Mt. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania. Not only is Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa but is the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 19,341 feet (the Uhuru Peak/Kibo Peak). It has three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. There are six official trekking routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, of which the Rongai is the easiest but with the most difficult summit night. Though the climb is technically not as challenging as when climbing the high peaks of the Himalayas or Andes, the high elevation, low temperature, and occasional high winds make this a difficult and dangerous trek. This trek is for you adventurers who want to test your stamina and have trekked at high altitude before. Reaching the summit is an exhilarating experience but for the strong at heart. End the climb with a safari to see the area’s wildlife. Mt. Kilimanjaro & Safari is for those of you who crave true adventure.
Day 1 – Johannesburg
Arrive JRO – transfer to KIA Lodge for overnight Half board
The rest of your day is free for you to relax.
Day 2 – Johannesburg/Moshi
Morning Kili viewing, on to Moshi, afternoon climb briefing – Kilimanjaro Mtn. Resort – Full board
Day 3 – Moshi/Moorland (2626m)
Moshi to Marangu Gate to Moorland Camp
Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to the Marangu park gate for climb registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 ½ hours to the Rongai start point (1996m). Begin climb to Moorland Camp Meet your guide and porters and begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses through coffee plantations and maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not steep and is a hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Moorland Camp. (4 hrs)
Day 4 – Moorland/Kikelewa (3679m)
Moorland Camp to Kikelewa Cave
Hike from Moorland camp up towards Kibo for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch, continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up. Water can be found in a stream below the cave. Wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp. (6 hours)
Day 5 – Kikelewa/Mawenzi (4303m)
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
A short, steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. (3 hours)
Day 6 – Mawenzi/Kibo (4730m)
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo (Outward Bound) Camp
After breakfast, head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. It takes 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 hut. (5 hours)
Day 7 – Kibo/Summit (5895m) /Horombo (3705m)
Kibo camp to Summit and descend to Horombo Camp
You will rise around midnight, and begin your attempt to reach the summit. 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 (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. You must move slowly and with concentrated effort. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. (7- 8 hours)
Descend to Horombo hut and dinner. (6 – 8 hours) This is a very long and demanding day.
Day 8 – Horombo/Marangu Gate/Arusha/Tarangire
Descend to Marangu Gate – Transfer to Arusha – Proceed to Tarangire – Kikoti
After breakfast you continue your descent, 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. (5 – 7 hours)
You will be driven to Arusha and onward to Tarangire. Overnight at Kikoti tented camp
Day 9 – Tarangire
Tarangire game drive, guided walk + night drive
Tarangiri National Park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions. Visitors to the park can expect to also see zebra and wildebeest. Other animals include waterbuck, giraffe, and olive baboons.
The park is home to more than 550 species, making it paradise for bird enthusiasts who can expect so see dozens of species even in the dry season. The swamps are the focus of the largest selection of breeding birds anywhere in the world. Yellow-collared Lovebirds are a common bird sighting in the trees along the Tarangire River. Overnight at Kikoti tented camp
Day 10 – Tarangire/Ngorongoro
Depart to Ngorongoro for remainder of the day for crater tour & game viewing – Ngorongoro Sopa
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. Its known for its concentration of wild life. A population of approximately 25,000 large animals live in the crater. Large animals in the crater include the black rhinoceros and the hippopotamus There also are wildebeest, zebra, the eland, and Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles.
The crater has the densest known population of lions. On the crater rim are leopards, elephants, mountain reedbuck, and buffalo. In the middle of the crater there is a large lake inhabited by hundreds of flamingoes and from a distance, they appear as a pink border of the lake.
Overnight at Ngorongoro
Day 11 – Ngorongoro/Arusha/Depart Johannesburg
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha – Lunch – late afternoon transfer to day room at KIA Lodge – transfer to JRO for departure flight.
