SURVIVOR SUMMIT. Kilimanjaro - Tanzania. (19,341 ft - 5,895 meters)
photo by Gabriele Brown
Kilimanjaro Expedition and Safari
At 19,341 feet ( 5895 meters) high, Kilimanjaro - kilima-njaro ( meaning" mountain of whiteness") is famously the highest peak in Africa and the world's tallest freestanding mountain.
The mountain is rugged, and its summit sits far above the infamous plains and game park of East Africa. While the route we will travel is non-technical, the summit cap has glaciers and is at high altitude. Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the African continent ( one of the seven summits ), and its summit is almost 5,000 feet higher than any point in the contiguous United States!
Our trip will combine two of Africa's greatest experiences. First, Kilimanjaro: We will ascend the mountain via the rarely traveled Rongai Route, thought by many to be the most aesthetic route on the mountain. The Rongai Route is a challenging but non-technical route. We will be treated to steep forest paths, stunning views, and towering cliffs above and below us. Our nights will be spent in tents, and during the day, we have the assistance of local porters to carry our loads. A reasonable acclimatization schedule will give us plenty of time to enjoy our incredible surroundings and will keep us healthy.
About this expedition.
This is an 11 day thoroughly guided walking/trekking adventure by experienced local guides, trekking to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
You will:
~ Travel with "Yes We Can" ambassador and founder of Urth Expedition, Gabriele Brown.
~ Enjoy panoramic views on the summit of Uhuru Peak ( 19,341 ft)
~ Walk through the forest to catch a glimpse of the Kilimanjaro Colobus Monkeys
~ Tarangire National Park is known as "elephant haven" due to its vast herds and marvel at massive baobab trees that often live for over 1,000 years.
About Gabriele Brown (me).
My role is to be your trip leader and to keep the strong spirit of "Yes We Can" alive in these adventure challenges.
I am an experienced trekker, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro 15 times in the past nine years, 7 Summits Africa summiteer ( Mt. Kenya at 17,057bft (5,199 m), Mt. Karisimbi ( Rwanda) at 14,787 ft ( 4,507 m), Mt. Nyiragongo ( DR Congo) at 11,380 ft ( 3,470, Rwenzoris ( Uganda) Mt. Speke at 16,043 ft ( 4,890 m) and Mt. Stanley at 16,762 ft ( 5,109 m).
Kilimanjaro is a strenuous climb, suitable for beginners yet one that must be respected for its size and objective hazards. We are joined by a host of local Tanzanian assistants and guides, all are Wilderness First Responder certified, and we are proud members of KPAP ( Kilimanjaro Porters Association Project). Their personal and professional climbing experience and thoughtful approach to the challenges of mountaineering and sustainable African tourism will be vital ingredients in the success of your trip.
Day-by-Day Itinerary for the six Day Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is thought to be one of the most accessible Kilimanjaro routes. It typically has very little foot traffic compared to the other routes. The minimum duration for this Rongai trip is six days, but as always, Urth Expedition highly recommends adding an additional day for Acclimatization, making the Rongai Route a seven-day trek and increasing your chance of success.
Day 1: ~ Depart from your home port in the USA flying via Europe to Kilimanjaro International Airport ( JRO)
Day 2: ~ Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in the evening; your Destination trip leader will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge for a good night's rest.
Day 3: ~ Acclimatization and organization Day ~ briefing, gear check, and town tour to learn about the Tanzanian town Arusha. Rest and get ready for your adventure.
Day 4: ~ Rongai Start Point to Rongai First Cave
6,400 ft t- 9,450 ft
Distance: 6.5km / 3.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
On day one, Rongai Route trekkers are driven from Arusha to Marangu Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometers on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters. The trek begins from Nale Moru village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day's hiking is easy going, and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (9,450 ft) around mid-afternoon, where you can freshen up and have dinner.
Day 5: ~ Rongai Cave to Kikelewa Camp
9,450 ft to 11,800 ft
Distance: ~12km / 6.5 miles
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
On day two, the hike continues from Rongai First Cave through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone, where you will notice the vegetation change to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at Rongai Second Cave (11,320), 6km from the First Cave Camp, before turning east to Kikelewa Camp (11,800 ft) for your overnight stay.
Day 6: ~ Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
11,800 ft to 14,200 ft
Distance: ~4km / 2.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Day three on the Rongai Route is a short but steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters), which sits in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon explore the surrounding area and acclimatize.
Day 7: ~ Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
14,200 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: ~9km / 5.5 miles
Trekking time: 8-10 hours
Zone: High alpine zone
Day four is a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west through the Saddle, which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). The route is dry, barren, and rather bleak but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut, you will get served dinner and go to bed early as you will be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Therefore, Trekkers should remember to prepare their gear, including headlamp, camera, insulated water, and warm weather clothes, before they go to sleep.
Day 8: ~ Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and then Horombo Hut ( Summit Day)
15,600 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,000ft
Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles ascent and then 15km / 8 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours to Horombo Hut
Zone: Glacial zone, high alpine zone, and low alpine zone
Day five begins at midnight; after being awoken with tea and biscuits, you will start your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first checkpoint, Hans Meyer Cave, at 5,150 meters. You should have a break here and refuel on an energy bar. The route then zigzags and increases in steepness as you approach Gilman's Point 2-3 hours later at 5,681 meters. You are now on Kibo's crater rim, a huge achievement! But you still have a 200-meter ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina to push yourself up the final slopes. At Uhuru Peak, you will stay briefly before descending back to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo Hut. In total, you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life but well worth it! Here's the good news, beers can be bought at Horombo Hut!
Day 9: ~ Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
12,000 ft to 5,500 ft
Distance: ~20km / 13 miles
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone and rainforest
The final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) is a long one, nearly 20km! Your knees will be sore from the previous day's hike, so go slowly and make sure of your footing as you descend, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints. At Marangu Gate, where you signed in 6 days ago, you will now sign out. Those who got as far as Gilman's Point but no further will be presented with a green certificate. Trekkers who made it to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold certificate. Most trekkers present their trekking team with their hard-earned tips at this stage before being driven back to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower!
Day 10: ~ Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, we travel to Tarangire National Park, where we begin our one-day safari. Enjoy diverse wildlife populations and fewer tourists at this hidden gem for wildlife lovers. Observe massive elephant herds of 100+ animals and hunters of bird species. In the evening, we will drive to the Manyara Region, where we will spend the night in one of the most beautiful lodges in the region.
Day 11: ~ Manyara's Secret
There is a place in Tanzania with stunning views of Lake Manyara. Manyara's Secret is quite lucky. This is one of the few places where you can catch sight of tree-climbing lions now and then. This is not something you'll ever forget and certainly not to be missed. In Lake Manyara National Park, elephants abound, and there is a vast diversity and variety of birds. So if wildlife is your thing, you have indeed found the right place.
From Manyara's Secret, an exclusive boutique lodge, there is an array of activities that you can enjoy from simply, taking a swim or sitting on the terrace and reading a book to going on safari. You can shower under the sky or sleep under the "upside-down tree of the African plain," the Baobab Tree.
At mid-day, after a beautiful morning, we will then drive to the Kilimanjaro airport for your to catch an evening (5: 00 pm or later) flight to the USA via Europe.
Possible Extensions
You're traveled halfway around the globe to climb Kilimanjaro- don't go home without seeing Africa's legendary wildlife
5 Day Safari to the world famous Serengeti, home of the legendary Great Migration.
More time, exciting bush walks, and a dash of culture.
Why not track Gorillas?
Rwanda and Uganda ~ venture into the forest of Rwanda to find one of the world's rarest creatures- the mountain gorilla.
Custom itineraries upon request- let me know of your time constraints and budget.
Beach and Culture
Zanzibar ~ trade in your parka for a bathing suit as you arrive on this exotic island paradise.
Sands soft as silk with turquoise waters. Stone Town, where Arabic, Indian, and African cultures blend in centuries-old harmony. Fantastic food, Zanzibar is a spice capital specializing in fresh delicacies.
Beach or Culture? Basic or luxury? We have something for everybody.
Included in this package:
~ All government taxes relevant to the itinerary
~ Four nights at a comfortable lodge per the itinerary
~ Group Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
~ A day room to shower and rest post- trek per your itinerary
~ All camping gear on the mountain
~ Full board as described
~ National Park fees
~ English speaking guides
~ Backup logistical support from Urth Expedition
~ Unlimited filtered and purified water
~ Daily briefing
~ Customized dining tents with solar lights ( Mountain)
~ private Toilet Tent ( Mountain)
~ Safety Equipment: oxygen, first aid kits, Gamow bag, plus oximeter, AED
~ Safari cruiser with a trained guide ( safari)
~ Full board in lodges as described
~ local evacuation ( emergency)
What is not included
~ International Round Trip Airfare
~ Personal Hiking gear
~ Tanzania entry visa
~ Immunization
~ Laundry, specialty beverages, phone and internet charges other personal services.
~ Tips for guides, porter, and camp staff
~ Airport taxes
~ Excess baggage charges
~ International insurance
~ sleeping bags ( Mountain- can be rented)
Notes:
~ All accommodation rates are based on double occupancy, and the single supplement will apply
~ Remember that you are in Africa, and no matter all the efforts we put in, things don't always go according to plan. One should carry patience, a sense of adventure, a good spirit, and humor.
Tips:
Tipping is optional. The crew accepts it well as a token of your appreciation of the service. Tips should be given at the very end of the trip only. ( Tipping instruction will be provided with booking)
Social implication:
We are committed to developing our communities and culture in East Africa. Also, all of the food products we buy are from the local market and often from the same supplier with whom we develop an honest, collaborative business approach. We are supporting several Initiatives in East Africa ( Ibuka Dance Foundation, Give a Heart to Africa, privilege2serve, African Promise Village, Conservation through Tourism.
Are you up to the challenge?
You'll be provided with a training plan, and your Trip Leader will check in regularly to ensure you're adequately prepared. You'll need at least twelve weeks of preparation, training three to four times a week, leading into your departure. Of course, the fitter you are for your trip, the more you'll be able to take in the breathtaking landscapes Africa is known for.
Karibu sana, Karibu sana means" please feel very welcome" and is one of the most common Swahili phrases you will hear in Tanzania.
We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable experience in the country we/I consider my second home.
Let's start planning!
www.urthsafari.com ~ (512) 787-4628. ~ info@urthsafari.com
Cost
The cost will vary depending on the total number of climbers:
Group of 5 – 9 climbers*: please inquire at info@urthsafari.com
Group of 10 or more climbers*: please inquire at info@urthsafari.com
$200 donation to your chosen charity is built into the cost of the climb, but we encourage all climbers to fundraise as part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make your climb mean more!
* Please note that we cannot offer the Kilimanjaro climb if there are fewer than five climbers.