CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL SAFARIS & TOURS LTD

PROPOSED ITINERARY FOR RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS

KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN CLIMB – RONGAI ROUTE 6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS 2020

“It is a more exhilarating and rewarding route giving you more experience in your lifetime. It gives you an opportunity to trek through two routes: Ascent through Rongai route and descend through Marangu route”.

The Rongai route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest point in Africa) from the northeastern side of the mountain passing along the border between Tanzania and Kenya, the trail retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness, with its natural status retained since its creation and offers a different perspective; still adventurous and enjoyable on Mount Kilimanjaro through attempting it from the north. Its unique weather and vegetated state throughout the year gives an added advantage to the trekkers who are fond of life in the wilderness.

Day 1 2020 Arrival in Tanzania

Arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport – Accommodations and transportation to the hotel can be arranged by K.I.S.T. Meet and greet by K.I. Safari and Tours officials for briefing and the kit check to all climbers just to ensure that they have all the required climbing gear at place of overnight.

Dinner and Overnight – Own arrangements

Day 2 2020 Rongai 1 Camp (2,600m) (day 1 on the mountain)

Early morning breakfast at hotel then drive to Marangu gate, after completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, transfer to Rongai starting point. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. The forest begins to thin out and the first campsite is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking].

Dinner and Overnight at Rongai 1 Camp (Rongai Cave)

Day 3 2020 Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) (day 2 on the mountain)

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 Kikelewa Caves (3,600m) [6-7 hours walking].

Dinner and Overnight at Kikelewa Camp

Day 4 2020 Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) (day 3 on the mountain)

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb panoramic 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 hours walking].

Dinner and Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Day 5 2020 Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) (day 4 on the mountain)

A day to acclimatize with a short morning walk up onto the Saddle then back to Mawenzi Tarn. [2 hours walking]

Dinner and Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day 6 2020 Kibo Hut (4,700m) (day 5 on the mountain).

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700m) 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! [6 - 7 hours walking] Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut

Day 7 2020 Summit Day (5,896m) and Horombo Hut (3,700) (day 6 on the mountain)

We will start the final and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around midnight. 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 (5,896m); passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720m). [11-15 hours walking]

Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut

Day 8 2020 Arusha (day 7 on the mountain and hike out)

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m). [5-6 hours walking]. Proceed to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Dinner and Overnight – Hotel accommodations can be arranged by K.I.S.T.

Day 9 2020 Start wildlife Safari or return flight to U.S.A.

TOUR LEADER – FROM 15 Pax and above – To pay only Park entries Single supplement, when climbing with others: USD $150 per climb.

OUR CLIMBING MT. KILIMANJARO PACKAGE NCLUDES:

· 6 nights / 7 days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb. Rongai Route.

· Kilimanjaro National Park fees, (Subject to change if government issues new rates)

· Transportation to and from the Mountain.

· All meals during the Climb.

· Porters and Guide fees.

Government Tax.

NOT INCLUDED:

· International Air Transportation.

· 2 nights’ accommodation and meals on arrival and last day in Arusha City or Moshi town as specified in the itinerary.

· Airport transfers.

· Holiday supplements.

· Wildlife safari tours can be arranged

· Drinks

· Tips to driver, porters and guides (Recommended $ 200/250 per pax and above)

· Personal Travel Insurance.

· Visas, airport taxes.

· Laundry, toiletry requirements.

· All items of a personal nature.

· All cost involved in early return from the mountain due to illness or any reasons. These costs include transportation, accommodation, meals.

GENERAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CLIMBERS

PACKING LIST

Tips

· The pack that the porters carry is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds) you will be charge USD 5 per every extra kg should your luggage weigh more than recommended weight.

· Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double sealed if possible)

· Wrap clothing in plastic bags

· In the day pack, take along water, camera, binoculars, rain pants and jacket at a minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day because you may not see the porters until the end of your trek for that day.

FOOTWEAR

· Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike.

· Take trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferably warm (leather), waterproof, and with ankle-support

· Take tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening

· Gaiters

· Hiking socks

· Wool socks

FOOTWEAR

Your inner layer should be warm therefore preferably no cotton. Next layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should be waterproof but breathable. Kilimanjaro may be on the equator, but the temperature can drop drastically.

We recommend that you wear shorts for first and last and pants for hiking and for lounging in the evenings

· Short-sleeved t-shirts for first and last day only

· Long-sleeved shirts for hiking and for lounging in the evenings

· Long underwear

· Fleece jacket or wool sweater

· Fleece pants

· Down jacket

· Rain jacket, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow

· Rain pants, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow

· Underwear

· Sport bras, for women

COLD WEATHER

· Warm mittens and/or gloves (waterproof)

· Wool or pile hat

· Balaclava or neck gaiter

· Crampons (may be needed March-May and November-December)

BAGGAGE

· Day pack, for you to carry

· Large waterproof duffel bag or backpack, for porters to carry

· Plastic bags

SLEEPING

· Sleeping bag (-10 degrees F is recommended)

· Sleeping pad and repair kit

· Mattress (to put under the sleeping bag when camping)

· Tents are supplied by Tanzania Travel & Safari Company at no charge

OTHER

· Water bottles (2+)

· Get 3 liters of bottled water before the trip. Guides will boil water for you along the route. Some people still bring a water filter to enhance the taste. You may want an insulated water bottle to keep it from freezing on the last day.

· Sun hat

· Sunglasses

· Money (small Tanzanian bills for trek and cash Dollars for rest of trip) Travelers cheque are recommended but they fetch low rate locally.

· Ski or trekking poles

· Headlamp or flashlight

· Camera, film, mini-tripod

· Video camera, tapes

· Maps, guidebooks

· Batteries - bring double extra sets for headlamp/flashlight and camera as cold weather shortens their life

· Binoculars

· Notebook, pencil and pen

· Pocket knife

· Electricity adapter

· Energy bars and snacks

· Playing cards, games, books

· Chocolate or pens for village children, mementos for guides, porters, and other climbers

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Documents
Passport
Yellow fever certificate
Medical insurance

TOILETRIES

Toilet paper
Small towel
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hand-wipes

FIRST AID

Ibuprofen
Band-aids
Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
Malaria pills
Insect repellent
Lip balm with sunscreen
Antiseptic cream
Bandages and tape
Diarrhea medicine
Antibiotics
Antihistamines
Prescription drugs

Please Note:

K.I.Safaris and Tours (T) Ltd reserves the right to amend the rates upon giving 14 days notice in writing. Rates for mountain climb are subject to change due to increase in park fees, government taxes, etc.

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