Tanzania Safaris: KILIMANJARO CLIMB/RONGAI ROUTE

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1 Moshi
Arrival at your hotel. If you need to hire any extra gear, advise the hotel this evening. Re-Pack your bag carefully for the climb - remember the weight limit of 12kg. Dinner and overnight at Ameg Lodge (DBB)

Day 2 Moorland
Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at 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 of Tsavo and Amboseli. (3-4 hours walking). Dinner and overnight at Camp 1st Cave - Moorland Camp (LDBB)

Day 3 Kilelewa
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, you leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Passing the 2nd Cave you reach the 3rd Cave at 3,800m for overnight camp taking 3-4 hours. Dinner and overnight at Camp 3rd Cave - Kilelewa Caves (LDBB)

Day 4 Kibo
You cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite (4,750m.) 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! (4-5 hours walking). Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut (LDBB)

Day 5 Horombo
You will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. You walk very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic screen to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m.) You 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 (5,896m.), 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, you will continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m). (11-15 hours walking-very strenuous). Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut (LDBB)

Day 6 Moshi
A steady descend down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu Route. Continue descending through lovely lush tropical forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). (5-7 hours walking). You are transferred back to Ameg Lodge Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Ameg Lodge (DBB)

Day 7 Departure
Breakfast at your hotel. Depending with the mode of transfer and time, you will be picked from your hotel and transfer to your respective destinations.

The Package Includes:
2 Nights at Ameg Lodge
1 Night at 1st Cave-Moorland Camp
1 Night at Camp 3rd Cave - Kilelewa Caves
1 Night at Kibo Hut
1 Night at Horombo Hut
All Park Fees
National park approved guides and porters

The Package Excludes:
All International Flights + Taxes
Visas
Travel & Personal accident insurance
Tips & personal expenses such as telephone calls...etc.
Excursions not detailed in above program

Added Value:
Complimentary 188 page VA Safari Guide covering the whole of East Africa
Complimentary VA Safari Pouch with a pen
Complimentary VA Hat

Health Requirements
All climbers MUST be in top physical condition, as this is a rigorous physical climb requiring strength and endurance. Please note you will need a Yellow Fever Inoculation, this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. If you have had any previous history of Liver Disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must.

Tips
These are considered to be compulsory for all attempting Kilimanjaro, it has become a tradition! Please budget at least USD100 for this ten-day camping hike - per guest - which gets split across the group. Old clothing is also appreciated!

Travel Insurance
Please ensure you have sufficient Medical Cover for the duration of your trip and in particular to cover you while doing the Kilimanjaro Climb.