Climb Kili 09 - Itinerary
Join us 20-30 August 2009...
Climbing Kilimanjaro one of life’s true achievements. Soaring above the vast plains below, the ‘roof of Africa’ rises to a giddy 5,895m (19,335ft).
The climb at altitude, as well as the lunar landscape and stunning views makes it one of the mountains every trekker and mountaineer in the world wants to conquer.
At more or less 24 miles wide and 49 miles long, Kili (as she is affectionately known in Tanzania), is more ecosystem than mountain, dwarfing other regional landmarks like Mt. Meru and Mt. Kenya, and dominating the savannah of East Africa.
The mountain consists of three peaks: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo (the highest point of which is Uhuru). We will be climbing Mount Kibo peak in our challenge. Here is what you can expect on our trek to the summit:
Day 1: London - Tanzania
Depart London for overnight flight to Kilimanjaro.
Day 2: Arrive in Kilimanjaro
Transfer to the hotel in the village of Marangu, 2km from the park entrance at Marangu Park Gate.
Overnight: Nakara Hotel, Marangu
Sleep at altitude: 1800m / 5,906 feet.
Day 3: Marangu Gate-Mandara Huts
The gentle 4 ½ hour ascent on rain-forest trail weaves through dense forest filled with the noise of chattering of Colobus monkeys. We are surrounded by an incredible variety of towering trees, giant ferns and wild forest flowers – perhaps even the odd orchid.
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Hours walking: 4-5
Climb to altitude: 2744m / 9,000 feet
Day 4: Mandara Hut-Horombo Hut
An early start for the longer trek along an uphill trail to the Horombo Hut. The landscape takes on a more rugged and rocky terrain. In the distance we’ll see the magnificent peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. We pass through the cloud level!
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Hours walking: 7-8
Climb to altitude: 3761m / 12,339 feet
Day 5: Acclimatisation trek
An acclimatisation trek of approximately 5 hours. The morning involves the upper Kibo trail which takes us through streams and rocky mountain vegetation to "Zebra Rock" at 4,000m. We continue to an observation point at 4300m for some spectacular views of Kibo Hut, the twin peaks and the trail to the summit . We return to Horombo Hut for a hot lunch and time to relax.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Hours walking: 5
Climb to altitude: 4300m / 14,108 feet
Sleep at altitude: 3761m / 12,339 feet
Day 6: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
We follow the lower route to Kibo Hut through spectacular mountain flora and fauna – giant cacti, lobelia and other mountain flowers line our route. After trekking for 4 hours we stop for our picnic at the Kibo Saddle and although we can see the Kibo Hut it is another 2 –3 hours trek in the afternoon. This part of the trek is beyond the water point as we enter the ‘desert’ zone, it can be slow-going and cold due to the high altitude.
Overnight : Kibo Hut
Hours walking: 7-8
Climb to altitude: 4650m / 15,255 feet
Day 7: Acclimatisation trek
We trek halfway to Gilman’s point at 5000m to acclimatise to the high altitude and rest sufficiently for tomorrow’s ascent to the summit.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Hours walking: 5
Climb to altitude: 5000m / 16,666 feet
Sleep at altitude: 4650m / 15,255 feet
Day 8: The Summit
After a warming cup of tea and a light snack of biscuits we set off in the small hours (just after midnight) to embark on a slow ascent up the steepest and most difficult part of the challenge to Gilman’s Point at an altitude of 5685m, perched on the crater rim where we rest to watch the sun begin to rise. Everyone qualifies to have climbed Kilimanjaro at this point and can return to Kibo Hut if they choose. There is an option to continue on from here for a further 2 hours through snow and wind to Uhuru Peak, 5895m. It can be extremely cold to well below freezing temperatures. At the top we spend some time resting, taking photographs of the world below (clouds permitting). On a clear day you may see Mount Kenya. Descend to Kibo Hut for a warming snack. Continue the descent for a further 3 – 3 ½ hours to Horombo Hut to rest and overnight.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Hours walking: 15-17
Climb to altitude: Gilmans Point : 5685m/18,655 feet Uhuru Peak: 5895m/19,342 feet
Day 9: Horombo Hut – Marangu
After breakfast we set off for the rapid descent. In 3 ½ hours we reach Mandara Hut and then after another 3 hours we reach Marangu Park Gate. We stop briefly for a packed lunch on the way. Transfer to our hotel and relax for the afternoon to rebalance and rest aching limbs. Tonight we celebrate together and toast our achievement!
Overnight: Nakara Hotel, Marangu
Hours walking: 6-7
Sleep at altitude: 1800m / 5,906 feet.
Day 10: Marangu
Free time or take part in an optional tour. Lunch not included on this day. Late dinner on flight back to the UK.
Day 11: Arrive back in London.
Please note that this a complex itinerary and details are subject to change.
To be a part of this amazing challenge, you will need to register and send a deposit for £250. Participants agree to fundraise £2950 in order to take part.
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