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Climb Kilimanjaro: Rongai Route + Zanzibar
HLYM12A

12 NIGHTS
FROM $2,711
International flights quoted separately
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in a small group with an experienced mountain guide - choosing between the Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Shira, Mweka or Umbwe Routes. You need to be fit to climb, well equipped & prepared for altitude sickness, but the sense of achievement you will feel when you summit will last a lifetime! Afterwards relax on beautiful Zanzibar Island.
HIGHLIGHTS
What Is Best Route Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Marangu Route Kilimanjaro When Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
• Mount Kilimanjaro • Mountain Guide • Rongai Route • Marangu Route
• Machame Route • Uhuri Peak • Zanzibar • Arab Dhows
• Snorkelling • Scuba Diving
Day 1
You will be met at Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
 
Check in and relax in your wonderfully warm East African safari surroundings.
Day 2
Today you will be collected from your Arusha hotel and transferred to Moshi - the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro.
 
Towering over the plains of East Africa, Mount Kilmanjaro is a triple volcano and the tallest mountain in Africa. The oldest volcano is Shira, a collapsed caldera, whilst Mawenzi is middle aged & the young Kibo is still dormant. The highest point, Uhuru peak, is on Kibo at 19,340 feet (5,895 m). Mount Kilimanjaro National Park includes moors and highlands, the Shira Plateau, and the two peaks of Kibo (the summit) and Mawenzi. The area below the national park includes rain forests and a game reserve.
 
Check into your hotel and begin acclimatising for your ascent via the northern Rongai Route. This is one of the least travelled routes, with a long drive to the starting point, but you will be rewarded by fantastic views and the likelihood that you will be the only climbers around. Descent is via the main Marangu route.
 
PREPARATION: Climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a demanding ascent, requiring the ability walk up to 10-hours per day with a backpack over angled terrain. It should only be undertaken by climbers who are suitably fit and well prepared. Temperatures on the mountain fall to below -15 degrees centigrade overnight, so many layers of warm clothing are essential. You also need to bring your own sleeping bag, walking boots, rucksack, rain jacket, head lamp/flashlight, gloves, balaclava, sun glasses and scarf. Malaria tablets are also essential. Be aware that altitude sickness is the biggest issue facing climbers, resulting in a success rate of only 66%. Several deaths also occur on the mountain each year and the ascent is at your own risk.
Day 3
After an early 07.00 breakfast, you will be transferred from Moshi to the Rongai Gate - a drive of approximately 3 to 4 hours.
 
The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m) walking for 6 kms 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. After walking 3-4 hours, we overnight at Simba or 1st Cave campsite.
Day 4
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3,450 m), a 5 km walk 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 wonderful views. After walking 3-5 hours, we overnight at 2nd Cave campsite(3,600 m).
Day 5
A short but steep climb today, as we walk 5-km up grassy slopes to be rewarded by superb all round 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.
 
After walking 3-4 hours, we arrive at 3rd Cave campsite, with the balance of the afternoon free to rest or explore the surroundings as we acclimatise.
Day 6
We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo today, and walk 7-km to Kibo campsite (4,750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
 
After walking 3-4 hours, the remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, before a very early night!
Day 7
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb, by torchlight in the early hours (around 01.00) as we tackle the final 11 km ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
 
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 3-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 complete the 8 km descent to Horombo campsite (3,720 m) after walking for 10-11 hours.
Day 8
Today’s 18 km descent takes us down through moorlands to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). We continue descending through lovely lush forest to the gate at Marangu at the bottom of the mountain, where each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate.
 
After walking for 6-7 hours today, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
 
Please note it is customary to tip your porters & guides locally,as they depend on this income, so budget approx $200 per person for this
Day 9
Transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar.
 
You will be met at Zanzibar airport and transferred to your hotel on the beautiful Zanzibar Archipelago. Check in and relax in your wonderful surroundings on this exotic East African spice island.
Days 10 To 12
At leisure to relax on the warm golden Indian Ocean beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
 
You can enjoy a traditional Arab dhow cruise, catamaran sailing, magnificent scuba diving or deep sea fishing. If you wish to explore the island further, day excursions include a Spice Island tour, a snorkelling trip to Prison Island where you can see giant tortoises, a visit to Josani Forest or to Kizimkazi where you can see dolphins.
Day 13
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your light aircraft flight to Dar Es Salaam where you will be met and transferred to the international terminal for your flight home.
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