegetation will change to include heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, view the surrounding area and your ultimate destination, Kibo Peak.

 

Day 2, machame camp-shira camp

Although considered to be the easiest day on the Machame Route, today’s trek includes several uphill sections. Carry plenty of drinking water, as the exposed hike can be hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which you can see the plains and forests below and Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above. As you gain altitude, notice the change in vegetation. The trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s famous high altitude plants, Scenario Kilimanjaro and Lobelia deckenii. After eating lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Camp, where you will relax for the rest of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east.

Day 3, shira camp –baranco camp

Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization.
After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.
Barranco Camp, set among stands of Senecio Kilimanjaro, is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route.

Day 4, baranco-barafu camp

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you will have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley. We will stop for lunch at Karanga camp on the ridge above the valley for overnight.

Day 5 barafu camp

After breakfast begins the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

 

Day 6 barafu-uhuru camp—mweka camp

After reaching to uhuru and crater, then descend to mweka. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

 

Day 7 mweka camp –mweka gate

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha.

At Mweka Gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates.You now drive back to Arusha for a hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations.

 

ITEMS INCLUDED

˖ Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary

˖ Professional English speaking guide

˖ Mountain crew (cook & porters)

˖ Meals according to the itinerary

˖ Drinking water

˖ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, table)

˖ All national park fees

˖ All mentioned transfers

ITEMS EXCLUDE

˖ Flights

˖ Optional activities

˖ Visa fees

˖ Alcoholic and soft drinks

˖ Travel insurance

˖ Tips

˖ Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE

8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE

by with No Comment MOUNTAIN TREKKING

ITINERARY

The Lemosho route is one of the unique route because of its low traffic, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. The Lemosho route starts off from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the lush rainforest to Shira Plateau. 8 days is preferable for better acclimatization and summit success. The Lemosho route joins the Machame route at Shira 2 Camp and then follows the same route through the southern circuit and descending at Mweka Gate.  
1st day londros gate-mti mkubwa
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2650 m/8692 ft.) Hike time: 3hrs Elevation Change: + 650 M+2132 Estimation distance: 10 km Final Elevation: 2650 m/8694 ft. After a 2 1/2 hour drive from Arusha drive to  the Londorossi Gate. Day 1 is fairly easy with a 3/4 hour climb to Mti Mkubwa Camp.  
2nd day mti mkubwa-shira one
Mti Mkubwa (2650 m/8692 ft.) to Shira One Camp (3609 m/11841 ft.) Hike time: 5 – 6 hrs. Elevation change: + 950 M/+3116 Estimation distance: 12 km Final Elevation: 3609 m/11841 ft. A few hours walk will see the end of the forest and the beginning of a climb through heather forest to the edge of the Shira Caldera. Destination is the scenic Shira One Camp.
3rd day shira one-shira two
Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.) to Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft.) Hike time: 5 – 6 hrs. Elevation change: + 240 M/+787 ft. Elevation distance: 5 km Final elevation: 3849 m/12,628 ft. Today is spent on a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau with possible side trips to Shira Cathedral. Camp is at the first high camp of Shira Two. NOTE: From Shira Two Camp the trail links with Machame Route.
4th day shira two-baranco
Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft.) to Barranco Hut (3,948 m/12,956 ft.) Hike time: 5 hrs. Elevation change: +100 M/+328 ft. Estimated distance: 6 km Final elevation: 3948 m/12,956 ft. The real work of climbing Kilimanjaro begins here. Today the main feature is a slow climb to Lava Camp followed by a descent to the beautiful Barranco Camp. This is the Climb-High-Sleep-Low principal of altitude adjustment.  
5th day baranco hut-Karanga valley
Barranco Hut (3,900 m/12,800 ft.) to Karanga Valley (3,963 m/13,000 ft) Hike time: 3.5 hrs. Elevation change: +100 m/+328 ft. Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles Final elevation: 3,963 m/13,000 ft After a climb of the Great Barranco Wall we continue around the southern circuit train until we reach another scenic location of Karanga Camp.
6th day Karanga valley-barafu hut
Karanga Valley (3,963 m/13,000 ft.) to Barafu Hut (4,600 m/15,091 ft.) Hike time: 3.5 hrs. Elevation change: +600 m/+1,968 ft. Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles Final elevation: 4,600 m/15,091 ft. The trail from Karanga to Barafu reaches the bleak high desert of Kilimanjaro. Barafu Camp is a basic camp geared towards the business of reaching the summit.
7th day barafu hut-uhuru summit-mweka camp
Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091 ft.) to the Summit (5,896 m/19,343 ft.) and then to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft.) Summit time: 7 hrs. Elevation change: +1,300 m/+4,265 ft. Estimated distance: 5km/3.2 miles Final elevation: 5,896 m/19,343 ft. Descent time: 5 hrs. Elevation change: -2,800 m/-9,186 ft. Estimated distance: 12km/7.5 miles Final elevation: 3,100 m, 10,170 ft. This is a midnight ‘Alpine Summit’ to make sure we reach the summit by dawn, in time to return to Mweka Camp for the sake of improved.
8th day, mweka camp-mweka gate
Mweka Hut (3,100 m/10,170 ft.) to Mweka Gate (1,828 m/6,000 ft) Descent time: 3hrs Elevation change: -1,250 m/-4,101 ft. Estimated distance: 10km/6.21 Final elevation: 1,828 m/6,000 ft. Today is a short walk towards Mweka Gate and pickup. It is a short day with arrival at the Gate. Checkout and return to Arusha

ITEMS INCLUDED

˖ Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary

˖ Professional English speaking guide

˖ Mountain crew (cook & porters)

˖ Meals according to the itinerary

˖ Drinking water

˖ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, table)

˖ All national park fees

˖ All mentioned transfers

ITEMS EXCLUDE

˖ Flights

˖ Optional activities

˖ Visa fees

˖ Alcoholic and soft drinks

˖ Travel insurance

˖ Tips

˖ Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.