KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ITINERARIES

ITINERARY 1 (RONGAI ROUTE – 7 DAY TREK): 9N/10D

The Rongai route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The Rongai joins the Marangu for the summit climb, then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain's southeast side, so you see Kilimanjaro from many view points. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

Day 1 / Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi (910 m/2,985 ft)

Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport, transfer to your hotel in Moshi for briefing and overnight stay.

Day 2 / Moshi

Acclimatise, get briefed and get rid of your jet lags. Get some good rest.

Day 3 / Moshi to Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530 ft): 7 km/4-5 hours

The day starts early with breakfast and final briefing. You will be driven by Land Rover through many villages and coffee plantations for 4-5 hours to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru (1,950 m/6,398 ft). After signing in and preparing the porters, the trek begins on a wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, then enter a pine forest. You then start to climb gently but consistently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin and Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530 ft) is near the “First Cave” at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 4 / Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m/11,810 ft): 12 km/6-7 hours

Early morning you will have a beautiful view of Kibo (Kilimanjaro’s main crater) and Mawenzi (Kilimanjaro’s second peak) on the left. After leaving the camp, you will make a steady ascent to the Second Cave where you have lunch. You leave the direct trail at the Second Cave and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path toward Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. After another 10 km, you reach the Kikelewa Camp in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby. The Kikelewa Cave is also nearby.

Day 5 / Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 m/14,810 ft): 4 km/3-4 hours

Today there, will be a short, steep climb up grassy slopes with amazing all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Shortly after you leave the vegetation behind, you reach the Mawenzi Tarn, which is situated in a spectacular cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. After this short hike, you can spend the afternoon exploring this exciting area.

Day 6 / Acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 m/14,810 ft)

An extra day is spent here. An acclimatisation walk is recommended towards Mawenzi upto 4,600 m.

Day 7 / Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Huts (4,750 m/15,584 ft): 9 km/5-6 hours

After breakfast you leave the camp and cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo Huts at the bottom of Kibo’s crater wall. Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for your summit climb.

Day 8 / Kibo Huts to Uhuru Summit (5,895 m/19,340 ft): Ascent – 5.5 km/7-8 hours | Descend to Horombo (3,720 m/12,200 ft) – 15 km/6-8 hours

Wake at midnight to a light breakfast, then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. Leave around 1 am, switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 5 and 7 AM. Here, the views of the fabled crater and its icecaps greet you. Another 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim near the celebrated snows will take you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 9 AM. This is Africa’s highest point. After the customary pictures at the summit, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your things, and recross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Have your dinner and get some well-deserved sleep.

Day 9 / Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,003 ft): 20 km/6 hours | Drive to Moshi.

Descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there and then continue down through lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3 PM. A vehicle will take you back to the hotel in Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration.

Day 10 / Depart

End of Expedition. Fly out home or have a rest day or stay on for the safari or fly out to Zanzibar for an awesome scuba diving experience and chill at the golden sandy beaches.

ITINERARY 2 (MACHAME ROUTE – 7 DAY TREK): 9N/10D

Machame route is sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, best spent on the Shira Plateau, where you could walk to the Shira Needles. Strong groups could omit camping at Karanga River. The Mweka Route is used for the descent.

Day 1 / Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi (910 m/2,985 ft)

Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport, transfer to your hotel in Moshi for briefing and overnight stay.

Day 2 / Moshi

Acclimatise, get briefed and get rid of your jet lags. Get some good rest.

Day 3 / Machame Gate (1,640 m/5,413 ft) to Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft): 11 km/7 hours

Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Machame village (1490 m/4,888 ft). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest. You will receive a lunch pack at the gate and you can also drink bottled water you bought at Hotel in Moshi. There is possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at Machame campsite.

Day 4 / Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,500 m/11,483 ft): 5 km/6 hours

You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3 840m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.

Day 5 / Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft): 11 km/7 hours

The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4,630 m/15,190 ft after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft). Definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch you descent again by almost 680 m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600 m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp site.

Day 6 / Barranco Camp to Karanga camp (3,963 m/13,002): 5 km/4-5 hours

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge going up the spectacular Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. Today is a short day of about 4 hours walking. By varying the altitude on this route, you are helping your body to acclimatise.

Day 7 / Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,092): 4.5 km/4-5 hours

After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from our campsite. Again about 4 hours walking in very sparse vegetation.

Day 8 / Barafu Camp to the Summit (5,895 m/19,341 ft): Ascent - 4.5 km/7-8 hours | Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp: 11 km/6-8 hours

Waking up very early (midnight), we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak. This part of the climb takes about 7 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will be able to see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka camp site, stopping at Barafu on the way for lunch and a short rest. This part of the descent takes about 6-7 hours. You might want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

Day 9 / Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 8.5 km/4-6 hours | Drive to Moshi

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel. You will get your certificate (hopefully) It is time for celebration.

Day 10 / Depart

End of Expedition. Fly out home or have a rest day or stay on for the safari or fly out to Zanzibar for an awesome scuba diving experience and chill at the golden sandy beaches.

ITINERARY 3 (LEMOSHO ROUTE – 8 DAY TREK): 10N/11D

Lemosho Glades route is a quiet, less-traveled, and scenic path to the Shira Plateau. It can be used to reach the Western Breach route or to follow the Kibo South Circuit to the easier Barafu route. This route is one of the few where groups are joined by an armed ranger because of the forest around the Lemosho Glades.

Day 1 / KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – MOSHI

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up and transferred to the Hotel for overnight bed and breakfast.

Day 2 / MOSHI

Acclimatise, get briefed and get rid of your jet lags. Get some good rest.

Day 3 / HIKE FROM LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA (2,895 M/ 9,498 FT) | 6 KM/ 3-4 HOURS | HABITAT: RAIN FOREST

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Day 4 / HIKE FROM MTI MKUBWA TO SHIRA 1 CAMP (3,505 M/11,500 FT) |8 KM/ 5-6 HOURS | HABITAT: HEATH

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Day 5 / HIKE FROM SHIRA 1 CAMP TO MOIR HUT (4,206 M/13,800 FT) | 11 KM/ 5-7 HOURS| HEATH

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Day 6 / HIKE FROM MOIR HUT TO LAVA TOWER (4,629 M/15,190 FT) | 7 KM/ 4-5 HOURS | ALPINE DESERT HIKE FROM LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP (3,975 M/13,044 FT) | 3 KM/ 2-3 HOURS | HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall (91.44 meters) volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft (3,962.40 meters). Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Day 7 / HIKE FROM BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP (3,994 M/13,106 FT) | 5 KM/ 4-5 HOURS | HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft (274.32 meters) cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Day 8 / HIKE FROM KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP (4,672 M/15,331 FT) | 4 KM/ 4-5 HOURS | HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT

We leave Karanga and hit the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.

Day 9 / HIKE FROM BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK (5,895 M/19,341 FT) | 5 KM/ 7-8 HOURS| HABITAT: ARCTIC DESCEND FROM UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP (3,067M/10,065 FT) | 12 KM/ 4-6 HOURS| HABITAT: RAIN FOREST

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft / 5,761.92 meters), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 10 / DESCEND FROM MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE (1,639 M/5,380 FT) | 10 KM/ 3-4 HOURS | HABITAT: RAIN FOREST

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Day 11 / DEPARTURE

After an early breakfast, we transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight back home.

ITINERARY 4 (NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE – 9 DAY TREK): 11N/12D

Day 1 / KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – MOSHI

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up and transferred to the Hotel for overnight bed and breakfast.

Day 2 / MOSHI

Acclimatise, get briefed and get rid of your jet lags. Get some good rest.

Day 3 / LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA (2,895 M / 9,498 FT) | 6 KM / 3-4 HOURS | HABITAT: RAIN FOREST

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then we drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

Day 4 / MTI MKUBWA TO SHIRA 1 CAMP (3,505 M / 11,500 FT) | 8 KM / 5-6 HOURS | HABITAT: HEATH

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here, we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Day 5 / SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP (3,810 M / 12,500 FT) | 7 KM / 3-4 HOURS | HABITAT: HEATH

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

Day 6 / SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER (4,629 M / 15,190 FT) |7 KM / 3-4 HOURS | | HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT LAVA TOWER TO MOIR HUT (4,140 M / 13,580 FT) |7 KM / 2-3 HOURS| HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft (91.44 meters) tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Day 7 / MOIR HUT TO BUFFALO CAMP (4,023 M / 13,200 FT) | 12 KM / 5-7 HOURS | HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

Day 8 / BUFFALO CAMP TO THIRD CAVE (3,871 M / 12,700 FT) | 8 KM / 5-7 HOURS | HABITAT: HEATH

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled, and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

Day 9 / THIRD CAVE TO SCHOOL HUT (4,755 M / 15,600 FT) | 5 KM / 4-5 HOURS | HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue to our camp, School Hut. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Day 10 / SCHOOL HUT TO UHURU PEAK (5,895 M / 19,341 FT) |6 KM / 6-8 HOURS UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP (3,067 M / 10,065 FT) | 12 KM / 4-6 HOURS| HABITAT: ARCTIC

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft / 5,670 meters), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we make our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 11 / MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE (1,639 M / 5,380 FT) | 10 KM / 3-4 HOURS | HABITAT: RAIN FOREST

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Day 12 / DEPARTURE

After an early breakfast, we transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight back home.

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation of booking or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Rustik Travel as follows: * Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the cancelling party will be retained by Rustik Travel and the balance of the package price refunded. * If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by Rustik Travel. * If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by Rustik Travel and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately. * Should the cancelling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place. However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the cancelling party. * Rustik Travel and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at their discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.