Ultimate Challenges | The Ultimate Travel Company
Mt Kilimanjaro
The Rongai route – 6 days
Introduction Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most magnificent sights, and at 5985m it is her highest peak. It is the tallest freestanding volcano in the world and Kibo, which is the central crater, rests on its two sisters Mawenzi and Shira. We will be ascending by the Rongai route, which approaches Kilimanjaro from the north and retains a sense of untouched wilderness lost on the crowded Marangu and Machame trails. The easiest of all the walking routes up Kilimanjaro, it has a relatively gentle gradient and short daily stages as it winds its way from the starting point just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border. It passes through attractive farmland and delightful forest to several other climatic zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. There are magnificent views over the Amboseli Plains and genuine possibilities for wildlife viewing. Day 1 London – Nairobi Depart London on overnight flight to Nairobi. Day 2 Nairobi – Marangu Arrive Nairobi early morning and commence a 7 hr bus transfer to Marangu in Tanzania. Giving us enough time to take in the beauty of the African bush that surrounds us and look out for zebra and giraffe. Upon arrival at the Kibo or Impala hotel, we will meet our guides, have our trek briefing and prepare for the challenge ahead. Day 3 Naremoru Gate 1950m - Simba Camp 2650m Early start, and drive round the mountain to Rongai – 3- 4-hour drive part of the way on a bumpy track. Upon arrival we will meet our guides and porters, and complete the park formalities. Our ascent begins from Naremoru Gate (1950m), and after a short while we will stop for lunch. We trek through farmer’s fields and into the forest zone. It is a 3-4 hour trek and 700m climb through the forest. We camp overnight at 2650m, near the end of the forest line. There is a good chance to see the colourful Colobus monkeys on route; and if the weather is clear, we should get our good late afternoon views across Tsavo in Kenya. Overnight camp. Day 4 Simba Camp 2650m - Kikelewa Camp 3678m After an early breakfast, we leave Simba Camp and climb mostly on a narrow path through the moorland, with some fine views over Kenya to the north. As we climb, the trees become sparser and later disappear; even the Heather starts to shrink at higher altitudes. However, there is still plenty of interest of wild flowers such as the elegant Scarlet and Prickly Thistle. We trek up approx 4.5hrs to second cave (a lava tube) where we break for lunch. After lunch a 4.5 hour traverse to Kikelewa Cave – a pretty campsite just over
3600m on the edge of the lobelia zone. Approx 9 hours trekking, 1000m+ climb. Day 5 Kikelewa Camp 3678m - Mawenzi Tarn 4295m A steeper trek to Mawenzi tarn Hut at 4295m, 4-5 hours, 600m climb arriving for lunch. It’s a pretty campsite, set in moraines in a glaciated valley with good views of the jagged peaks of Mawenzi above us. In the afternoon we will have a short acclimatisation walk to a higher altitude and then back down to camp. Day 6 Mawenzi Tarn 4295m - Kibo 4700m Early start 7am and a 5 hour trek to either school Hut or Kibo hut (camping nearby) at 4700m. It’s a slow 5 –6 hour trek across “the Saddle” – an alpine desert between the volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Upon arrival at 4700m, we will rest and prepare for the summit day.
Day 7 Kibo 4700m – Gilman’s Point 5680m – Uhuru Peak 5985 – Kibo 4700m – Horombo Camp 3700m This is an extremely long and challenging day, walking up to 16 hrs. We get up shortly after midnight and climb Kibo for about 6 hrs to Gilman’s point (5680m) on the rim of the volcanic crater for sunrise. If the day is clear there are spectacular views over the savannah plains with the possibility of seeing Mt Kenya some 360km away.
We then continue across the snow around the rim for a further 2 hrs for the final push to Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Africa’s highest point. It is a hard hike, but is well worth it to see the glaciers and have your photo taken with a sign confirming your achievement. If you reach Uhuru you will have walked about 4 km for about 7 - 81/2 hours and ascended 1200m. We go down the way we came back to Gillman’s then onto Kibo and then continue our descent on the Marangu route all the way back to Horombo Huts where we will spend the night in tents at 3700m. This will be another 4km, which will take 4 1/2 to 7 hrs and will have descended 2200m. Day 8 Horombo 3700m – Marangu Park Gates 1900m We descend from Horombo through the moorland and forest to the gate at Marangu, arriving at around 3pm. From here we will transfer to the Kibo or Impala Hotel in Moshi for a celebration dinner.
Day 9 Depart for London Transfer to Nairobi for our overnight flight back to the UK. Day 10 London Arrive early morning ITINERARY COMPLEX AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
General information Ascending Kilimanjaro is a tough challenge incorporating a high element of risk. The Ultimate Travel Company has been running Kilimanjaro charity challenges since 1999 (and private treks for over 20 years). We have created an itinerary which takes into account the safety of our groups and ground staff. We take a fully trained UK doctor and an expedition leader, plus our knowledgeable and trained local team, many who have climbed the mountain over a 100 times. We also carry a portable altitude chamber, bottled oxygen, radios and mobile phones using different networks & satellite phone. Whilst this makes us more expensive than the competition, we take safety seriously and feel it is the only ethical and sustainable way to run our Kilimanjaro challenges. PLEASE NOTE: WE CAN ALSO ORGANISE THE RONGAI ROUTE TREK AS A 7 DAY HIKE Trek grading: This is a tough trek at altitude. The route is well defined and marked. The terrain on summit night is on scree and is very rocky in places. This is a mountain climb involving a long climb and descent hence trekkers should take their training seriously and be prepared for a demanding trek. Every trekker has to complete a detailed medical form, which must be signed by their GP. Best time of year: The best times of year to climb Kilimanjaro are December to early March and Late May to late October. The two main rainy seasons run from late March to mid May and November. Price includes: International return flights to Nairobi Twin hotel accommodation in hotel at the beginning and end of trek Airport transfers upon arrivals and local transfers Shared tent accommodation on trek, mess dinner tents are provided for breakfast and dinner Professional trek guides UK Expedition Leader UK doctor on trek Full board throughout the event National park and permit fees Not included: Personal expenses (incl. all extra facilities used in hotels, dinks etc) Gratuities Personal travel insurance Airport tax (payable in advance) Tanzania Visa (approx £38) Kenyan Transit Visa (approx $40)
For further information on the event please see the Kilimanjaro Event Pack.