|
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha or Moshi.
Evening briefing and packing of mountain
gear.
Day 2: After completing the necessary
registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we
transfer by Landrover 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 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. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 3: 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 is in a
sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600
m.) [6-7 hours walking]
Day 4: A short but steep climb up grassy
slopes is rewarded by superb allround views and a tangible sense
of wilderness. We leave 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 acclimatisation. [3-4 hours
walking]
Day 5: We cross the lunar desert of the
‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700
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! [5-6 hours walking]
Day 6: 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 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, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite
at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking]
Day 7: 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] Transfer to your hotel BB
Day 8: Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for
departure. Tailor made safari options after your climb can be
organized for interested parties.
|
