Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro – Rongai Route
October 2023 or January-February 2024
Hike the highest peak in Africa! Experience the changing terrain as we journey through forest, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers near the summit. Kilimanjaro features a wonderful trail all the way to the summit. We also have the luxury of having porters carrying everything except our day packs throughout the expedition.
This is an excellent opportunity to climb a beautiful and massive volcano, and experience the wonderful African culture of Tanzania! This is an excellent expedition for those interested in experiencing high altitude for the first time without the extreme challenge. It is also a very enjoyable, exotic and fun trip for experienced hikers and mountaineers!
US and Canada residents
To reserve a place in this expedition:
-Fill out the application below and press submit.
-Mail a deposit check to the address we will provide you when we receive your application or send us an electronic transfer via Paypal or Venmo
Other countries
To reserve a place in this expedition:
-fill out the application below and press submit.
-We will contact you shortly to discuss payment options depending on the country you live in.
-Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure date
If you experience any problem with the online application please email us at info@alpineexpeditions.net
Kilimanjaro Itinerary Rongai Route
October 2023 or January/February 2024
Day 1. Depart country of origin
Day 2. Participants arrive at the Kilimanjaro International airport, where you’ll be greeted by the Alpine Expeditions team and transferred to our hotel in Moshi for the night
Day 3. After breakfast we drive 4-5 hours through colorful villages and fields of maize, banana and potatoes to the Rongai gate on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Our ascent of Kilimanjaro begins at 6389′ through fields and then forest. After 3-4 hours of walking we arrive at Simba Camp at 8530′ where we will enjoy dinner and our first night in tents
Day 4. Today is a longer day as we hike from Simba camp to Kikelewa camp (5-6 hours) at 12,070′. As we hike we enjoy extensive views over the Kenyan plains. During the evenings we will have a chance to hear from Eduardo about his incredible 72 day survival epic in the Andes and from Ulyana about the scientific perspective of both the interesting geology of the mountains and the survival of human beings in extreme conditions.
Day 5. Today we do a short and steep climb up grassy slopes as we hike from Kikelewa camp to Mawenzi camp at 14,117′ (3-4 hours hiking). Views of the main summit of Kilimanjaro open up and we can better appreciate what a massive volcano this is.
Day 6. Acclimatization/rest day. It is important to spend 2 nights at this altitude to avoid potential problems with altitude sickness higher on the mountain. This day also allows for rest and to enjoy interesting conversations with Eduardo and Ulyana as well as some music with Ricardo and our porters and guides. We will also have the option to do an easy and short acclimatization walk to gain a little bit of elevation. Night at Mawenzi camp.
Day 7. Today we cross the high alpine desert that is situated between Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo is the big volcano that you see on most Kilimanjaro photos but the Kilimanjaro massive is actually composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Shira, Kibo and Mawenzie. Kibo is the highest of the three and the only one with glaciers. Our hike takes us up to our high camp (called the School Hut) at 15,518′, where we prepare for our summit ascent the next day.
Day 8. Our summit ascent takes us up sandy, steep slopes up to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 18,640′. Here, spectacular views of the crater and its glaciers greet us. Another 2 hours or so fo hiking along the crater rim takes us to Kilimanjaro’s true summit: Uhuru Peak at 19,341′. You are now standing on the summit of the highest mountain in Africa! After celebrating we descend down to the School Hut camp.
Day 9. To descend the mountain we use the Marangu route (aka the “Normal” or “Coca Cola route). This allows us for a quicker and easier descent and also to see a very different side of the mountain with very different vegetation and fauna. This day we hike from the School Hut down to the Horombo Hut at 12,139′.
Day 10. Descent to Mweka gate at 5602′. Our vehicle takes us back to our hotel in Moshi for hot showers and a great celebration dinner!
Day 11. Departure. Participants can choose to extend the trip for a highly recommended Safari in one of the many national parks. We can help you arrange these safaris to fit your schedule and budget. (Safari cost is not included in this expedition)
LAND COSTS: $4800
PAYMENTS: $1000 deposit, due with application.
$3800 payment due 90 days prior to departure.
All checks should be made payable to: ALPINE EXPEDITIONS
Cost includes:
-Airport/Hotel transfers by private car/van with escort
-transport from Arusha to starting point on mountain and return to Arusha
-National Park gate fees
-hut/camping fees
-Alpine Expedition guide (Ricardo)
-Andes Survivor Eduardo Strauch
-Assistant guides (including certified local guides)
-porters’ salaries
-rescue fees (required by the national park)
-all meals on the mountain
-2 nights’ accommodation in Arusha or Moshi hotel (double occupancy)
-Tents, cooking and eating utensils
-portable toilet
Cost does not include:
-International flight
-Excess baggage charges and airport tax
-personal gear and clothing
-Tips for guides and porters
-Meals off the mountain
-Travelers Insurance (We recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance)
-Any cost incurred due to emergency evacuation
-Charges incurred as a result of delays or changes in the itinerary beyond the control of Alpine Expeditions (Ricardo Peña)
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:
$1000 Deposit will be fully refunded if applicant is not accepted.
If accepted, the following applies:
-$200 non-refundable registration fee.
-Full refunds, minus the registration fee, will be provided if requested 90 days prior to expedition departure.
-50% Refunds will be provided if requested 60 to 89 days prior to expedition departure.
-No refunds will be provided 59 days or less prior to expedition.
It is essential that every participant bring every item (not marked optional) in this list. Please check the list carefully!
Clothing:
- Hiking boots- water proof and warm
- Running shoes
- Sock Liners (2 pairs minimum)
- Wool socks (2 pairs minimum)
- Gaiters-for keeping rocks out and keeping boots dry
- Lightweight underwear, top and bottom
- Shorts (Long pants with zip off legs are best)
- 2-3 T-shirts (2 preferably not 100% cotton)
- Fleece jacket
- Soft shell pants for summit day
- Shell Pants windproof, waterproof and breathable (preferably Gore Tex)
- Gore Tex parka – This is your essential rain/wind jacket. Make sure it’s breathable, water proof and that it has a good hood.
- Down or synthetic Jacket with hood
- Winter Hat (fleece)
- Buff
- Sun Hat
- Glove Liners
- Warm mountaineering gloves or mittens
- Glacier Glasses or sunglasses with side shields
- Clothes for wearing off the mountain
Camping and hiking gear:
- Head lamp and extra batteries
- Trekking poles
- Sunscreen and Lip protection
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Pocket Knife
- Camera (recommended)
- Lighter
- Backpack (comfortable day pack no more than 40L)
- Duffel bag (with lock for transporting on the mountain)
- 3 One-litter water bottles ( or 2L camel bag and 1 L bottle)
- Toiletries including toothbrush/toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, wet wipes,small travel towel, hand sanitizer, foot powder, ear plugs.
- sleeping bag rated 10º F or lower
- sleeping pad (we provide a second sleeping pad for extra comfort)
- Bandana
- Plastic bags (different sized ziplocks and 2 garbage bags)
- water purification tablets optional (could be used for emergency or when unsure of water’s quality)
- Pee bottle (highly recommended) add pee funnel for women.
- Binoculars for Safari
- Insect repelent
