Mt. Kilimanjaro (N)
Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route: 5days:
Day 1:
Early breakfast, then transfer to Marangu gate and start the climb by walking through the rain forest for about 3hrs and reach MANDARA HUT (3000m) Overnight.
Day 2:
After breakfast, continue ascending through Alpine (heath and moorland vegetation for about 4hrs and reach HOROMBO HUT (3962m) Overnight.
Day 3:
After breakfast, continue ascending semi desert type of vegetation for about 4hrs reach KIBO HUT (4500m) Overnight.
Day 4:
Early morning start the final climb for about 3hrs to the summit UHURU PEAK (5895m). Then descend back to HOROMBO HUT. Overnight.
Day 5:
After breakfast, descend back to Marangu gate and our vehicle will be waiting there to provide the transfer back to Arusha for overnight.
Kilimanjaro Climb via the Machame Route 6 days:
Day 1:
Machame Hut Camp (10,000') (day 1 on the mountain) Drive for 1 hour from the lodge in Arusha to Machame gate (10,000ft) for registration, and meet the rest of the crew (Cooks and Porters) early for the climb. We will start the climb through rainforest and the giant heathers for 6 hrs to our first overnight camp.
Day 2:
Shira Camp (12,480') (day 2 on the mountain) Short day but rather steep rocky and dusty trails. It's a slow hike with plenty of breaks and enough time to acclimatize. Most of the route is rather bare of vegetation providing little shade from heat. You will cross many ridges and see the first of many Senesces
Day 3:
Barranco Camp (13,000') (day 3 on the mountain) Start with climbing over boulders and very few rocks, then steady uphill climb to Lava tower and stop for lunch around noon. For the interested we may climb up the Lava tower which is 14850ft (You may start to get a mild headache due to altitude change). From Lava tower
we will go down for about 2 hrs through dusty and rocky trails to the Barranco Camp at 13000ft.
Day 4:
Barafu Camp (14,200') (day 5 on the mountain) Short but steep uphill climb across barren landscape with lots of boulders and shattered rocks. You will see the Decking glaciers on your left. Keep going a very steep ridge until we reach a rocky section for more scrambling for about hour and half. Our next camp will be on large rocks with very steep cliff faces. We will go to bed very early because we will have to wake up at 11.00p.m for the summit
Day 5:
Summit Day and Mweka Hut (10,500') (day 6 on the mountain) We will start the climb at around midnight. We will start with very steep rocks for 1 hour, and then will enter a snow covered area where you can see glaciers above. If it's a moonlight night, you may turn off your headlamp and walk in the moonlight, it is a wonderful
experience. Next 2 hours to Stella Point, we will take a break every 15 minutes as a struggle gets more mentally and physically challenging. Then we will get to Stella Point where the Lava fields are like loose sand. It's very funny and frustrating because you will take a step up and slide back gaining 0 distances and if not careful slide back 2 steps and gain negative 2 steps. After break we will climb to UHURU PEAK for 1 hr just as the sun appears over the Mawenzi peaks. We will be at UHURU PEAK (19370ft) around 6.00am. We will stop for lunch and a good rest before we proceed down to Hut Camp.
Day 6:
Arusha (day 7 on the mountain and hike out) Start the hike down to the park gate through steep downhill and very slippery. We will arrive at the gate around 11.00am ready to sign out and receive your certificates. Say goodbye to the crew (Porters and the Cooks). Drive back to Arusha for a nice hot shower and time to
relax, Dinner and overnight at Arusha hotel
Kilimanjaro climb via Lemosho Route 8days
Day 1:
Drive from Arusha to Boma Ng’ombe then turn to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Continue driving to the Lemosho Glades; from there start trekking through the rain forest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Campsite
Day 2:
After breakfast, continue with ascending across the dense rain forest, climbing is gradually become steeper before reaching a wide moorland zone. Proceed toward Gane & Marshall One Valley for Lunch Break. Then cross a high altitude desert plateau Shire Caldera to Shire Cave (on request this can be omitted). Overnight camping here
Day3:
After breakfast at Shire Cave proceeds gently east across the Shira Plateau and the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Hut on the moorland meadow; It is an excellent place in this route for acclimatization, while gaining the altitude slowly. Overnight Camping at Shire Hut
Day4:
From Shira Hut turn eastward and continue climbing towards the Barranco Hut through Lava Tower while getting great views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. Overnight stay at Barranco Hut
Day5:
After overcoming the volcanic rock barrier? The Great Barranco (locally known as breakfast)? descends through scree and ridges to Karanga Valley and the rest. Overnight here
Day6:
Start climbing early in the morning (normally 01:00 am) to reach the Kibo Crater rim at the Stella Point before sunrise. Then descent to the crater floor to Furtwangler Glacier for camping
Day7:
Ascending towards the peak between glaciers to UHURU PEAK at 5,896m the highest point in Africa; it is here that you can have that feeling ?I have Conquered Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain of Africa? Then descend to Mweka Hut at the edge of the rainforest, for overnight camping, with a stopover at Barafu Hut for Lunch
Day8:
After breakfast, descend to Mweka gate, meet the waiting driver and drive back to the New Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha for hot shower and dinner & overnight
Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route 6 Days
Day1:
Drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate for the necessary registration formalities and then transferred by Land Rover to Rongai, which should take about 1.5 hours. The climb starts at the village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The climb is consistently and gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. Reaching first Campsite, at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.), giving you extensive views over the Kenyan plains. (7km, 3-4 hrs Trekking)
Day2:
After breakfast start with steady walk ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m.). Start seeing Kibo Peak and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (3.600m.) (15km,5-7hrsoftrekking)
Day3:
Trailing start with short but steep climb up grassy slopes, which are rewarded with superb circular views and a tangible sense of wilderness, before reaching Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), for camping. Spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization (10km, 5-7 hrs. of trekking)
Day4:
Early morning proceeds with trekking crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School Campsite at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. (8km, 6-7 hrs of trekking). Spend remainder of the day resting and preparation for the final ascent
Day5:
The last day will be a really early beginning for the summit, normally 01:00 am, trailing through loose volcanic screen to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point, take a rest for short while before continuing to the Uhuru Peak (which might take 3 hours) After relaxing, watching the sun rise and taking memorable pictures, start descending to the Horombo Hut and spend overnight there.
Day6:
After breakfast descend to Marangu Gate, meet the driver and return to your hotel in Arusha
Mt. Kilimanjaro by the Shira Route
The Shira Plateau is one of the most fascinating and scenic areas on Kilimanjaro. It is well worth a visit just to explore the ridges and moorland. However, the road to Shira is only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles and can become impassable during wet periods.
The drive to and from Shira offers magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley, studded with mountains. Among them Mt. Meru and Longido are especially prominent. The Shira zone of parasitic cones extends along to the north of the road, from plain to plateau. The vegetation changes along the track are striking. The plateau is grassland, heath and moor, with especially large senecios (up to 10 meters high) in valleys near the Cone. Elands can often be seen on the plateau, and you may see signs of buffaloes, leopards and other animals.
The Shira Cone rises about 200 meters above the plateau. Beyond it, to the west, is the Shira Ridge, a steep rise reaching almost 400 meters above plateau level at its trig point. The southern ridge of the Shira Plateau has two dramatic peaks called Cathedral and the Needle.
Shira Route then Uhuru Point by the Arrow Glacier This is a really steep, hard but short route to the summit from Arrow Glacier Camp which is itself reached in about 4 hours from the Barranco Hut. From December to February crampons and ice axes may be needed.
Day 1:
Arrive Arusha. Check into hotel for briefing and overnight.
Day 2:
Drive to the National Park gate at Lindorossi on West Kilimanjaro. We commence the climb walking through the montane rain forest towards the Plateau. Lunch en route. Diner and overnight at the camp site.
Day 3:
After breakfast we continue walking towards the Shira Hut for lunch. The day is spent acclimatizing. A visit can be made to the Plats Cone on the ridge. Dinner and overnight at the camp site.
Day 4:
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the East passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue our direction changes to South East towards the Lava Tower, called? The Sharks Tooth) shortly after the tower we come to the second junction who brings us up to the arrow glacier. We have now reached an altitude of (4876 m). We now continue down to the Barranco hut at an altitude of (3860 m) here we rest, enjoy dinner and camp overnight.
Day 5:
After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall passing through the Karanga valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka trail. We continue to the Barafu hut which is located at an altitude of (4600 m) here we make camp. Rest enjoy dinner and overnight. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Day 6
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Ice fields.
Day 7
After breakfast we continue the descent (3-4 hours) down to the Mweka Park gate and then drive back to Arusha. Overnight at hotel
Day 8
Depart Arusha for after breakfast onward journey.
Variation: Shira Route then Uhuru Point by the Arrow Glacier This is a really steep, hard but short route to the summit from Arrow Glacier Camp which is itself reached in about 4 hours from the Barranco Hut. From December to February crampons and ice axes may be needed.
Climbing certificates are issued by the Kilimanjaro National Park for successful climbers.
Kilimanjaro climbing via Umbwe route
Day1:
From Hotel in Arusha Drive to Umbwe Gate, after registration start the trail. It is climbing through steep slopes covered with a dense natural rain forest, which then walk along the narrow ridge between the Lonzo River and Umbwe River to reach Umbwe Caves Campsite. Dinner and overnight at the camp
Day 2:
The forest ends shortly after leaving the Umbwe Caves, the path continue up past moorland and along a narrow spectacular ridge before reaching Barrack Hut at 3,900m
Day 3:
Breakfast at Barranco Hut, and then proceed with a short hard climb over a vertical wall to the top of the Great Barranco (locally known as breakfast), descend through scree and ridges to Karanga Valley, have a break here before climbing over a ridge to the Barafu Hut near glacier stream for overnight stay. This is the hardest part, it might take 8 to 9 hours (see the note below)
Day 4:
Start climbing early in the morning (normally 01:00 am) to reach the Kibo crater rim at the Stella Point (sometimes it is bitterly cold here) before sunrise. Ascending between glaciers and sometimes it is covered with snow; therefore, an ice-axe or ski stick become useful for balance. Proceeds to UHURU PEAK at 5,896m the highest point in Africa. After memorable pictures descend to Barafu Hut for Lunch, then Mweka Hut for overnight
Day 5:
After breakfast, descend to Mweka gate and drive back to Arusha
Important Points of Interest on Mount Kilimanjaro (Approximate Altitudes in Meters)
Machame Village 1200
Umbwe Village 1200
Mweka Village 1200
Marangu Gate 1800
Machame Gate 1828
Mandara Hut 2743
Machame Hut 3100
Mweka Hut 3100
Horombo Hut 3657
Shira Hut 3840
Barranco 3900
Karanga Valley 4200
Wedge 4590
Barafu 4600
Kibo Hut 4709
Arrow Glacier 4850
Gillman?s Point 5681
Great West Notch 5686
Stella Point 5745
Uhuru Peak 5895
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Day 1:
After breakfast, drive to Momella gate, start the climb, walk through the rain forest for about 3hours and reach Miriakamba Hut (2800m.)
Day 2:
After breakfast, continue ascending through alpine moorland vegetation for about 3hours and reach Saddle hut (3500m)
Day 3:
Early morning ascend to the summit Meru Summit (4566m) and descend back to Momella gate where our vehicle will be waiting to provide the transfer to Arusha, overnight at Impala hotel on bed and breakfast. |
Ngorongoro Crater Highland
Day 1:
Depart Arusha at 0700am. Drive to Ngorongoro CraterDescend into the Crater floor for the morning Game viewing. Lunch at the campsite. Drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim and proceed to Nainokanoka Maasai village. Picnic Lunch en route. More than a 100 species of bird not found in the Serengeti have been found in the crater rim. With the help of donkeys carrying the luggage proceed to Bulati Village visiting Olmoti Crater and waterfalls passing the Embulmbul depression. The Olmoti Crater is a shallow grassy crater and is the source of the Munge river, which pours through a notch in the rim in a spectacular waterfall on its way to Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight at Bulati Campsite.
Day 2:
After an early breakfast hike to Empakai Crater (4 Hours). Descend into the crater to watch the flamingos and other animals - this beautiful little crater contains forests and a deep lake. At Empakai, the scenery is spectacular at every point. From the northern and eastern side you can look out to the dramatic cone of 01 Doinyo Lengai, the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron. Dinner and overnight on the Empakai Crater rim.
Day 3:
The crater rim is about 6km wide. From the western side of the crater rim the view is spectacular, the steep inner walls are densely forested and drop to the flat crater floor, which is partly submerged under a lake and surrounded by huge flocks of flamingoes. Descending the crater can take 20-30 minutes to the lakeshore. Here you can see shore birds and some animals. After Embakai we will follow tracks which descend gradually to a village called Naiyobi, which means "spring" or "bubbling water". People here are more agricuiturist than pastorals, and this is a good opportunity to meet and talk with the locals. Overnight at Lerai campsite beyond the village.
Day 4:
Another early start (07.00) as we set off and hike through Emouro Engoilil (Pembe ya Swala) to the bottom of 01 Doinyo LengaL A 5-6 hour trek from Naiyobi village. We will follow paths through beautiful grass hills along a ridge running parallel to the Great Rift Valley. This point is called Ongoilei, which means "gazelle horns" in the Masai language. The trail is rough due to remaining volcanic gravel. The Ol-Doinyo-Lengai, which has dominated your view since leaving, becomes increasingly impressive. Stay at the base of Ol-Doinyo-Lengai to start climbing late evening. The walk is 5-6 hours to the summit and 3 hours down. Sun hats, lotion and enough water for drinking is important for this climb!. Stay overnight at the summit depending on the weather.
Day 5:
Breakfast at around 0700am. Descend to the foot of the mountain for the transfer to the Ngare/Sero River which flows north from the crater highlands into Lake Natron. After a long hot walk, a swim in the clear running water is very refreshing. You will spend the night at a campsite on the shore of Lake Natron.
Day 6:
At 05.30 we drive to Lake Natron to view the sunrise and the flamingos and then depart to Arusha via Engaruka village where you will see the ruins. Breakfast will be served after a visit at the Lake. Picnic Lunch en route. Arriving in Arusha late afternoon where your adventure ends.
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Mount Oldoinyo Lengai
Day 1:
Pick up Arusha and transfer by dirt road to the Masai Community campsite near Lake Natron. The final part of the drive is through fascinating scenery with mini-calderas punctuating the landscape. The camp is located at the base of the Great Rift Valley, with the Ngorongoro Highlands above. It's possible to arrange a traditional goat-roast for dinner.
Day 2:
Early morning short drive and walk to the shores of Lake Natron. Here you will see many flamingoes, and may be a jackal on the prowl for it's breakfast. After lunch there will be another short hike to Engaresero Waterfalls with a naturally formed, incredibly convenient Jacuzzi! Dinner will be early as it is important to get a few hours sleep, before being roused at 11.30pm to make the final preparations for the hike.
Day 3:
At 12.00am leave the campsite and make the short drive to the base of 01 Doinyo L'Engai and begin to climb the Mountain of the Gods. The path itself is quite difficult underfoot and steep the whole way. Towards the rim it turns into powdery ash - like trudging through deep soft snow! Arriving at the summit in time for sunrise, the perfect reward! This volcano is active and glowing rock can often be seen bubbling out of the numerous ash cones on the top. Descend late morning in time for a good lunch, dip in the stream and a celebratory beer! Overnight at the campsite.
Day 4:
After a relaxing morning including an optional game drive to Lake Natron or swimming in the waterfall pools, transfer to Arusha.
End Of Climbing
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Mount Hanang (N)
Remotely located on somewhat bumpy tracks 200 km south-west of Arusha, Mt. Hanang's extinct volcanic crater makes for a stunning feature above the otherwise undulating plains. The two-day climb takes trekkers through numerous tribal areas, including the land of the semi nomadic Barabaig, recognizable by their goatskin garments.
Ol- Donyo Lengai (N)
Overlooking Lake Natron and the bush land of Kenya to the north, ol- Donyo Lengai, which means 'the home of God' in Masaai, is an active volcano and one of Tanzania's most spectacular and undiscovered climbs. The volcano erupts sporadically, sending small streams of grey lava down the crater rim and spitting hot ash high in to the air. The climb, undertaken overnight so hikers can experience sunrise over the Rift Valley escarpment, is highly challenging.
Pare Mountains (S)
Part of the Eastern Arc range in north-eastern Tanzania, the remote Pare Mountains are extremely rewarding to the avid trekker searching for hiking trails off the beaten path. Home to the Pare tribe, agriculturalists and pastoralists who have largely retained their traditional way of life, a hike through the Pare Mountains takes visitors through local villages and beautiful forests, and offers the chance to see a little-visited part of the country.
Udzungwa Mountains (S)
Located west of Dar es Salaam, the Udzungwa Mountains rise up from the western edge of the Selous Game Reserve. Vervet monkeys play high in the forest canopy, and small forest antelope can be viewed at the right time of day. Botanical diversity is exceptional, and the park is host to a large number of endangered bird species. Views from the peaks of the mountains, towards the Selous Game Reserve and the distant Indian Ocean coast, are incredible and well worth the effort.
The Udzungwa Mountains offer visitors the opportunity to view several species of primates and endangered birds in a beautiful African rain forest. Five distinct trails cover the forests and mountain peaks within the park, and offer varying levels of difficulty for everyone from novices to experienced trekkers. Better yet, there are no roads through the Undzungwa Mountains National Park, so hikers have the area all to themselves.
Usambara Mountains (S)
The Usambara Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc chain in the northeastern part of the country. Their western and eastern ranges 'are divided by a 4 km wide valley of small villages and farms, and hiking trails cover the foothills and larger peaks. Day walks and overnight treks take visitors through some of the most concentrated areas of biodiversity in Africa. Bird wa tching is especially rewarding, and the views from the mountaintops stretch over the Masaai Steppe and, on a clear day, as far as the Indian Ocean.
Mountain Equipment
Good warm sleeping bag, water bottle 1 to 2 liters a day, water purification, tablets solution and filter wash kit and towel toilet paper, first aid kit, torch sunglasses, walking sticks favorite sweets or nibbles.
Mountain Clothing
Warm wind protect jacket, with hood water pool jacket, over trousers, walking trouser, top sleeve shirts, pullovers, warm under wear, good comfortable walking boots, training shoes, sun hat, warm hat or balaclava scarf.
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