Arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport, after clearing customs and Immigration formalities you will be met your driver and transferred to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for overnight. Overnight Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (Bed and Breakfast)
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Landcruiser to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds 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 Kilimanjaro 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 (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Overnight Rongai Camp Site - First Cave Camp (Full Board)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) Overnight Kikelewa Caves (Full Board)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb allround views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Overnight Mawenzi Tarn (Full Board)
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
Kibo is a little base camp set in the Kilimanjaro National Park. Climbers set camp here before leaving for Uhuru Peak. Overnight Kibo Camp (Full Board)
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.) Overnight Horombo Camp (Full Board)
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. Your drivers will be there to hand over a packed lunch before driving you back to Kilimanjaro Mountain lodge for a hot shower, swim and an evening to celebrate your achievement. Overnight Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (Bed and Breakfast)
After breakfast, depart and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.
End of Kilimanjaro services
