| KILIMANJARO
The
mountains have created a micro-climate around themselves and the
rain-shadow created to their South and East supplies the beautiful
and superbly fertile land in which the towns of Moshi and Arusha
are situated, full of banana groves and coffee plantations. Kilimanjaro
National Park comprises all of the mountain above the tree line
and six forest corridors that stretch through the forest belt.
Origin
of the name 'Kilimanjaro'
There are many explanations for how the mountain got its name
and no one can agree what is the truth. "Mountain of Greatness",
Mountain of Whiteness", "Mountain of Caravans",
are all names derived from the Swahili and Chagga dialects.
From
what little we know on the subject, it is thought it might have
something to do with the swahili word 'kilima', which means 'top
of the hill'. There is also a claim that the word "kilemakyaro"
exists in the Chagga language, meaning "impossible journey".
But the truth is that no one really knows and is a good discussion
point over a couple of beers
UMBWE
ROUTE: 5 Days/4Nights
Umbwe
route is the hardest but most magnificent and shortens way to
reach Uhuru Peak. A Less-frequented route, which is very steep
and suitable only for experienced trekkers. Additional days can
be added to our program to discover or lighten up along the route
or camp in the Karanga valley.
Day
1: After breakfast drive to Kilimanjaro National
Park Umbwe gate( for starting the climb. From here hike within
the forest through a narrow ridge between Umbwe and Lonzo rivers
reaching Bivouac No. 1 (known as Forest Caves at 2850m - Camp
and overnight.
Day 2: The Path continues following
the ridge, then leaving the forest through open moorlands to reach
Barranco Hut at 3950m. Camp and overnight.
Day
3: This day stars off with a steep climb out of
Barranco valley crossing Karanga Valley and finally reaching Barafu
Hut at 4600m. Camp overnight.
Day
4: Early morning start to reach the crater rim at
Stella point(5735m.), continuing to Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Descend
to Mweka Camp.
Day
5: The day is spent in descending down to the park
Gates - Overnight at hotel.
MARANGU
ROUTE: 5 Days/4Nights
The real highlight is the walk from Gillman's point along the
crater rim to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers
and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the Kilimanjaro summit
area. The views on a clear morning are absolutely magnificent
- the rift valley, Mt. Meru, and the Masai Steppes stand out from
the endless plains almost three vertical miles below as the sun
rises behind Mawenzi.
Day
01: The National Park Gate (1,830m.) lies at the
edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small
coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities,
we climb up through attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the
clearing containing Mandara Huts (2,700m.) The volcanic remains
of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion.
An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest of Mt.
Kilimanjaro . There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys
are often seen as well. (3-5 hours walking
Day
02: The first part of the walk is a steep ascent
through forest, but the path soon open out into grassy moorland
and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi
peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing
giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually
reach the hut complex at Horombo (3,720m.). Sunrises and sunsets
here are often very spectacular; the site is close to the glaciated
dome of Kibo and there is a real sense of being above the clouds.
[5-7 hours walking].
Day
03: We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert
of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to
scree and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness.
We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,750m.) at the bottom of the crater
wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit
ascent!!). The remainder o the day is spent resting and eating
in preparation for the final before a very night! [5-6 hours walking].
Day
04: We will start our ascent by torchlight at about
12 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman's Point by sunrise. The
initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are
some well - graded zig-zigs and a slow but steady pace will have
us up to Gillman's Point (5,685m.) in about five or six hours.
We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise.
Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round
trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m.) passing
close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the
summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to
Horombo for the night. [11-15 hours walking].
Day
5: We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland
walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National
Park gate. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a
stunning contract the summit day, and it really makes you realize
how varied Kilimanjaro is. [5-6 hours walking].
Note:
On this program it can also be done for 6 days / 5 nights. Extra
day and Night spent at Horombo Huts, a visit to the foot of Mawenzi
peak past the Zebra Rock for acclimatization.
RONGAI
ROUTE: 6 Days/5Nights
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 unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective
on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from
the north.
Day 01: After completing the necessary
registration formalities at Marangu National Park Gate, we transfer
by
Land Rover/ Toyota Land Cruiser to Rongai. The climb begins from
the attractive wooden village of Nale Meru (1950m.) on
a small path that winds through attractive forest that
shelters
and 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 (2,600m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4
hours walking].
Day 02: The morning walk is a steady
ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450m.) 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 Kikelelwa Cave
(3,600m.) [6-7 hours walking].
Day
3: A short but steep climb up grass slopes is rewarded
by super all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We
leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp
at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m.) 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.
[ 3-4 hour walking].
Day
4: We across the lunar desert of the 'Saddle between
Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (4,750m.) at the bottom of
the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting
in preparation for the ascent before a very early night! [4-5
hours walking].
Day
5: We will start the final, and by far the steepest
and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 12.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
(5,685m.)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 (5,895m.), passing close
to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most
of the summit area. The descent to our final campsite at Horombo
(3,720m.) [11-15 hours walking].
Day
6: 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 (1,850m.)
[5-6 hours walking]. From here you will be provided transport
back to Arusha.
MACHAME
ROUTE: 7 Days / 6 Nights
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 Machame Hut (3,000m.). We may get
our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening
clouds permit. [5 hours walking].
Day
02: A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep
ridge to reach a small semicircular 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 stunning 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 glaciers of the Western breach. After lunch near the Lava
Tower junction (4,550m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great
Barranco valley (3,950m.) sheltered by towering cliffs and with
extensive views of the plains far below. [6 - 7hours 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,
and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000m.),
the last water point on the approach to Barafu, in a narrow valley.
There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatization
walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp. [3 - 4 hours
walking].
Day
05: A short but steep climb out of Karanga, 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. [3 - 4 hours walking].
Day 06: We will start our ascent by
torchlight at about 12 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 zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take
us to Stella Point (5,732m.), in about 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 (5732m), on the crater rim.
Day
07: 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 farms to Mweka village. [3-4
hours walking].
NOTE:
Optionally, this program can also be done for 6 days / 5 nights.
No overnight at Karanga Valley.
LEMOSHO
ROUTE: 8 Days / 7Nights
Day
01: After registering at Londorossi Gate (1700Mts)
then drive to road head near Lemosho Glades and start the trek
through the rain forest to the rain Forest Camp (Big Tree) [2650
m/ 8000ft]. Our trek this day will be along a little used track
known as Chamber's Route. In places the vegetation is so undisturbed
by humans that it grows right across the narrow track. Flora and
fauna are richer here than on other more popular routes through
the rain forest. (3 - 4 hours walking).
Day
02: A full day's trek with a height gain of over
600mts/ 2000 ft, taking us to a lunch stop at Shira camp a beautiful
valley just outside the Shira Crater at around 3050mts / 10,000
ft. After lunch we cross into the Shira Caldera a high altitude
desert plateau rarely visited by the man. Shira is the third of
Kilimanjaro's volcanic cones. It is filled with lava flow from
Kibo, and its rim eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic
cones and its rim eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic
action. We camp at Shira One (3500mts /11500ft) in Caldera. This
day expect the first close views of Kibo - the dramatic summit
cone of Kilimanjaro,(7 hours walking)
Day
03: Two to three hour trek east across Shira Plateau,
via Simba River takes us to our camp (Shira II/ Hut), which is
located about 1 ½ hours walk from Simba at around 3840mts/
12600ft. The views back across Shira are spectacular. Optional
and recommended early morning start for those wanting to try the
acclimatizing trek to Shira Cathedral. The views from the top
of this ridge are very special. Those with vertigo should take
care.
Day
04: We ascend to our camp just at the base of formation
called Lava Tower at 4600m/15,000ft. On our today's hike we will
see plants indigenous to the alpine zone such as giant lobelias,
tussock grasses, and helichrysums. It is too high for most insects
in this zone but we will see some bird species, like the white-necked
raven, various sunbirds, Jackson's francolin, verreaux's eagles,
and swifts. We will also see small rodents like four-striped grass
mouse (5-6 hours walk).
Day
05: On our today's climb leaving Lava Tower camp,
the Southern Ice fields (Diamond, Balleto and Heim glaciers)come
into view providing us with one of the most spectacular sights
on the mountain. In a 2 hour walk, we will get to our Arrow Glacier
Camp, 4800m/15,750ft. Just near Arrow Glacier ice field. The southern
slope of Kilimanjaro and the African savannah extending beyond,
it can be viewed from here if it is clear. Other wise, the top
of Mt. Meru just at below 15800ft, will be viewed floating in
the clouds.
Day
06: After our early breakfast, we start our climb
by scrambling up the Western Breach wall, which tops out at over
5480m/18000ft. The entire Shira plateau, which can be seen from
here, gives us a good look at how far we have traveled! The dramatic
Northern ice field to our left and the Furtwangler glacier to
our right can be seen as getting to the top of the breach wall;
you can walk right up to these glaciers that are well over 50ft
tall! The black volcanic rock makes a dramatic foreground to these
huge glaciers and a great photo opportunity if there is no snow.
To gain a sense of some perspective; our high base camp in the
Crater, past the Furtwangler glacier, will be just below the altitude
of Everest's Base camp! (6 hours walking). Optionally, a trip
taking us 1 hour to and from a visit to the Volcanic vent (Ash
Pit) is possible late on late in the afternoon.
Day
07: We start struggling for the final section of
our climbing up to the summit from 6.00 a.m in the morning soon
after early small breakfast and getting there (at Uhuru Peak 5895m
/ 19,340ft), the Rooftop of Africa in 1 hour later. Whilst at
here, you will have good views of the Mawenzi Peak to the east
and Mt. Meru to the west and glaciers including Furtwangler glacier,
Northern ice field and Reusch crater. After getting our summit
photos, we descend along Mweka route via Stella point with a stop
at Barafu huts for breakfast/lunch, then continuing down to Mweka
huts 3100m / 10,170ft for the last night on the mountain (3 hours
from the summit to Barafu huts and 3 hours more to Mweka huts
/camp).
Day
08: Walk down across the rain forest to Mweka Gate
for picnic lunch, presentation of certificates & photos. After
a picnic lunch drive to our base lodge / hotel in Arusha or Moshi
for a welcome hot shower, dinner and overnight. (3 - 4 hour walking).
NOTE:
This program can be extended up to 9 days / 8 nights for more
acclimatization.
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