Mountaineering- Mt Kilimanjaro

Transcription

1 Mountaineering- Mt Kilimanjaro Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and is one of the seven summits. This mountain speaks for itself with several thousand visitors summiting each year. We offer a variety of ascents for Mt Kilimanjaro, from budget to tailor made packages on routes that allow you to climb away from the crowds. Every ascent is a unique experience and one not to be missed. Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is a dormant volcano; with the highest peak Uhuru sitting 5,895 meters above sea level making this mountain a real challenge. The mountain rises out of the beauty of the African savannah, surrounded by wildlife and plant life that is significant to the African environment. Dry lands move into the rainforests on the slopes of the mountain, through to moorland and onto the alpine desert high on the mountain. Guests of African Ascents will experience all of these ecosystems and they take on the Kili experience. With great altitude comes risk of altitude sickness. African Ascents experienced guides will do there upmost to minimise this using their extensive high altitude experience and training. A steady pace from the very beginning is essential along with covering an average of 500meters altitude gain per day. Coupled with good food and comfortable accommodation, the chances of reaching the summit are greatly increased. With African Ascents there are several options for climbing Kilimanjaro. Budget options take guests up the very popular routes, however you can avoid the crowds by opting for our route off the beaten track, sleeping in tents and feeling truly out there. We promise to provide every guest with an unforgettable experience, whatever route they chose. After all it s Kilimanjaro. Guests can also opt to add on a Safari experience to the end of the trip.

2 Sample itinerary- Basic Ascent As part of the basic package African Ascents will guide guests up the Marangu route of Kilimanjaro. This is one of the more populated routes. Also known as the coca cola route, it has a well beaten track, incorporating the amazing views that Kilimanjaro and Africa has to offer, allowing climbers to experience the various terrains and ecosystems along the way. It is the cheapest way to climb the mountain; using huts located along the route, and can be attempted in 5 days. Porter teams and quality food will meet guests at every night stop, ensuring you are comfortable and strong for your summit bid. Day 1 - Transfer to Kilimanjaro National park at Marangu for the first section of the climb through the Montane forest to Mandara hut at 2750m. Taking 3-4 hours. Overnight at Mandara Hut. Day 2 - Leave the Montane forest, trek though moorland to Horombo Hut at 3700m. Taking 5-7 hours. Overnight at Horombo Hut. Day 3 - Trek past the last water point traversing the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to Kibo Hut at 4700m. Taking 5-7 hours. Overnight at Kibo Hut. Day 4 - Summit day This means an early start. Head up the scree up to Gilmans point m, and then on to the crater rim, summiting at sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak at 5896m, the highest -- point in Africa, taking 7-8 hours. Descend to Horombo Hut taking 4-5 hours, and finally overnighting again at Horombo Hut. Day 5 - Descend the Mountain to the park gate. Taking 5-7 Hours. Overnight at the Park gate. This Mt Kilimanjaro itinerary is extremely challenging for any guests. Taking this into account, African Ascents will recommend an acclimatisation day during the trip. This is normally held on day 3 at Horombo hut, thus actually making this trip a 6 day expedition. Further details of this will be arranged when the individual itinerary is formally finalised.

3 Sample Itinerary- Rongai Route The Rongai route takes us away from the crowds and into an environment with endless views, beautiful flora, forna and the remoteness of the alpine desert. This route takes on the mountain from the north on the border of our home in Kenya. It provides guests with a better chance to do the all-important acclimatisation, and a chance to explore the real beauty of this magical wilderness. The ascent takes us through the forest on the slopes and then into an environment you will never forget. Walking past some of the famous giant grousel, of which some will be thousands of years old, and also getting the chance to see the other lobelias and the fabulous sunbirds that enjoy them. Explore the lava tunnel and the peaks of Mawenzi whilst acclimatising before the gruelling summit day. Day 1 - Start at the Rongai Trail head (1950m) and head to the 1 st Cave Camp (2600m). Transfer from the Marangu National Park gate for the Kilimanjaro Park formalities, then transfer to the Rongai trail head to begin an unforgettable African Ascent. The climb starts through the maize and potato fields surrounding the village of Nale Moro. (1950 meters above sea level). From there the climber will enter the wild forests with the opportunity to see African wildlife. The day will take 3-4 hours in trekking time. Day 2-1 st Cave camp (2600m) to Kikelewa Cave camp (3600m). This is a big day of altitude ascent and is taken very steadily. The ascent takes us out of the forest and into the open heath zones and alpine plains, incorporating views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Here, a route diversion across the moorland where climbers will get their first glimpse of the giant groundsel and fabulous lobelias. 7-8 hour day. Day 3 - Kikelewa Cave camp (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m). This is a short day, yet entails a steep climb through the moorland, starting to leave the vegetation as Mawenzi Tarn is approached. Here, spectacular views of the jagged peaks of Mawenzi will be seen. We will arrive early at camp, allowing for an acclimatisation and exploration session. A 3-5 hour day and one of the most spectacular.

4 Day 4 This is acclimatisation day at Mwenzi Camp (4330m). Acclimatisation is very important when attempting Kilimanjaro s summit, and should be taken seriously. The day in camp can be used to explore the Mawenzi amphitheatre, hiking up the Mawenzi peaks. This is a fantastic day of exploration and very good preparation for the challenges that lie ahead. Day 5 - Mawenzi tarn camp (4330m) to Kibo hut camp (4700m). Now in the alpine desert in very challenging altitude, the gentle ascent on the east side of Kibo crosses the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Next day is summit day so day 5 is taken slowly helping to achieve optimum acclimatisation for the summit bid. A 4-6 hour climbing day, with beautiful views up through the saddle and in to the camp at Kibo Hut. Day 6 - Kibo Hut Camp (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (Summit at 5895m) and down to Horobo Camp (3720m). Summit day is upon us with an early start. Waking to tea and biscuit s at 2330hrs, it goes without saying that this is the greatest challenge that the group will face. Here, you will cross the scree and scrabble over rocks in the dark, however a sunrise summit awaits you, and is simply specular viewed on the roof of Africa. One of the great Summit day takes us past some of the greatest Kilimanjaro land marks. Starting on the rock paths towards Hans Meyer cave and then up to Gillmans point at 5,680 meters on the crater rim. Now on the greatest challenge of the route, team work is paramount as working together provides mental strength to carry on. Traversing the rim of crater towards the ultimate goal and summiting Uhuru peak at 5,895 meters. Half way is achieved, congratulations. From the highest point in Africa we descend to harobo camp at 3,720 meters, a long yet satisfying day over a long 15 hours, 8-9 hours up and 5-6 down. Day 7 - Horombo Hut Camp (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1980m) where it all began. The descent to the Marangu gate is long yet amazing as your bodies enjoy the drop in altitude. During this time you will also be able to take in more of the terrain that was passed on the ascent. Back at the gate formalities will be completed with gratuities and farewells made to the porter team who endured the same journey. Transfers will be waiting to a comfortable hotel and hot showers.

5 Pricing Rongai Route Price for a 7 Day Ascent USD per person Marangu Route Price for a 5 Day Ascent USD per person Price for a 6 Day Ascent 1900 USD per person Prices will change dependent on group numbers and the number of days expected to be on the mountain. What s included- African Ascents guiding fees, Full porter teams, All accommodation on the mountain, All meals on the mountain, Transport to and from the Park gate, All emergency procedures, First aid trained Guides (Wilderness First Aiders). What s not included All personal equipment (lists will be provided), Any alcoholic beverages Travel insurance All prices are created as a guideline for the various itineraries. But what s not included can potentially be included. African Ascents can prepare costs for any requirement that incorporates every aspect of the whole trip.