Snow of Kilimajaro - 8 days

If you are adventurous and want to climb, this safari is perfect for you. Price starts from 9000 aed per person based on two persons sharing. Included in the price are Kilimanjaro park fees and rescue fees, guides and porters, food on the mountain, camping equipment, accommodation before and after the climb, transfers to and from the airport and mountain. Price is excluding international flights. (prices can fluctuate due to seasonality and availability)

 

Rising 5896 meters high, snow capped and wreathed in veils of clouds, stand Mt Kilimanjaro, the

highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world.The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The Rongai route is considered more beautiful than the Marangu main trail. The Rongai route starts in delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing.

 

Day 1 Moshi

On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi for an overnight rest on bed and breakfast in readiness for the next day's hit to Kilimanjaro.

 

Day 2: Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m)

Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 8 km's | Habitat: Montane forest 

Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

 

Day 3: 1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Hiking time: 6-7 hours  | Habitat: Moorlands 

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves)

 

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m)

Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp

 

 

Day 6: Summit attempt, Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru, 6 hours to descend to Horombo Distance: 6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night.

This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.

 

Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m) - departure for Moshi or Arusha

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km's

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and a good night sleep.

 

Day 8. Depart

After breakfast you will be guided to the airport of your departure.