Description

Ever dreamed of conquering Africa’s highest peak – Kilimanjaro! The climb starts out through lush rainforests teeming with bird life and other forest creatures. The vegetation thins as you climb in altitude. Your reward on the fifth day is summiting Uhuru Peak at an altitude of 5896m. It’ll be just after sunrise when you get to stand next to the famous sign board to take your photo, thereby adding your name to Africa’s hall of fame!

Highlights

• Sightings of back and white colobus monkeys on the early stages of the trail
• Spectacular views of the Kenyan plains
• Sunrise at Gilmans Point looking up to Uhuru Peak
• Summiting Africa’s highest peak

Sample Itinerary

This is the only route starting from the north side of the mountain from the small village of Rongai. Considered one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro it is increasing in popularity amongst trekkers. The climbing conditions are somewhat drier on the northern side of the mountain making the going easier and affording spectacular views over the flat Maasai lands. The summit is reached via the east side of Kibo and you then descend is via the Marangu route.

Day 1
Meet at Johannesburg International Airport at 12h15 to check in for the flight to Kilimanjaro via Dar Es Salaam. The flight departs at 14h55, arriving in Kilimanjaro at 20h55. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Moshi where you’ll have a late dinner and pre-trek briefing.

Day 2
After an early breakfast, transfer to the northern end of the Kilimanjaro National Park to the small village of Nale Moru for the start of the trail. Walk through an area of cultivated land before entering the tall pine forest. Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys with their white fringed 'capes' and tails often play in the tree tops providing entertainment along the trail. Further along the forest begins to thin out into moorland and leads to the first night’s overnight camp at First Cave. The walk takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Day 3
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to Second Cave which lies at an altitude of 3450m. This is a good resting spot for a lunch break and has with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim up ahead. Looking back down the trail the view extends over the vast Kenyan plains. After lunch continue onto Third Cave taking at an altitude of 3800m where you’ll be camping overnight. The day’s walk is 3 to 4 hours.

Day 4
Continue up the trail, ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The barren landscape rises gradually before reaching Kibo Camp where you’ll be staying overnight. The day’s hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and Kibo Hut lies at an altitude of 4700m. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent which begins around midnight.

Day 5
A very early morning start takes you up the steep path through heavy scree to Gilman's Point at 5681m on the crater rim to arrive in time for sunrise. After capturing some spectacular photographs, continue on to the highest point at Uhuru Peak - 5896m. Having reached the summit, descend back down to Horombo Hut where you’ll be staying overnight. It’s a long day of hiking, taking 7 to 8 hours ascend and 4 to 7 hours descend.

Day 6
On your last day on the mountain, continue your descent back down to the Marangu Park Gate. The walk is approximately 5 to 7 hours. At the gate you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi where you will stay overnight and be able to rest up the weary muscles.

Day 7
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. The flight depart at 09h00 and arrives in Johannesburg at 13h50. End of itinerary.