Situated south of the equator - in Tanzania - at 19,340
feet, (5895m) this is Africa's highest mountain and the
highest "free standing " mountain in the world. Huge
permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and
spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the
reward for the successful trekker, as well as the
satisfaction of conquering this mighty peak. It is not for
the faint-hearted - this will test you to your limits,
mentally as well as physically.
The main problems encountered are altitude sickness and lack
of oxygen. The standard route is a hike - no climbing as
such. It is very cold - correct kit is a must but our kit
lists and hire equipment are top quality. Good preparation
and advice, as well as good guides on the mountain, have
given us an over 95% success rate (the average is 60%) -
this is a once in a lifetime challenge, and must not be
taken lightly. All climbers are given all the facts -
medical list, equipment list, etc, long before they travel.
Any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking can reach the
summit of Kilimanjaro. The youngest to make it was nine
years old - the oldest seventy-nine!
While thousands of people scramble to the top of Kilimanjaro
each year, there are several principal hiking routes up the
mountain, like the Marangu (Coca Cola), Shira, Londorossi,
Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe and Machame. We can offer private or
group departures on all routes and singles and ladies only
can be accommodated on certain group departures on the
Machame Route.
From time to time routes deteriorate though landslides etc.
We therefore vary our route to ensure it is relatively easy,
most scenic, yet not overcrowded with other trekkers. The
pictures and descriptions below depict the Rongai Route to
the North of the Mountain.
MARANGU ROUTE
8 Days/7 Nights
DAY 1 NAIROBI
Arrival into Nairobi and transfer to the Panafric Hotel
for overnight stay
DAY 2 NAIROBI - MOSHI
Early morning shuttle bus transfer across the border to
Arusha & Moshi Afternoon is spent at leisure in
preparation for the climb Dinner & overnight at the
Springland Hotel or similar (BLD)
DAY 3 - KILIMANJARO
After breakfast and short briefing you will drive to
Marangu gate (approx 45mins away.) Here luggage will be
handed over to the porters and the trek officially
commences. The journey to Mandara Hut takes
approximately 4 hours, walking through thick rain
forest. The accommodation is in attractive timber
buildings. All rooms sleep 4 people. (BLD)
DAY 4 - KILIMANJARO
After breakfast the climb continues to Horombo (duration
around 6 hours). You leave the rain forest and walk
through an open heather and moorland area. Overnight
Horombo Hut (BLD)
DAY 5 - KILIMANJARO
After a 2-hr trek you reach the Kibo saddle, an alpine
desert zone between the snow and ice covered peaks of
Kibo and Mawenzi (second highest peak). The day lasts
about 6 hours. At Kibo you can rest until the climb to
the peak. Overnight Kibo Hut (BLD)
DAY 6 - KILIMANJARO
Just after midnight you will prepare with warm clothing
for your final climb to the summit. One reaches Gilmans
point at sunrise. If your condition allows you, you can
reach the highest point of Africa above the snow line in
about 2 hours (Uhuru peak). Return back down to Horombo
peak camp, where you will spend the night. (BLD)
DAY 7 - KILIMANJARO - MOSHI
Today you descend down to the National Park entry point.
There you will receive a certificate of achievement for
the climb and transfer back to Moshi. Dinner and
overnight at the Springland Hotel or similar (BLD)
DAY 8 MOSHI - NAIROBI
After breakfast depart on the shuttle bus back to
Nairobi.
Degree of
difficulty: The main problems encountered are altitude sickness, which can be countered by use of medicines, and lack of oxygen. The standard route
we take is a hike - no climbing as such. It is very cold - correct kit is a must - but our kit lists and hire equipment are top quality. Good preparation and advice, as well as good guides on the mountain, have given us an over 95% success rate (the average is 60%) - this type of thing is a "once in a lifetime" challenge, and must not be taken lightly. We ensure that all our climbers have all the facts - medical list, equipment list, etc, long before they travel - possibly the reason for our success rate. Any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The youngest to make it was nine years old - the oldest seventy-nine.
RONGAI ROUTE
9 Days/8 Nights
Avoid the crowded Marangu route and approach the
mountain from the north by the lightly-used Rongai
route, just south of the Kenya -Tanzania border.
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 acclimatisation and the best
possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery.
DAY 1 NAIROBI
Arrival into Nairobi and transfer to the Panafric Hotel
for overnight stay
DAY 2 NAIROBI - MOSHI
Early morning shuttle bus transfer across the border to
Arusha & Moshi Afternoon is spent at leisure in
preparation for the climb Dinner & overnight at the
Springland Hotel or similar (BLD)
DAY 3 KILIMANJARO
After breakfast transfer to Marangu Gate and after
formalities the climb commences with 3- 4 hours of
walking. The climb begins from the attractive wooden
village of Nale Moru on a small country path before
entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb
consistently, but gently through attractive forest that
shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest starts to
thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the
moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan
plains. (BLD)
DAY 4 KILIMANJARO
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second
Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern
ice-fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the
main trail and strike out across the moorland on a
smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The
campsite is in a sheltered valley. (BLD)
DAY 5 KILIMANJARO
A short steep climb is rewarded by superb all round
views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave
vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp
at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated directly beneath
the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be
free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid
to acclimatisation. (BLD)
DAY 6 KILIMANJARO
Today cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between
Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite 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! (BLD)
DAY 7 KILIMANJARO
Start the final, and by far the steepest and most
demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m.
Climb slowly in the darkness to reach the crater rim at
Gillmans Point (5,685 m.) 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. Then make the fast descent to
Kibo and down to the final campsite at Horombo for
overnight (BLD)
DAY 8 KILIMANJARO - MOSHI
A steady descent takes you down through moorland to
Mandara Hut, continuing on down through lush forest to
the National Park gate at Marangu. Overnight at
Springlands Hotel (BD)
DAY 9 MOSHI NAIROBI
After breakfast transfer back via shuttle bus to Nairobi
(B).
Key to Inclusions:
(B) Breakfast
(L) Lunch
(D) Dinner
(B&B) Bed & Breakfast
(FB) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8 Days/7 Nights Package
- Marangu Route
Cost Per Person
Twin
Single
Jan - Dec 08
$1915
$2020
*Price
reduction applies for larger groups*
Luggage Limit:
18Kg
Departs:
Departs daily
Minimum:
2 persons.
Kilimanjaro hikes
typically include:
Accommodation at base hotel dinner bed &
continental
breakfast
Other accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Transfers to park gate/return
Accommodation on mountain in tents or in
mountain
huts
(route dependent)
Sleeping mats and all camping equipment -
camping routes
Porters & guides
All food on mountain
Park fees & camping fees
Mountain rescue fees serviced by National
Parks
Tips:
(budget approx
USD100-
120 per person for any of the six day camping
route),
drinks and items of a personal nature, personal
equipment. Airport transfers and shuttle bus
optional extra.
9 Days/8 Nights Package
- Rongai Route
Cost Per Person
Twin
Single
Jan - Dec 08
$2450
$2555
*Price
reduction applies for larger groups*
Luggage Limit:
18Kg
Departs:
Departs daily
Minimum:
2 persons.
Kilimanjaro hikes
typically include:
Accommodation at base hotel dinner bed &
continental
breakfast
Other accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Transfers to park gate/return
Accommodation on mountain in tents or in
mountain
huts
(route dependent)
Sleeping mats and all camping equipment -
camping routes
Porters & guides
All food on mountain
Park fees & camping fees
Mountain rescue fees serviced by National
Parks
Tips:
(budget approx
USD100-
120 per person for any of the six day camping
route),
drinks and items of a personal nature, personal
equipment. Airport transfers and shuttle bus
optional extra.
Have you considered adding a
Kenya or Tanzania Safari to your Kilimanjaro trip?
Please confirm prices with Bench International prior
to booking your trip.
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