Crossing Kilimanjaro

A traverse from Kenya, ascent of Kilimanjaro via the Rongai way and descent via the classic route. On the way back, safari in the Amboseli Park.

• Day 1/   Arrival in Nairobi
• Day 2/  Transfer through the large savannas to the foot of Kilimanjaro, Loïtokitok
• Day 3 to 7/  Entry in Tanzania, ascent from Rongai to School Hut (15,584 feet), climb of Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet), descent via the classic route  (Horombo - Marangu)
• Day 8/   Horombo - Kibo Slopes cottage
• Day 9/   Amboseli park, game drive, lodge
• Day 10/  Morning game drive, Nairobi, depart from Nairobi.
  

Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa at 19,340 feet high, a volcano dating from seven hundred and fifty thousand years ago, and its main summit Kibo, is crowned by its crater with an 8,200 foot large diameter. It culminates at Uhuru Peak (Freedom Peak) and dominates the Mawenzipeak (16,893 feet) and the Shira peak (12,999 feet). The Ptolémée Egyptians mentioned the existence of a "white mountain" in the middle of Africa and until 1861, nobody believed them until an expedition was carried out by the Germanbaron, Klaus von der Decken, and the English botanist, Richard Thornton, who made it realized that there was indeed a snow-covered summit. Finally, on October 6, 1889 Hans Meyer, Ludwig Purtscheller and their guide, chagga Yohana Lauwo, arrived at the top of what is now a national park: National Kilimanjaro Park.

Crossing Kilimanjaro by climbing up via the Rongaïroute and going down via the classical way is not the usual path.
And, returning to Kenya, we find time to take photos of the animals during a safari in the famous Amboseli Park: giraffes, elephants, lions, thousands and thousands of gazelle, zebras and gnus, all with the majestic Kilimanjaro in the backdrop.

Day 1/  Arrival in Nairobi
After arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International airport, we will be met by a representative of Mountain World Travel and transferred to the Fairview Hotel (or similar) where we are booked on a half board.

Day 2/  Nairobi– Loiktokitok
After breakfast, we will be briefed about the program, before we leaving for Loiktokitok (155 miles). The drive will take about 4 to 5 hours. You will break for a light lunch on the way. On clear days, just a few kilometers from, you can already see Kilimanjaro standing out in the far background. Dinner and overnight will be at the Kibo Slopes Cottages.

Day 3/  Loïtokitok - Rongaï - Sekimba Campsite
After morning clearance with Kenyan customs, we will be transferred to the customs at Rongai 2.5 miles from Loitokitok. After immigration formalities we will drive a further 5 miles to Nalemoru, our starting point for our trek (6890 feet) where our mountain crew will be waiting for us. After brief introductions the climb starts through a natural rain forest where you may see Colobus monkeys and bird life. This day’s 6 mile walk will take about 4 hours. Overnight will be spent in tents at the Sekimba Campsite at the edge of the forest belt.

Day 4/  Sekimba Campsite – Kilelewa caves
Today you will have your first breakfast in the open with excellent views of the plains below and of the massive Kibo towering above you. At about 8.00 am our hike through the moorland leads to the Kikelewa caves (11,811 feet). The 9 mile climb takes about 6 hours with a lunch break at the 2nd caves (10,827 feet). The Kikelewa caves are situated next to the Kikelewa River, where you can take a dip, while enjoying an evening view of the towering Mawenzi peak. Overnight will be in a fly camp.

Day 5/  Kilelewa caves camp - Third cave
Today's target is the Mawenzi Tarn Hut which is at an altitude of 14,206 feet. Lunch will be taken along the way. From the Tarn Hut you will enjoy a magnificent view of Kibo, the ultimate destination of our trek. This scenic area at the foot of the Mawenzi peak is also the last water point before the summit. Experienced rock climbers can opt to conquer Hans Meyers peak (16,893 feet), however they do this at their own risk. The night will be spent in tents.

Day 6/  Third cave camp – School Hut
Today’s hike crossing the Kibo saddle is meant for acclimatization as we descend at 13,000 feet and ascend again to 15,584 feet at the School Hut. This Hut was renovated by us in a joint effort with Snowcap Mountain Climbing Camp and Hauser Exkursionen International. The exclusive use of the hut gives us a much better chance to rest in preparation for the next day’s challenge.

Day 7/  School Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo
After a short night and a hot drink, the final ascent starts at about 1.30am.The path gets gradually steeper finally taking you to Gillman's point (18,651 feet)where you can watch the sunrise and see the magnificent ice fields. After a short break, you will proceed along a crater rim to Uhuru peak (19,340 feet)which you will reach at approximately 9:00 am. After your summit photo, descend to Kibo Hut for lunch before another 3 hours descend to Horombo (12,205 feet). Here we will spend the night in a fly camp. The brave ones can have a cold dip in the nearby stream which is surrounded by Senecia Jacobea and lobelia flowers on the river banks.

Day 8/  Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate - Loïtokitok
After breakfast and a final gaze on the Kibo summit, which you have now conquered, it is time to tackle the final leg. The 6 hour hike takes you from the moorland into a beautiful natural forest characterized by giant ancient trees. After lunch at Mandara you will get to the Marangu gate (5,905 feet) at 1.00 - 3.00 pm depending on your speed. Here you will be awarded with certificates of achievement. We then drive to the eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro, to Loitokitok in Kenya for a well deserved rest at the Kibo Slopes Cottages.

Day 9/  Amboseli park
After a leisurely breakfast on the veranda of the cottages, we drive to Amboseli. This park is popularly known as “the home of elephants” for its large herd of the species; where sometimes herds of 200 can be spotted. Besides elephants, it is also home to buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and antelopes, as well as to certain predators: the lion, cheetah and occasionally the leopard. Lunch, dinner and overnight will be at the Serena Lodge.

Day 10/  Amboseli - Nairobi
Today you will embark on an early morning game drive in search of the predators before they hide away from the heat of the day. Later you may relax in the Hotel pool and after an early lunch, we proceed to Nairobi. Transfer to the airport to check in for your flight back home.

If your flight leaves Nairobi earlier than 9.00pm you have to stay an extra night in Nairobi.
- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Only daily pack with basic essentials, protective clothing, camera,water, etc...
- During ascents and hikes, every participant walks with a light back pack.
- On summits, transport of the group and individual's luggage isinsured by a porter's team.
- At the start, you will be issued a bag to carry your personal belongings: sleeping bag, change of clothes, personal pharmacy....The weight of it is limited to 20 pounds maximum.
Your traveling bag is entrusted with our local representative during your ascent. It will be returned to you after the climb, for the duration of the trip.

The guides
- a Western English-speaking professionnal and trained mountain guide
- an English-speaking professional Kenyan or Tanzanian guide (depending on the location of the summit)
- some guide assistants (flexible number depending on the group size)
- a local guide depending on the area
- for transfers and safaris, one or more guide-drivers; excellent drivers who are also African fauna specialists.

The local team
- a kitchen team : cooks and assistants
- porters/carriers team during treks and ascents
Note: during summit ascents, many members of the local team will stay with the group. This team might regularly change during the trip, without hindering the dynamics of the organization at all.

The specifics of East Africa
Organization in Africa can be, by certain aspects, diverting for travelers. The kitchen and porter bearing teams are very numerous. They change regularly and function allocation can seem random. Even if you are surprised by this different concept of organization, reassure yourself... each task is achieved and your belongings will always arrive safely back to you, no matter who is in charge of them! In the same way, to appreciate your voyage fully be patient because the concept of time and guest service in Africa differs from our Western standards.

- Minibus and 4x4 vehicle transfers in private tourism vehicles
- During photo Safaris or Game Drives inside National Parks or Animals Reserves, 8 to 12 place Minibus or 4x4 vehicles.
To note: during wild game drives, all of our vehicles are equipped with large sliding roofs for an excellent vision for all passengers, and perfect for photographing or filming in all directions. For safety reasons, it is forbidden to leave the vehicles any time during safaris

• In Nairobi, Mombasa, Arush and Aishi : nice standard hotel, 4 stars and 5 stars in Mombasa, double occupancy bedrooms, with swimming pool.
• At the bottom of Kilimanjaro and Mont Kenya routes: nice standard lodges and hotels
• During ascents and treks: 3 people sleeping tents, but double occupancy use of these tents, mattresses, community tent for meals and evenings: or huts (dormitories equipped with mattresses), water for cleaning purpose close by, except at Kibo Hut and School Hut.
• During safaris: "deluxe" lodging, with swimming pool, based on double occupancy
• The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
  Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
  It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Meals
Downtown: in restaurants, generally the hotel's restaurant one. Most of the time, meals are served buffet style.
Note: in Nairobi, dinner is “a la carte” in any of the hotel restaurants. We have pre paid US $ 25; you are responsible for drinks and other items over and above the $25.
On terrain: meals are prepared with local products. In the morning, copious breakfast; lunch, picnics or sometimes a warm dish; diner, soup, main dish and dessert.
Snacks while on route.
During treks, dry fruits, cereal, chocolate and cookies are provided.

Drinks
During ascents, water is boiled by our team. During safaris, transfers and at restaurants, mineral water is provided.

Our team will propose you excellent fruits during your trip in East Africa: oranges, pineapples, bananas, papayas, mangos, avocados...

Organization in Africa can be, by certain aspects, diverting for travelers. The kitchen and porter bearing teams are very numerous. They change regularly and function allocation can seem random. Even if you are surprised by this different concept of organization, reassure yourself... each task is achieved and your belongings will always arrive safely back to you, no matter who is in charge of them! In the same way, to appreciate your voyage fully be patient because the concept of time and guest service in Africa differs from our Western standards.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control.
Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Nairobi 
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Visas, 50$ for Kenya (at Nairobi airport), 50$ for Tanzania (at the border, Day 3)
• Drinks (except mineral water during meals)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).
If your flight leaves Nairobi earlier than 9.00pm you have to stay an extra night in Nairobi.

Our preferred airlines to fly to Nairobi:

• Skyteam (Delta, Northwest, Continental, Air France - KLM), operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Nairobi, through Amsterdam or Paris.
• StarAlliance (United, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Nairobi, through Frankfurt or Munich.

Formalities for US, Canada, EU, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after your anticipated return date. A visa ($50) is necessary for both countries; it can be purchased upon arrival at the border.
For US citizens, please check with
US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements (Kenya)
and
US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements (Tanzania).
For other nationalities, please contact the Kenya and Tanzania embassy of your country.

Vaccination against yellow fever is obligatory for these destinations.
We also advise you to be up date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever.
Vaccination against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is strongly recommended.
Visit: US Department of Health

A treatment against Malaria is strongly recommended for those traveling to the countries of East Africa.
However, for this voyage, as we are always above 4900 feet of altitude, and it is unlikely to be in contact with a mosquito carrying Malaria, simply wearing protective/repellent/adapted clothing seems in and of itself to be quite effective.
It is, however, best to consult your health care practitioner, in any case. If you do opt for a vaccine, it is given as a prescription which is adapted to each person and each voyage. A regulation is necessary to obtain a treatment against Malaria adapted to each person and each voyage. It is important to scrupulously follow the prescription directions.

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
For all the trips with summits, we conceive our routes by respecting the best possible "stages of altitude acclimatization", however the make-up of the country can require an abrupt climb. A hyper baric chamber is provided during committed treks in very high altitude, for emergency treatment of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). And so, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 5
At least 3 months prior: Hike 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds OR if you are regularly committed to another intense sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 3 to 4 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles
 
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- Duct tape
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).