Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
Day Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, after clearing customs and immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to Arusha.
Overnight: Four Points by Sheraton Arusha The Arusha Hotel
The Arusha Hotel is located in the beautiful city of Arusha, Tanzania. The hotel offers 106 stylish rooms that feature Wi-Fi access, a television and a sitting area. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant as well as unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar. The hotel also offers an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and a terrace that overlooks a tropical garden.
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: First Cave Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro, preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the rarely-used Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border and has been almost unused for many years because the area was politically considered to be “sensitive”.
Now open for climbing once again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek.
We also add an extra day to the standard five-day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatization and give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. Recent National Park statistics indicate that the chance of reaching the summit increases by at least 30% if an extra day is spent acclimatizing.
The deviation to Mawenzi Tarn is very beautiful and on a little-used trail through moorland. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
Day Itinerary
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Land Cruiser 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 long ‘capes’ 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. ‘First Cave Camp’ [3-4 hours walking]
Overnight: First Cave Camp
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Day Itinerary
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, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite nestles in a sheltered valley of giant Senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) [6-7 hours walking]
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
The Kikelewa Camp is part of the Rongai Route which approaches Kilimanjaro from the North, near the Kenya-Tanzania border. At the camp, adventurers can enjoy the surrounding grassy slopes. The camp is near the Tsavo River which runs from Tsavo West National Park into Tanzania.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Day Itinerary
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb sweeping vistas and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.).
Spectacularly situated on 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 acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
The Mawenzi Tarn Camp is located near the base of Mawenzi, which is one of the 3 peaks of Mount. Kilimanjaro and is mostly used by ascending climbers on the Rongai route. The accommodation comprises of tents as well as shared pit latrines and a nearby tarn provides undrinkable water to campers.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: School Hut/Outward Bound Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Day Itinerary
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! [4-5 hours walking]
Overnight: School Hut/Outward Bound Camp
School Hut/Outward Bound Camp is situated on the trail to Stella Point, Kilimanjaro and offers breath-taking views of the mountain. Visitors can explore the lush forested foothills or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife including elephant, buffalo, leopard, duiker, eland, hyrax and blue monkeys.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Horombo Huts & Campsite, Mount Kilimanjaro
Day Itinerary
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 hours 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.). [11 – 15 hours walking]
Overnight: Horombo Huts & Campsite
The Horombo Huts & Campsite is set along the Marangu Trail on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This site can accommodate up to 120 campers spread across a mix of cabins and tents. Facilities include a kitchen for cooking, a dining area, and a ranger’s office. Guests will also have access to an abundant water source near the campsite.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Horombo – Marangu gate
Day Itinerary
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 (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking].
It is easier to go down than up. Packed lunch on way down. After clearing all the paperwork at the gate, you will be transferred to Airport Planet Lodge for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Airport Planet Lodge
Airport Planet Lodge is a quick 5 miles from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Ideally located mid-way between Moshi and Arusha, we pride ourselves for having one of the best panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru. The Lodge is in a safe compound with tropical gardens, fruit trees, plants, flowers and wild birds for nature lovers to enjoy.
Lodge amenities include a grand swimming pool, a restaurant that offers local and international cuisine, bars, a spa, fitness center, Tanzanite and souvenirs shopping. For those looking to kill time between flights, the Lodge offers quick meals like pizza, burgers, snacks and excellent shower facilities ideal for those arriving or departing through the nearby Kilimanjaro Airport.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
Transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight
