MOUNTAIN TREKKING

KILIMANJARO

Kilimanjaro National Park established in 1973 and covering an area of some 75,575 ha  protects the largest free standing volcanic mass in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4877m above surrounding plains to 5895m at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, the Kilimanjaro is a superlative natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah.

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. With its snow-capped peak and glaciers, it is the highest mountain in Africa. The mountain has five main vegetation zones from the lowest to the highest point:  Lower slopes, montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and summit. The whole mountain including the montane forest belt is very rich in species, in particular mammals, many of them endangered species.  For this combination of features but mostly its height, its physical form and snow cap and its isolation above the surrounding plains, Mount Kilimanjaro is considered an outstanding example of a superlative natural phenomenon.

Kilimanjaro represents a powerful life force for the local Chagga people and all those who have made their lives around this mountain, providing rich volcanic soils for agriculture and an endless source of pure spring waters.

                               Hiking in Kilimanjaro National Park.

                                     KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY- 9 DAYS  

 

DAY 1 ARUSHA

On arrival you are personally met by one of our representatives and transferred to Arusha to a well appointed hotel. In the afternoon there is a full briefing with the climbs Manager and your guide.Dinner and Overnight at an appointed Lodge or  Hotel.     

DAY 2 KILIMANJARO - FOREST

From our hotel we set out in vehicles to the starting point of our Kilimanjaro climb, the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set of at a leisurely pace into afromontane forest. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached mid afternoon. Overnight Forest Camp (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 3 KILIMANJARO - SHIRA 1

From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 4 KILIMANJARO - SHIRA 2

After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatisation with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides.Overnight Shira 2 Camp (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 5 KILIMANJARO - LAVA TOWER

The route to Lava Tower takes you out of the heath zone in to the alpine desert zone. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. A half day where lunch is taken in camp. In the afternoon, dependant on weather conditions, there is an option to scramble to the top of the nearby Lava Tower. Overnight Lava Tower Camp (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 6 KILIMANJARO - KARANGA

After 2 half days you now have a relatively long day to Karanga camp. The selection of Karanga camp is strategic - significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatisation and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above you.Overnight Karanga Camp (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 7 KILIMANJARO - BARAFU

Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi volcano are the norm.Overnight Barafu Camp (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 8 KILIMANJARO - CRATER

Unlike other routes with a night time ascent, your hike selection affords you a day time ascent to Kibo crater. The going is slow but with constant encouragement from your climb team the rim of Kibo is reached before descending a little way into the caldera to Crater camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and short walks can be taken with one of your guides.Overnight Crater Camp (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 9 KILIMANJARO - MWEKA

After a night in the crater you now have the shortest final summit bid of any route. With such a short distance to the summit from the crater (around 1 hour) means that timing arrival with the sunrise is much easier and quite spectacular. The summit of Kilimanjaro is the top of the highest freestanding mountain in the world. After your summit bid you then descend for a final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp passing back through the heath zone. Endemic Proteas, pollinated by Malachite Sunbirds are plentiful.Overnight Mweka Camp (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 10 KILIMANJARO - FINISH - ARUSHA

After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transfer back to your hotel for a well deserved shower! Overnight at an appointed Accommodation. (breakfast- lunch - dinner).    

DAY 11 ARUSHA

Today a day room is held to allow time for packing and relaxing pre departure, or today you can join ongoing safari / adventure or beach trip extensions.     

 Elephants in Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania.

 Camping in Kilimanjaro.

                      

UMBWE ROUTE

Trip Summary: 5 days on the Mountain
Route Description:
Umbwe route is the steepest route up or down Kilimanjaro, thus those few people who use this route do use this route to descend rather than ascending . The route also offers scenery.
Umbwe route is usually recommended for descent only. Hardly anyone climbs it. It is extremely steep and offers incredible views of Kibo, the Great Western Breach (a huge stone mass protruding from Kibo) and the Baranco

Day 1 Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to accommodation in Arusha,Impala Hotel.

Day 2 Breakfast, leave for Umbwe route. We will pass through the banana and coffee plantations and Umbwe parish(4,600ft) on the way to Umbwe. Dinner and overnight at Bivouac I (9,300ft) or Bivouac II (12,600ft), B.L.D.

Day 3 Breakfast, leave the camp for Baranco camp. On the way we pass through heather and open moorlands, B.L.D.

Day 4 From Baranco camp, we can go west to Shira Plateau or up to Lava Tower hut and the summit via the Great Western Breach and Arrow Glacier camp, B.L.D.
Alternatively, we can go eastwards to Barafu hut

Day 5 Wake up at midnight for a last ascending moment to the summit via Kibo crater and on to Uhuru Peak. Thereafter, we can descend the same trail or Mweka route. Dinner and an overnight stay at the trail of your choice, B.L.D.

Day 6 Breakfast, descend to the gate, we will take you toImpala Hotel. B.L.

Day 7 Transfer to the airport for your return flight, B.
Distance Time(Approx.)
Umbwe to Bivouac I 4-6 hours
Bivouac I to Bivouac II 3-4 hours
Bivouac II to Barranco Hut 2-3 hours
Barranco Hut to Lava Tower Hut 3-4 hours
Barranco Hut to Shira Hut 5-6 hours
All park fees, including mountain rescue fees, government taxes and all applicable fees and taxes.
Services of a Professional leading guide who is medically trained, certified, licensed and English speaking
Services of English-speaking assistant guide (s), a skilled cook, and enough numbers of porters for your luggage, food, and water, and a dinning tent.
Dining tent (provided only when a group is of 5 or more trekkers. If less than 5 trekkers, and you want it to be included.)
Transport from your hotel to the mountain, and back to your hotel.
Use of radios/phones to increase your safety.
Group average of 4~6 climbers, maximum of 10
Discount is available for group of 3 or more, booking together

MACHAME ROUTE 6 days hiking Machame   Machame Route is the “whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic route on the mountains. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. With the Machame/South Circuit route, you will circle halfway around the mountain with great views from all angles. This route is approximately 40 km versus 20 km on the Marangu route. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. An alternative route is to start on the Machame and cut off to summit via the Western Breach. This route is shorter in distance, but the final day is very steep up rock in the dark. Most people descend down the Mweka trail and stay at the Mweka camp the final night on the mountain. Machame Route Itinerary DAY 1 — Machame Gate to Machame Camp Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Montane Forest The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail to the Machame Camp. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Hut. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy our dinner, and overnight. DAY 2 — Machame Camp to Shira Camp Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600fts Walking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns West onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite. DAY 3 — Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft Walking Time: 6-7 hours Habitat: Semi-desert From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day DAY 4 — Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft Hiking Time: 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (4200m), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. DAY 5 — Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft) Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am),, we continue our way to the summit. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you will encounter snow all they way on your 2-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. DAY 6 — Mweka Camp to Moshi Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m Elevation (ft): 10,200ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). . A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate.

RONGAI ROUTE 6 DAYS HIKING RONGAI The Rongai Route is easier and more scenic than the Marangu or Machame routes, and the success rate is very high. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least travelled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. Rongai Route Itinerary MOSHI – Book into the Impala Hotel in Moshi for overnight. DAY 1 — To Rongai Cave Elevation (m):1950m to 2600m Hiking Time: About 4 hours After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, transfer by Land Rover to Rongai (about 1.5 hours). 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. 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. DAY 2 — To Kikelewa (Second) Cave Elevation (m):2600m to 3600m Hiking Time: About 7 hours 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, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) DAY 3 — To Mawenzi Tarn Elevation (m):3600m to 4330m Hiking Time: About 4 hours A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the 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. DAY 4 — To School Camp Elevation (m):4330m to 4750m Hiking Time: About 5 hours 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! DAY 5 — To Summit and Horombo Hut Elevation (m):4750m to 5895m (and down to 3720m) Hiking Time: About 11 hours Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Proceed 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.) 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, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). DAY 6 — To Moshi Elevation (m):3720m to 1700m Hiking Time: 5-7 hours After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through  moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route.  Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the  National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). At lower elevations,  it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.   Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear  (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to Moshi/ Arusha MARANGU ROUTE 5 days hiking (20km) Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route.  It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge  mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds  at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts.  Men’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic. This route is usually done on 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization.  The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi. Marangu Route Itinerary Day 1 — To Mandara Hut Elevation (m):1700m to 2740m Elevation (ft): 5500ft to 9000ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Montane ForestAfter breakfast, briefing, and drive to the Kilimanjaro  National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb.  Walking through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment l ocated at 9000 ft / 2740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings  including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Day 2 — To Horombo Camp Elevation (m):2700m to 3700m Elevation (ft): 9000ft to 12,100ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hours HeathlandWe now leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the  open moorlands to the Horombo encampment.  Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. If you wish to extend you trek, here you can spend an extra day resting at Horombo or  climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.  Day 3 –To Kibo Camp Elevation (m):3700m to 4700m Elevation (ft): 12,100ft to 15,400ft Hiking Time: 6-7 hours Alpine Desert Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb. Day 4 — To Summit and Horombo Elevation (m):4700m to 5895m (and down to 3700m) Elevation (ft): 15,400ft to 19,300ft (and down to 12,100ft) Distance:4 km up / 14 km down Hiking Time:10-15 hours Alpine DesertVery early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow/ice up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim at 18640 ft / 5861 m (4-7 hours). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa: 19340 ft / 5895 m (1-2 hours). Unbelievable views at every turn. Get your picture taken at the summit to show your friends. From here, we now descend, stopping for lunch and a rest before continuing on to the Horombo encampment for dinner and a tired but happy overnight (1-2 hours). This beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. “Pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there! Day 5 — To Moshi Elevation (m):3700m to 1700m Elevation (ft): 12,100ft to 5500ft Distance:18km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours The descent continues past the Mandara encampment (lunch) back down to the Park Gate. This is where successful climber may now collect their well-earned certificates (2-3pm). Drive to Moshi/Arusha for overnight Mount Meru Mount Meru is one of Africa 's highest and most beautiful volcanoes. The route to the summit passes through parkland, montane  forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow,  barren ridge which provides stunning views of the.  Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater and  Kilimanjaro in the background. Over 400 species of birds, rhino,  elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, black and white  Colobus monkey and duiker are all found in this delightful "gem amongst parks".  The visit to the Ngurdoto crater and Momella lakes,  with their superb scenery, flamingoes and other wildlife, is an unforgettable experience. The group will be accompanied on Mount Meru by a Park Guide and porters.   On the mountain we use dormitory style huts.  A sleeping bag and mat are required for the huts.                    Mt Meru programs: 3DAYS 2NIGHTS Day 1: Pickup from your hotel and drive to  Arusha national park at Momella gate. After the necessary registration, begin trek to Mariakamba Hut through Buffalo farm, waterfalls with lunch boxes. Hike Distance 10 km, 4hrs, 1000m ascent, Alt: 2516. Dinner and overnight at Mariakamba Hut. Day 2: Morning after breakfast, trek from Mariakamba Hut to Saddle Hut with lunch boxes. In the evening, you make a short walk to little Meru, 3820m for the sunset. Hike Distance 4km, 3 to 4 hrs, 1050m ascent, Alt: 3566. Dinner and overnight stay at Saddle Hut. Day 3: Early hours of the morning at 2:00am, ascend to the socialist peak which is 4566m. After sunrise, begin descending to Momella gate via Saddle Hut and Mariamba. Hike Distance 14km, 6 to 8hrs. Pickup and drive back to Arusha. End of Trek!                     4DAYS 3NIGHTS: Day 1: Pickup from your hotel and drive to  Arusha national park at Momella gate. After the necessary registration, begin trek to Mariakamba Hut through Buffalo farm, waterfalls with lunch boxes. Hike Distance 10 km, 4hrs, 1000m ascent, Alt: 2516. Dinner and overnight at Mariakamba Hut. Day 2: Morning after breakfast, trek from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut with lunch boxes. In the evening, you make a short walk to little Meru, 3820m for the sunset. Hike Distance 4km, 3 to 4 hrs, 1050m ascent, Alt: 3566. Dinner and overnight stay at Saddle Hut. Day 3: Early hours of the morning at 2:00am, ascend to the socialist peak which is 4566m. After sunrise, begin descending to Miriakamba Hut via Saddle Hut. Dinner and Overnight at Miriakamba Hut. Day 4: After breakfast, depart Miriakamba hut for Momella gate, this takes about 3-4 hours. Optional game drives before transfer to Arusha.

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