At a Glance
Feel inspired and connected conquering the highest mountain in Africa and more. Immerse into a true wilderness and ‘back door’ experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the more remote and desert Rongai route. Embrace the triumphant and personal satisfaction conquering one of ‘Seven Summits’ on earth on the unfrequented and unspoiled nature to Uhuru Peak on this fulfilling 8 day once in a lifetime voyage.
Embrace the triumphant of having the entire continent at your feet. The ‘desert route’ enters Kilimanjaro through the back door where you begin your journey in Moshi and start your climb from the northeastern side the mountain near the Kenyan border. A gradual and easier route of terrain, revel as you rise above the Amboseli Pains and approach the summit of Kilimanjaro west of the staggering Mawenzi ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation in logdes and campsites on a twin share basis
- Wages and fees for porter, cook and mountain guides according to KPAP
- All meals during trekking voyage as specified in itinerary
- Dinner Day 1
- National Park and camping fees
- Cook and porter team
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Assistant guide (depending on group size)
- All transfers specified in itinerary
- Tour briefing and support on site VAT taxation
- Water filter with a two-stage Katadyn filter Oximeter, bandage set, emergency oxygen and mountain rescue (land route)
- Cooking and camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and private toilet
- Tour briefing and support on site VAT taxation
Itinerary
Your grand hiking adventure begins with a pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the capital of the region, Moshi, your gateway to the splendours of Mt Kilimanjaro. Like an oasis between beautiful expansive coffee plantations with a bursting mix of African and Asian influence, be captivated where the skyline of the Kilimanjaro dominates. You’ll stay at the quaint Chanya Lodge, nestled on the outskirts of Moshi Town and at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Unwind in your semi-bungalow styled rooms complete with ensuite bathroom, hot rain shower, mosquito net and a private verandah perfect for rejuvenating amid fresh mountain air and abundant green tropics. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool before indulging in its multi-cuisine open-aired restaurant. This evening, delight your tastebuds with a dining experience bursting of locally inspired flavours paired with Indian and Continental delights at the hotel’s restaurant. |
Climb from Nalemuru Gate 2020m (6627 feet) to Simba Camp 2625m (8612 feet) Approx. 8km, (5 miles), 3-4 hours walking. Elevation gain: 605m (1985 feet) Enjoy breakfast before leaving the city life behind as you begin your ultimate journey to the highest point on the African continent. Begin with a 3-4 hour drive through villages and coffee plantations to the quaint wooden village of Nalemoru at Ranger Station. Your professional guides and porters will pack the luggage and perform formalities to begin your trek. Start with an easy walk traversing plantations and lush rainforests before a change of scenery into bush country. You’ll arrive at Sekimba Camp set amidst the beautiful moorland overlooking the serene Kibo Hut. Tonight, indulge in a deliciously hot three course camp dinner lovingly prepared by your guides. Fueled for your first day out on the tracks, retire in your comfortable sleeping bags complete with mattress and sleeping mat beneath the stars in a true state of zen. |
Climb from Simba Camp 2625m (8612 feet) to Kikelewa Camp 3630m (11909 feet) Approx. 10km, (6.2 miles), 5-6hours walking. Elevation gain: 1005m (3297 feet) Indulge in a piping hot coffee paired with a hearty English-styled breakfast. Today, you’ll journey through knee-high vegetation in the moorland traversing ridges before arriving at Kikelea Caves. Enjoy a lovely picnic lunch basting scenic vistas before continuing to Kikelewa Camp. Settle into camp and absorb the surrounding picturesque views of gigantic Senecio plants. Indulge in another deliciously warm camp dinner, soak in the serene views and savour the peace amongst the mountains as you watch the sky light before you. |
Climb from Kikelewa Camp 3630m (11909 feet) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4310m (14140 feet) Approx. 5km, (3.1miles), 3-4hours walking. Elevation gain: 680m (2231 feet) Today’s stage takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut where you’ll continue to acclimatise and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Begin with a short but steep climb over grass-covered slopes rewarding you with staggering panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. The heathland gives way to rocky highlands, littered with large and small volcanic boulders that testify to a previous period of volcanic activity. The next 4 hours, arrive to a plateau at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you’ll settle for the night at the most beautiful camp on Mount Kilimanjaro. Spend the afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatise. |
Climb from Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4310m (14140 feet) to School Hut 4715m (15469 feet) Approx. 8km, (5 miles), 4-5hours walking. Elevation gain: 405m (1329 feet) Enjoy a relaxed breakfast under the warmth of the African sun before journeying across sandy tracks and angled slopes across the mountain saddle. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. Here, your resting place awaits for rejuvenation for the rest of your day. Indulge in an early hearty dinner before turning in early this evening to recharge your batteries. A rise in the middle of the night see’s you making a thrilling start to the summit! |
Climb from School Hut 4715m (15469 feet) to Uhuru Peak 5895m (19341 feet), descent to Horombo Huts 3720m (12205 feet) Approx. 21km, (13 miles), 12-14hours walking. Ascent: 1180m (3871 feet), Descent 2175m (7136 feet) The long-awaited moment. Today is the day you make your own history and summit the magnificent and mighty Mount Kilimanjaro! A very early 1am hike will see you begin the summit. Start your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first point at Hans Meyer Cave at 5150m (16896 feet). You’ll meander a steep route scattered with volcanic ashes and lava rock before zigzagging with increase steepness as you approach Gilman’s Point at 5715m. Be rewarded, as you now stand on Kibo’s crater rim! The magnificence of your surrounds is revealed with the first sun rays lighting over the volcanic landscape and majestic mountain glacier. A magical sunrise moment to witness and one to inspire your spirits and reward all your efforts. Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina to push yourself up the final slopes. A further 200m (656 feet), celebrate in victory on Uhuru Peak at 5895m (19341 feet), the highest point of Africa! Absorb the feeling of fulfilment and feel on top of the world as you finish what you set out to do – summit the mighty Kilimanjaro! Over the lave fields, descend to Horombo hut where you'll set up camp for the last time. Cheer to a long but ever so rewarding day at Horombo Hut. This evening, delight your tastebuds to a well-deserved three course camp dinner as you celebrate in a convivial affair a monumental day with your guides and fellow mountaineers one final night. Unwind to a last magical evening in the mountain under a canopy of stars. |
Descent from Horombo Huts 3720m (12205 feet) to Marangu Gate 1860m (6102 feet) Approx. 18km, (11.2 miles), 5-6hours walking. Descent: 1860m (6102 feet) Savour your last mountain breakfast before a leisurely walk to the park gate where you’ll be rewarded with your summit certificates. Bid Kilimanjaro National Park farewell and be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for a glorious well deserved hot shower. Unwind at the lodge and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Reward yourself with a celebratory dinner at its multi-cuisine open-aired restaurant or journey into Moshi town filled with endless restaurants bursting of local and international flavours (at your own expense). |
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take time to savour final views surrounding the lodge. A perfect time to reflect on your incredible achievement and journey before a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Departure daily on request. Please contact us for group bookings or private departures. Peak/festival season surcharge applies.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Moshi in Tanzania
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Moshi
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi
Day 2: Approximately 8km (5 miles), 3-4 hours; Elevation gain: 2020m-2625m
Day 3: Approximately 10km (6.2 miles), 5-6 hours; Elevation gain: 2625m-3630m
Day 4: Approximately 5km (3.1miles), 3-4hours; Elevation gain: 3560m-4310m
Day 5: Approximately 8km (5 miles), 4-5hours; Elevation gain: 4310m-4715m
Day 6: Approximately 21km (13miles), 12-14 hours; Elevation gain: 4715m-5895m-3720m
Day 7: Approx. 18km, (11.2 miles), 5-6hours; Descent: 1860m (6102 feet)
The Mount Kilimanjaro climate is generally cool and temperate. As hikers climb from the base of the mountain to the peak, they will see a large amount of climate variety. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro are the months of January through early-March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo-opportunities and comfortable hiking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year and the busiest.
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary from very hot to extremely cold within the same day although it does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more by the altitude and time of day. At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 °C and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Like all great mountains, Kilimanjaro creates its own weather which can be extremely variable and difficult to predict. Hikers need to be prepared for warm, sunny conditions, and rain, wind, cold, and even snow.
Classic Camping: is set up with spacious tents complete with sleeping pads, sleeping bag and portable toilet. |
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Luxury Camping: is set up with slightly larger tents complete with camp beds and pillow, extra sleeping pad or 1 double thick pad and a hot water bottle in sleeping bag. It includes solar panel for charging USB devices and portable toilet as well as a portable camp shower. Dine in style with a dining tent complete with dining chairs with back and armrest. |
- Requirements of Kilimanjaro: The ascent of Kilimanjaro is not very demanding in terms of mountaineering skills. However, a high degree of endurance and altitude tolerance is required. The walking times of the individual daily stages amount to approx. 5 -7 hours (on the summit day mostly between 12 and 14 hours) in extremely different terrain. Morass, thicket, rock and scree have to be overcome. The increasingly thin air, cold and the steeply ascending path of the last stage to the summit demand a good condition and physical fitness. It is advisable to have your heart and circulation checked before starting the trip, as exertion and high altitude put a lot of strain on the body
- Travel: Travel in a developing country can be fraught with the unexpected. Tolerance, patience and camaraderie are important prerequisites for a good tour and unforgettable experiences. A spirit of adventure will help you overcome tour delays or even changes due to bad weather, sovereign orders, technical defects or other reasons. On the Kilimanjaro climb there are very basic outhouses in the camps.
- Age Restrictions: Minimum age for this tour is 10 years old
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.