Summit Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
THE ROOF OF AFRICA
Kilimanjaro is the jewel of East Africa, and this 7 day ascent via the beautiful Rongai Route is far quieter than the standard trails. There is a high chance of seeing wildlife, and the ascent is also relatively
gradual, making it a perfect choice. It also enjoys some of the most striking views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak, as well as benefitting from a less trodden approach to the summit crater.
A note from Amanda...
"On August 9th 2015 I had a serious cycling accident that changed my life forever. I was very lucky not to die . To experience a situation where you realise just how much you have to lose makes you change your whole perspective on life. Rather than focusing on the fact I would never walk again I was just so grateful to be alive. I embraced this second chance of life and was determined to make the most of every opportunity I had and to live life to the full.
One thing I have always wanted to do is climb a mountain. I love the idea of the sense of achievement one must feel when they reach the summit looking down on the world below that they have conquered. The desire to do that is stronger than ever and I hope to achieve this with the help of some good friends and a solid team of experts. Life is full of challenges both big and small. They are what makes life a big adventure and they help make us better people. They are to be embraced rather than feared.
I hope you can join me for this incredible adventure."
Accommodation & Service
Sleeping well and being comfortable can make or break your trip, that's why we pride ourselves on delivering the best accommodation and service on the mountain.
With our lightweight specification you can expect a large mess tent for dining, with tables and chairs. A large sleeping tent with a foam mattress. There is a private portable toilet. 3 course evening meals and fresh pressed coffee available. Diagram below shows tent dimensions but will only have 2 persons in each tent. Larger tents are available at extra cost.
The Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your lodge. Full climbs briefing and kit check with your Head Guide and Climbs Manager. Overnight lodge
DAY 2: KILIMANJARO - RONGAI
In the morning you drive around Kilimanjaro to the Eastern side to Nale Moru to register at the gate. Hiking is through farm and pine plantations and then through afromontane forest. Overnight Simba Camp
DAY 3: KILIMANJARO – CAVES CAMP
Ascent to Second Cave (3450m) with spectacular views of the Eastern ice fields. After lunch, you’ll leave the main trail and head towards Mawenzi. Kikelewa caves campsite is in a sheltered valley. Overnight Kikelewa Caves Camp
DAY 4: KILIMANJARO - MAWENZI
Hike up close to Mawenzi lake which is a phenomenon located at 4,330m beneath Mawenzi mountain! In the afternoon you head out for an acclimatisation walk with your guide. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp
DAY 5: KILIMANJARO – MAWENZI
Today is an acclimatisation and rest day. Your guide will take you on a hike which normally lasts for around 4 hours. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn
DAY 6: KILIMANJARO - KIBO
Today you cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo in the alpine desert zone. The camp is situated at 4,700 meters, which is perfect acclimatization for summit day. In the afternoon it is time to prepare for the night ascent and then an early dinner and to bed for a few hours. Overnight Kibo Camp
DAY 7: KILIMANJARO – SUMMIT - HOROMBO
An early start is required to arrive in time for a dawn on the roof of Africa! You ascend Kibo volcano via Gilman's point (5,685m), which takes around 6 to 7 hours. It is then a further 1.5 to 2 hours to the summit and then descent to Kibo for refreshment and then continue down to Horombo camp. It is a very big day, and we will have 5 extra summit porters to help. Overnight Horombo Camp
DAY 8: KILIMANJARO – PARK GATES
The final section descends to Marangu hut via Mandara hut to Marangu Gate where you are picked up for the transfer back to Arusha for a well deserved shower and drink! Celebratory dinner and summit certificates presented. Overnight Lodge
DAY 9: DEPART
You are transferred to Kilimanjaro International airport for your flight home.
Includes
Trained Kilimanjaro guides (1: 4 ratio, extra 5 summit assistants)
All relevant Park fees & rescue fees
Emergency medical evacuation as far as KCMC or Arusha
Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeters
All accommodation and meals as described in the itinerary
Transfers as described in the itinerary
Drinks on the hike (potable water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate)
7 additional porters
Excludes
International flights
Entry visas
Items of a personal nature
Alterations to this itinerary
Airport departure taxes (unless stated)
Laundry
Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle)
Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency
Tips – recommended $150 per paying guest
More Information
Season
The best time to travel is the summer season (June - early October), as these months often enjoy long dry spells and milder temperatures.
Difficulty Level
Most days trekking on Kilimanjaro are 4-6hrs of undulating, uneven terrain. There are no technical sections on this route, so it is achievable for someone with good basic fitness and determination. Summit day is very tough, sometimes involving up to 18hrs from leaving the tent to reaching the lower camp for the night. That said, we provide plenty of support and have an excellent success rate across all routes on the mountain. The itinerary also has an extra day to allow for more gradual acclimatisation, which will provide a great advantage on the days at higher altitudes.
Equipment list
A full kit list will be sent to you at time of booking. Items such as sleeping bags can be hired at an additional cost. No specialist mountaineering kit is required. All group camping kit will be provided.
