The day that you’ve trained so long and hard for has finally arrived. As you meet the rest of the team at the airport, it’s time to say goodbye to family and friends before heading off for Tanzania.
At Kilimanjaro Airport you’ll meet your local Charity Challenge representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting to know your group. The evening will be spent enjoying your first team dinner, while checking your kit and running through a full briefing. (D)
Accommodation: Hotel
The day starts with a short drive to the Rongai National Park gate for registration. Here you’ll begin your climb at the traditional village of Nale Moru at 1,950m. The track climbs through fields, pine forest and rainforest which shelter a variety of wildlife, including Colobus monkeys.
After gaining 650m in altitude, the first camp site at Rongai One, is on the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m). (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camping
Ahead lays a tough climb of 1,000m, so after a hearty breakfast the trail heads across moorland to the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. After lunch, the route up passes through the picturesque valley and past many caves.
Tonight’s campsite is situated in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant Senecio plants near Kikelewa Caves at 3,600m. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camping
Prepare for an early rise this morning in preparation to tackle a steep climb ahead. Leaving the vegetation behind, you arrive at the next camp, Mawenzi Tarn, at 4,330m, which lies in the shadows of Mawenzi.
In order to continue acclimatising to the high altitude, the afternoon is free to explore the surrounding area. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camping
The day will start with an unexpected – but much needed – sleep in! After breakfast, there’s a short acclimatisation walk up the scree slopes of Mawenzi, before returning back to your base for lunch and free time.
Although you have gained 250m of altitude practise, you’ll will return for dinner and sleep at Mawenzi Tarn camp at 4,300m to help prepare for summit day. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camping
It’s one day before summit and the nerves are likely to be kicking in. Today you’ll venture across the lunar desert that creates the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo.
A five-six hour walk, the aim is for the campsite at the bottom of the Kibo-crater wall.
You will now be 420m closer to your goal, so the rest of the day will be spent resting in preparation for the summit trek. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camping
You’ll be woken at midnight for the final push up the scree slopes to Gilman’s Point. Hopefully a spectacular sunrise will push you towards the summit –Uhuru Point (5,895m).
Enjoy the amazing views and sense of achievement as you summit the ‘roof of Africa’. There’s plenty of time for those all-important victory shots, before the descent to Horombo. The campsite is at 2,700m and where the final night camping is spent. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camping
After a wonderful night’s sleep, descends towards the Moorland to Mandara Hut at 2,700m before returning to the Marangu Gate at 1,800m. This is a long and gently sloping walk from the lower heath and into the rainforest.
Vehicles will await the group at the finishing point for the drive back to your hotel. Finally, it’s time to relax and celebrate with a final team dinner and celebratory drink. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hotel
Emotions are likely to be mixed as you say goodbye to Kilimanjaro and head back home. Take the time during the flight to sit back and reflect on your once-in-a-lifetime experience, while also swapping contact details with new-found friends and trekking partners. (B)
Head home to share your special memories with friends and family.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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