Africa kilimanjaro rongai route trip highlights Walking through forest to catch a glimpse of the Kilimanjaro Colobus Monkeys Second Cave (3450m) with superb views of Kibo Mawenzi Tarn (4330m) situated in a cirque beneath the spires of Mawenzi The push to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5895m) Trip Duration 8 days Trip Code: KIR Grade Moderate to Challenging Activities Trekking Summary 8 day trip, 6 day trek, 2 nights hotels and 5 nights camping welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Kilimanjaro Rongai Route trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to remote and challenging destinations, many factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable trekking experience in Africa. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics, our vehicles and equipment are the best available on the market. Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience. You will be accompanied by a guide whose knowledge and passion for wilderness trekking will add a unique dimension to your trip. Their experience and enthusiasm ensures that we maintain the leading edge in adventure travel and therefore providing excellent value for money. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that this tour will be a trip of a lifetime. 1 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 3/23/2016 4:59:25 PM
Kenya Mt Kilimanjaro Arusha Marangu Tanzania 2016 11 Jun - 18 Jun 18 Jun - 25 Jun 02 Jul - 09 Jul 16 Jul - 23 Jul 30 Jul - 06 Aug 13 Aug - 20 Aug 20 Aug - 27 Aug 03 Sep - 10 Sep 10 Sep - 17 Sep 17 Sep - 24 Sep 01 Oct - 08 Oct 22 Oct - 29 Oct 29 Oct - 05 Nov 10 Dec - 17 Dec 24 Dec - 31 Dec HS 2017 07 Jan - 14 Jan HS 21 Jan - 28 Jan 04 Feb - 11 Feb 18 Feb - 25 Feb 04 Mar - 11 Mar 20 May - 27 May 10 Jun - 17 Jun 24 Jun - 01 Jul 01 Jul - 08 Jul 15 Jul - 22 Jul 29 Jul - 05 Aug 12 Aug - 19 Aug 26 Aug - 02 Sep 02 Sep - 09 Sep 16 Sep - 23 Sep 23 Sep - 30 Sep 07 Oct - 14 Oct trip dates important notes HS - Holiday Season Note: - Similar dates in 2017/18. Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2016. For trips departing after this date, the price will likely increase subject to local inflationary pressures on operational costs. trip cost Joining Marangu: $2774 All prices are per person options & supplements HS - Arusha & Marangu - All hotels Christmas/ New Year supplement 20 Dec - 5 Jan pp per night: $38 Single Supplement Hotels Only: $130 the trip The sight of the permanent snow capped peak of Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m) provides a constant source of inspiration when viewed from the vast plains. It is also a natural focus for any fit trekker keen to summit the highest peak in Africa. While the ascent does not require any technical climbing, the trails are demanding and a sound level of fitness and an ability to acclimatise are essential prerequisites before attempting the summit. The Rongai Route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the opportunity for viewing black and white colobus monkey, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek while at the same time ensuring maximum acclimatisation. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. From the alluring summit of Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding plains. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 JOIN MARANGU COMMENCE CLIMB (2600M, 3-4 HRS) KIKELEWA CAVES (3600M, 4-5 HRS) MAWENZI TARN (4330M, 3-4 HRS) WALK TO KIBO (4700M, 5-6 HRS) ASCEND TO GILMAN S POINT (5681M), UHURU PEAK (5895M), DESCEND TO HOROMBO DESCEND TO MARANGU (APPROX 5-6 HOURS) IN MARANGU, TRIP CONCLUDES what s included 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners 2 nights in 3 star hotel in Marangu on a twinshare basis 5 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis Group camping equipment including tent (sleeping bag and mat not included can be hired locally) Experienced local mountain guides, cook and camp crew Park entrance fees valued at US$700 Emergency oxygen Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. detailed itinerary DAY 1 Join Marangu If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) early today we recommend a private transfer to Marangu where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, which is beautifully located on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure. If you are already in Arusha or fly in the afternoon, there is a complimentary group transfer to Marangu, departing Ilboru Safari Lodge at 15:00hrs (From 1st December 2015, the group transfer time is 14:00hrs). The transfer picks up from other selected hotels in and around Arusha and also from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at approx 16:30hrs before arriving at our hotel in Marangu. Please advise if you wish to use this service - it must be 2 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 3/23/2016 4:59:25 PM
Single Supplement Tents Only 2016: $140 Single Supplement Tents Only 2017: $160 Single Supplement 2016: $270 Single Supplement 2017: $290 World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. Want a private trip? Book this trip as a private departure just for you and your group on your chosen date. Contact us for conditions, costs and availability. Inclusions Valued at : Park & Entry Fees: 700 pre-booked. Exact pick up times cannot be guaranteed as it depends on the number of stops en route. Your patience is required with this. You will meet your guide in Marangu this evening for a trip briefing at approx 18:00hrs. meals: D DAY 2 Commence climb (2600m, 3-4 hrs) After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Landrover to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1950m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long cape of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and our first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. DAY 3 Kikelewa Caves (3600m, 4-5 hrs) The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves DAY 4 Mawenzi Tarn (4330m, 3-4 hrs) A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. DAY 5 Walk to Kibo (4700m, 5-6 hrs) We cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at (4700m) situated at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. DAY 6 Ascend to Gilman s Point (5681m), Uhuru Peak (5895m), descend to Horombo We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1am. We walk very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman s Point (5685m). We will rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895m); passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4700m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3720m). Today s trekking involves from 11 to 15 hours walking which is made to feel more strenuous by the effects of altitude and extreme cold. This section of the trek is one of the steepest and most demanding and should not be taken lightly. It is a great idea to have your own head torch so that your hands are free for balance. Most people are surprised by the extreme cold and the best advice is to follow the clothing list and pack your warm clothes. 3 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 3/23/2016 4:59:25 PM
fast facts Countries Visited: Tanzania Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Africa, Middle East *Ask our staff for more information. DAY 7 Descend to Marangu (approx 5-6 hours) A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m); we then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a steady path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m). Overnight at hotel in Marangu. DAY 8 In Marangu, trip concludes Arrangements will end after breakfast in Marangu. There is a free group transfer from Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu back to Arusha, departing 9.00am. The transfer drops off at Kilimanjaro International Airport, selected hotels in and around Arusha town and finally at Ilboru Safari Lodge. If you wish to depart later or spend additional nights in Marangu, a private transfer to Arusha can be arranged (extra cost applies). meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. suggested extensions Zanzibar Retreat 4 Day Wildlife Safari Serengeti Explorer Southern Parks of Tanzania Tanzania Lodge Based Safari country information Tanzania is the largest country of East Africa, being almost 950,000 sq km and made up mainly of a dry highland plateau, with a narrow strip of low lying coast and the off shore islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. The Rift Valley, containing some of the world s most magnificent and famous game reserves, sweeps down into Tanzania from Kenya and is covered by many inland lakes; Tanzania s highest mountains Meru and Africa s highest, Mt Kilimanjaro lie on or close to the Kenyan border in the north of the country. With a heritage of British and German colonialism and the strong influence of the Portuguese and Arab traders felt along the coast Tanganyika gained it s independence in 1961 and merged with the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba to become Tanzania. Being guided very much by it s president for 20 years, Nyerere, it launched into a radical socialist experiment in self reliance but with little western aid and as one of the world s poorest countries, it s experiment had little chance of success. Today Tanzania is still largely agricultural and depends very much on its tourism for economic survival. With a population of more than 25 million, including over 100 different tribal groups, the majority of people are Bantu, while Arabic features and cultural traits show up throughout the coastal and island communities. The Masai are in evidence in the north of the country, although they no longer hold the large areas they once did and are found across the larger national parks and games reserves. climate Generally April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided if considering this climb. November brings short rains but it seldom rains all day. As a general rule, Tanzania is usually warm by day and cool by night. Temperatures rarely rise above 27C during the day or fall below minus 10C at night although these conditions are guidelines only and obviously vary with altitude and topography. In spite of its equatorial location, Kilimanjaro can have severe weather conditions at the higher altitudes and you need to be prepared for temperatures well below freezing at the summit, minus 15C is not uncommon. On the lower 4 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 3/23/2016 4:59:25 PM
responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com trip grading Moderate to Challenging As with all our Moderate to Challenging programs, we expect clients to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around three or four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance hill walking, with and without a daypack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to walk comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. slopes, it will usually be mild warm during the day and cold at night. Some rain can occur at any time on the mountain. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing, a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze etc. Porters carry all group gear and your trek pack/kit bag. equipment required Specialist gear required includes walking boots, day pack and a kit bag or backpack/hiking pack/rucksack for your main luggage that is carried by porters. A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre departure information provided on booking. acute mountain sickness When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms. Headache Tiredness Disturbed sleep Loss of appetite/nausea Shortness of breath Cough Palpitation Swelling of the hands and face Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist. 5 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 3/23/2016 4:59:25 PM
Whilst this ascent of Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, it is nevertheless a short and steep trek at altitude, and for many people it will be the hardest physical walk of their life. In order to get the most out of the trip, people should join in Marangu with a maximum state of fitness. There is not time to get fit on the trek as with some of our other longer trek programs in other parts of the world. Talk to us if you are unsure about your suitability for the Rongai route; we would be happy to discuss your level of experience and fitness. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. porter initiatives Porter Welfare in Tanzania and Kenya: Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Mount Kenya Porters are an integral part of the World Expeditions philosophy and style of travel. We take our travellers off the beaten track, avoiding the congested trails, to experience our often remote tent based adventures this style of trekking is enabled by porters. When we trek, the entire group travellers, guides and porters alike are a team who share the same needs for safety in the mountain environment. Our Tanzanian and Kenyan porters receive the following: *Since 2012 World Expeditions has sponsored a guide every year to complete a scholarship course through the Kilimanjaro Guide Scholarship Foundation, which will train them in Tour Operations, Tourism Geography, Wildlife Knowledge and Basic Computer Application. *Porters are paid a rate in excess of the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistant Project (KPAP) recommended minimum wage for porters. *Porters receive at least two meals a day; the third meal is sometimes a snack/tea as this can work best with the itinerary and water supplies etc. We make sure there are more than adequate amounts of food and have a system to check on the mountain that all porters get well fed. *Porters are not to carry more then 20kgs. *The minimum age for a Porter is 18 and there is no maximum age, we assess based on health and willingness to work. *Porters access the same medical kit and evacuation processes as the travellers. Off Mount Kilimanjaro any costs for treatment to injuries that are sustained during work are also covered. *Porters are expected to come to a climb with the correct personal equipment. We regularly provide them with equipment such as sleeping bags and mats, waterproof jackets, gloves, warm hats and walking boots. *We are at the forefront of the process of changing local perceptions of sexual inequality by employing female crew on Mount Kilimanjaro. We have 2 highly successful female guides, a female cook and around 30 female porters. World Expeditions supports the good work of a number of international organisations that operate to ensure the health and education of porters, they are: International Porter Protection Group >> www.ippg.net International Mountain Explorers Connection >> www.mountainexplorers.org Kilimanjaro Guide Scholarship Foundation Inc. >> www.kiliguides.org non exclusive trips Please note that this trip is not exclusive to World Expeditions clients and is operated by our partners in East Africa. You will be joining a group of 3 15 adventurers from around the world. vehicles & safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as tuk tuk s could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times. what s not included Christmas and New Year supplement (please ask our staff for details of this small peak season surcharge) International flights 6 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 3/23/2016 4:59:25 PM
Arrival or departure airport transfers if not taking the complimentary transfer to/from the airport Sleeping bags and mats Kit bag/hiking pack/soft duffle bag to store your main luggage that is carried by porters Aerated and alcoholic drinks Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc. Tips Airport and departure taxes. Visa Travel Insurance info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office. social networking Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/worldexpeditions trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.worldexpeditions.com. On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest World Expeditions office along with your non refundable deposit. World Expeditions has access to competitive airfares. Call your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance and additional accommodation. 7 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 6/2/2016 10:50:49 AM