19 June – 29 June 2010 – Cost £3350 (including Deposit of £250)
An ascent using the Rongai Route
Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing volcano in the world. Kibo, the central crater, rests on its two sisters Mawenzi and Shira and at 5896m (19,344ft) dominates the game filled Kenyan plains to the North as well as the fertile lands around Arusha, Tanzania in the South.
Ascending by the Rongai Route gives you the opportunity of climbing a less trodden route, awarding spectaculars view of the plains below as you ascend this dramatic peak, and meeting very few people on the ascent.
Day One
Depart London and travel overnight to Nairobi
Day Two
Arriving in Nairobi early the next morning, you will take a short flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. From here you will transfer the short distance to the comfortable Ameg Lodge in Moshi where there will be a full trek briefing.
Day Three
This morning a transfer of two hours takes you to the Park Gates for registration formalities. On arrival you will meet the guides, cooks and porters and after all equipment has been loaded, you will start your trek. Beginning with open fields the scenery soon changes to forestland, thick with cedar and fig trees. There is a good chance of seeing the black and white Colobus monkey and some excellent opportunities to spot bird-life.
The path continues climbing steadily through the forest until gradually you emerge into the next climate zone; the moorland, where your campsite will be ready and waiting for you. The walk will take approximately 3-4 hours and is at an altitude of 2600m.
Day Four
Today consists of approximately 6 hours reasonably easy trekking through beautiful moorland towards the imposing Mawenzi Peak. The first two and a half hours comprises a reasonably steep ascent with lunch at Second Cave, which is formed from lava flow. You will be able to see increasingly good views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields and after the second Rongai Cave at 3450m, the awe-inspiring view of jagged peak of Mawenzi appears.
After a similar, but less strenuous traverse this afternoon, you will reach Kikelewa Cave at 3600m where you will spend the night.
The total ascent today is 1000m.
Day Five
You will walk a relatively gentle 3-4 hours from the edge of the moorland, across to camp at a Mawenzi tarn hut. At 4100m and set just below Mawenzi Peak, there are spectacular views of both Mawenzi and Kibo. An afternoon stroll is possible if the weather is good, and it is an excellent place to watch the sun set.
The total ascent today is approximately 730m.
Day Six
Today is an acclimatisation day – getting up early you will ascend another 500m – 1000m and return for lunch. The afternoon is at your leisure and you can relax at Mawenzi tarn and enjoy the beautiful scenery while your body adjusts to the altitude.
Day Seven
An early start will see you commence today’s 5-6 hours walk, traversing The Saddle to School Hut at 4700m. The Saddle is a band of alpine desert with excellent views of Kibo and the summit.
Total ascent 520m, descent 100m.
Day Eight
Today you will set off for a six hour walk up to Gilman’s point on the crater rim. At 5735m, this departure time is designed to give everyone the maximum chance of arriving at or just before sunrise. It should also help avoid “traffic” on the Marangu route, which you join after about 3 hours. From here it is just 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak which, at 5896m will no doubt be the highlight of the climb.
Trekking around the crater rim, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy much of the summit area, it is this summit experience that climbers talk most enthusiastically about when they get off the mountain. After numerous photos and celebrations you will descend to Kibo hut for lunch before continuing to Horombo hut, where you camp overnight.
Ascent 1146m, descent 2016m.
Day Nine
Walking off the mountain through a forest full of wildlife, you arrive at Marangu Gate in the early afternoon to collect your certificates. From here you will be driven to the hotel for a well-deserved shower and a drink or two in the comfortable bar. After a relaxing afternoon the group will then re-join for the customary celebratory dinner!
Day Ten
A relaxing day and an opportunity to do some shopping in Arusha or game spotting on a drive into nearby Arusha National park. In the afternoon you will transfer to the airport for the journey home to Nairobi and then onwards to London.
Day Eleven
Arrive London early morning.
Trek details may be changed subject to circumstances
If you want to take part, and would like to pay for your deposit online, and have a PayPal account, you can do so via our Secure PayPal account, please choose your trek from the list below and follow the instructions. Thank you.
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