Kilimanjaro

Mountain System, country – Masai, Tanzania

Season – January-December

Dates, duration – 6-8

Difficulty of the route – easy

Possible training climbs: Elbrus, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Island peak, Mera peak.

Kilimanjaro climb is a good preparation for Aconcagua, Denali, Vinson, Khan-Tengri, peak Lenin, peak Kommunizma, peak Korjenevskoy, peak Pobedy, Cho-Oyu, Muztag-Ata

We basically offer three programs of Kilimanjaro climb – Machame route, Rongai Route, Marangu route.

Climb Kilimanjaro by Rongai Route.

Day 0: Arrival. You will be met by our Team at the Airport and driven to your hotel for dinner, your briefing and a rest after your flight.
Day 1: From the Narumuru gate to Simba Camp. You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the start of the Rongai route, the Narumuru Gate, close to the Kenyan Border, where we begin the ascent of Kilimanjaro after meeting our porters and having lunch. We walk to the Rongai Forest past farmland. In the forest, the vegetation is lush and exotic. After leaving the forest, the vegetation thins to heather moor land with many flowers, including the unique Protea Kilimanjarica. After a 3-4 hour walk today ends with dinner & overnight at Simba Camp. (2600m.)
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp. After breakfast, we continue to climb through moor land scenery. You will see Kilimanjaro’s snow capped summit, which seems quite near and the jagged peak of Mawenzi on the horizon. We stop for lunch at Second cave, a natural cave formed by the cooling of the lava. We get up to a height of 3,800 metres today where we camp for the night at Kikelewa camp. You will need to start wearing some warm clothing.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. You are now walking in rocky, Alpine desert, with little but scrubby vegetation. You follow the rocky path up to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m) , where you will lunch. Today you will only walk 3 to 4 hours. After a short rest you will walk up above the camp for about 300 metres, to help you acclimatize to the increasing altitude. You return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Camp. Our climb today takes us through the lunar desert of the Saddle, the lava-covered expanse between the two peaks Mawenzi and Kibo. By the end of the day we have reached Kibo Hut at 4,700 metres where we camp overnight and rest ready for the ascent to the Summit at Midnight. You will wake just before midnight, have a hot drink and a snack and begin your climb.
Day 5: Kibo Camp to Horombo Huts via Uhuru Peak ( 5, 895m). We have a very early start for the final ascent, it is a 5 hour slow walk up increasingly steep scree to Gillman’s Point, on the rim of the Crater at 5,690 metres, where you will see the spectacular Rebmann Glacier in the Crater.After a very short break , followed by a further 1 to 2 hour walk around the crater rim , you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest in Africa at 5,896 metres. The sun rises and the plains of Africa are stretched out below you. You then descend down to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch, and on down the Marangu Route all the way to Horombo Huts (3720m), for dinner and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6: Horombo Huts to the Marangu Gate. After breakfast, we head directly for the park gate at Marangu. We see the amazing Euphorbia trees and Giant Lobelias . We then return to the tropical rain forest where we will probably see Blue Monkeys, the White & Black Colobus Monkey , Impatiens Kilimanjarica flowers .We stop at Mandara Huts for lunch and reach the Marangu Gate in the afternoon, where you will receive your certificate and be met by your driver, who will take you back to your hotel.

Climb Kilimanjaro by Machame route.

The Machame route approaches Kilimanjaro through forest and moorland from the south – west and joins the Shira route before traversing beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo. The rainforest is extremely beautiful and there is a tangible sense of wilderness once the higher elevations are reached. The views of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. We make our final ascent by the Barafu route. The seven day itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatization, and also gives us plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Day 01: The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,800m.) after a short walk through the attractive banana and coffee farms of Machame village. The path follows a ridge through dense mountain forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain and also the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days and especially in dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful. We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’ a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000m.). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated peak of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [3-4 hours walking].
Day 02: A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3,840m.) which has some of the most spectacular views on Kilimanjaro, close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. [4-5 hours walking] .
Day 03: A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the Western breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,600m.),which you can climb, we descend to the bottom of the Barranco valley (3,950m.) to the campsite,sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [6-7 hours walking].
Day 04: A step climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south – eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, A short but steep climb out of the Karanga Valley, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views. We then climb steadily to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600m.). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before an early night. [7- 8 hours walking].
Day 05: Climb mount Kilimanjaro. We will start our ascent by torch-light at about 1 a.m so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well- graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735m.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprising fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,100m.) at the edge of Mweka Forest. [11-15 hours walking]. The glowing sunrise behind the Mawenzi Peak (5149m.) seen from Stella Point (5,735m), on the crater rim.
Day 06: A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650m.); and on through coffee and banana plantations to Mweka village. [3-4 hours walking].You will then meet our driver and transfer back to your hotel.

Climb Kilimanjaro by Marangu route

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1800m) to Mandara Hut (2727 m). The day starts with an early breakfast at the hotel. After your gear has been loaded onto the vehicles, you’ll be driven to the park’s gate where spring water is available and can be purchased before you head into the rainforest. You will be introduced to your guides and depending on the size of your group, assistant guide and porters will be waiting for you at the park’s gate to sort out the food and bags to be carried up the mountain. The journey from Moshi(900m) to the Marangu Gate (1,800m) takes about 45 minutes. When reaching the gate, you will need to fill in your passport number and other personal details in the park register. At this stage you could also take the time to get to know your porter, who will carry your baggage on the climb. You can also buy maps, books, postcards , camera film, snacks and drinks from the curio shop. You’ll be given a lunch pack and then you will start your trek to the first camp on the route, Mandara Hut(2,727m). Walking through the rainforest can be very wet if weather conditions are less than ideal. Otherwise this is a very scenic and not too strenuous walk, allowing for a halfway lunch stop just when you need it. On arrival at Mandara Hut(2 727m) you’ll have to report to the camp office for accommodation details. The Mandara are situated on the forest belt border just below the Maundi Crater(2 800m). The accommodation is limited. Camping on this route is only allowed for climbers who have used the Rongai route to the summit. Again you’ll get a chance to buy water, snacks and soft drinks at the camp. While your cook prepares you a healthy, hot and very tasty supper, you can visit the Maundi Crater (2 800m), only 15 minutes walk away from the camp, or you can just sit around and relax in the dining hall where all meals are served. Hot water for bathing is provided. By the time you turn in, you will feel the bitterly cold overnight temperatures at the camp-temperatures which can reach freezing levels
Day 2: Mandara Hut(2 727m) to Horombo Hut(3 720m). Breakfast at the camp is served very early and, depending on the guide, you will be asked to be ready for the walk immediately afterwards. The day starts with a short walk to the border of the forest where, on a clear day, you can get the first gorgeous view of Mawenzi (5149m) and the South-Eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The footpath heads into the moorland . It is in fairly good condition and at a gradual gradient. Grass , shrubs , bush and a few flowers dominate the landscape on this section of the climb. The halfway mark between the camps is the designated area for resting and lunching. You can expect a visit from one of the numerous field mice in this area. By the south- eastern slope of Kilimanjaro and the south-western slope of Mawenzi (5 149m) are in full view for most of the route. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut (3 720m) during the early afternoon and must report to the camp office for accommodation arrangements. Although becoming increasingly expensive, spring water, soft drinks and snacks are available at the camp. This is one of those afternoons that you can use to explore the area, rest, or to climb the ridge obscuring the breathtaking view of Mawenzi (5 149m). Both supper and breakfast are served in a spacious dining hall. Because of temperature at the camp dropping well below freezing point, expect to find frozen taps and early morning frost. At this stage your bet would be to have an early night in your warm sleeping bag and wake up to a hot bowl of water for a quick wash. Now you can unwind and acquire even more basic wilderness skills. Rejuvenate and recover from life’s tensions in the soothing stability of this mountain. The retreat of solitude will do you a tremendous deal of good. Let nature encourage positive transformation and a sense of the harmony within you.
Day 3: Mawenzi Hut (4 600m)extra day for acclimatization.(optional). During the course of the day you will gain over 800m in altitude by walking for about three hours to Mawenzi Hut (4 600m). After about an hour you will pass Zebra Rock, just another one of the many miracles of nature you’ll see along your hike. The path then turns east at the junction towards Mawenzi (5 149m). As you proceed along in a northerly direction, you’ll reach a junction where there is a memorial to Loretta Mae Hendricks, who lost her life on the mountain in April 1879. From this point on the views become even more spectacular, with a particularly eye-catching one of the Saddle and the south-eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The steep scree path ascending to Gillman’s Point (5,685m) is also clearly visible. After reaching Mawenzi Hut (4 600m) , you then return to Horombo Huts (3 720m) for a well-deserved rest. This extra day is highly recommended and can increase your chance of reaching the summit(Uhuru Peak (5 895m)).
Day 4: Horombo Hut ( 3 720m) to Kibo Hut (4 703m). The walk to Kibo Hut (4 703m) heads up a footpath into the semi-desert landscape of the Saddle. When walking through the Saddle you get to see the Middle Red Hill, West Lava Hill and East Lava Hill to the east and the Barafu Hut (4 600m)camp to the west .Halfway through the Saddle you stop for lunch and then carry on to Kibo Hut (4 703m).Here you are required to report to the camp office for accommodation arrangements .Note carefully that drinking water is not available at this camp but some can be bought from the office along with soft drinks. When you’re stocked up on fresh drinkable water, hang up your hiking boots for a short while before dinner as a good rest is in order. Before you turn in remember to arrange all summit gear, as preparation for the arduous summit bid is just before midnight when the temperature is well below freezing. A sense of energy and calm always prevails among climbers, they are true playmates of nature when climbing. Whether they have expert skills or not, they are filled with desire and that is the driving force. Gambling with life at every step, the human spirit illustrates the resplendence of creation through risk and danger.
Day 5: Climb mount Kilimanjaro. Kibo Hut (4 703m) to Uhuru Peak (5 895m). This is when the going really gets tough; you’re tired ,maybe even slightly nauseous and suffering from headaches due to the extreme changes in altitude. because of harsh summit conditions you should dress in layers before heading out into the dark and bitingly cold night around midnight. Wear thermal underwear, a fleece jacket and pants, Gortex jacket and pants.(Refer to the summit gear list). The team size will determine how many assistant guide are needed. Ensure that the batteries in your head lamp and camera are replaced with a new set and carry adequate spares. The first section of the ascent follows a winding rocky footpath to Hans Meyer Cave(5,150m).Because of the altitude, summit night is slow, strenuous and dizzying, but you will be allowed a short rest and at Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m) before you continue up the steepest section to Gillman’s Points(5,685 m). This complex section is a zigzag walk up a steep scree and rock face and it poses a great physical and mental challenge. When you get to Gillman’s Point (5 685 m) you can have another short rest and then carry on along the crater rim to Stella Point. Depending on the time of year’ you might skid into some snow and ice from just below the crater rim all the way up to the summit. Gillman’s Point (5 685 m) offers a great viewpoint of the Eastern ice fields and just above Stella Point you’ll pass glaciers forming the Southern lce fields namely, Rebmann, Decken, Kersten and Heim Glaciers. Kibo Hut (4 703 m) to Uhuru Peak (5 895 m) to Horombo Hut (3 720 m). Temperature on the summit can be as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius with wind-chill taken into account. About an hour past Stella Point you’ll be rewarded with the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (5 895 m)- the highest point on the African continent. Summit night on Kilimanjaro is slow ,arduous and cold. But it is also refreshing, invigorating and simply awe-inspiring. On the summit you‘ll be rewarded with the ultimate show stopper- stunning aerial views of the spectacular glaciers illuminated by a hypnotic sunrise experienced only on the roof of Africa. It is perhaps at this stage that a burning passion for mountaineering will have finally invaded you, marking your soul and styling your existence. Learning so much about yourself and your co-existence with your environment will make you swell with vitality, intensity and substance .The dynamism and camaraderie with nature and your peers during this adventure indescribable. The urge to snap ream of photographs and capture nature’s marvellous wonders is uncontrollable. Most climbers spend quite a while on the summit taking photos before the long walk back to Kibo Hut (4 703 m) for a short rest. At Kibo Hut you gather the rest of your gear and continue down the Saddle to Horombo Hut(3 703 m) for an overnight stay. The usual accommodation ritual applies; you must report to the camp office for the hut keys. Dinner is served before a well-deserved rest filled with memories and stirring emotions of the summit and what it has taken to get there. Hot water is provided in basins for washing.
Day 6: Horombo Hut(3 720 m) to Marangu park’s gate (1 800). When you finally drag your weary body from the sleeping bag, you’ll have breakfast in the dinning hall, then walk to Mandara Hut (2 727 m) for lunch. Thereafter you ‘ll head through the forest to the Marangu park’s gate (1 800 m) where on arrival you must enter your particulars in the register. Now for the ‘awards ceremony’. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5 685 m)are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5 895 m) receive gold certificates. Unfortunately there is no documented recognition for those who did not make it to the crater rim at all. Transport will be ready and waiting at the gate to take you to your hotel for a long overdue bath or shower and good rest.