BIG EXPEDITIONS AND SAFARIS DEPART EVERDAY - THESE ARE SPECIAL SCHEDULE

JOIN NOW!! - A GROUP FOR THE TRIPS FROM JANUARY 2011 - CHOOSE BELOW

Code # BE1: - 3 Days / 2 Nights Wildlife Safari - (Status - Available)
Code # BE2: - 4 Days / 2 Nights Wildlife Safari - (Status - Available)
Code # BE3: - 8 Days / 7 Nights Wildlife Safari - (Status - Available)
Code # BE4: - 7 Days / 6 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route - (Status - Available)
Code # BE5: - 6 Days / 5 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route - (Status - Available)

Rongai Route - Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights

The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) - 1st Caves camp (2600m).
Hiking time: 5 hours. | Distance: About 8 km's. | Habitat: Montane forest 

After breakfast we drive to Marangu route for registration and thereafter heading to Rongai gate. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres.

Day 2: 1st Cave (2600m) - Kikelewa Cave (3600m).
Hiking time: 6-7 hours. | Habitat: Moorlands 

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelewa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really different zone. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m).
Hiking time: 3-4 hours. | Habitat: Moorlands

A short but 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. Dinner and overnight at the Mawenzi Tarn camp.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) - Kibo hut (4700m).
Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours. | Habitat: Alpine desert.

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 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. Dinner and an early sleep since at the mid night you will be awaken for preparation to climb.

Day 5: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m).
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru, 6 hours to descend to Horombo.
Distance: 6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent. | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

You will rise around 00hr30, and after some hot chocolate, coffee, or tea and biscuits you will start descending the highest Mountain in Africa and a free standing Mountain in the World.

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 with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Dinner and overnight at the Horombo camp.

Day 6: Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m).
Hiking time: 6 hours. | Distance: About 27 km's.

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. This is 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. You now drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and overnight at a designated hotel or lodge.