The Challenge

The Kilimanjaro trek can be undertaken by anyone as long as you have a very good level of fitness, you are determined and have a flexible and positive attitude. The ascent does not require technical climbing skills and is followed by a fairly quick descent. That said, adequate preparation planning and training are absolutely essential. The trek takes the Marangu Route, which is affectionately called the Coca Cola route because of the availability of snacks and drinks at some of the camps along the route.

The Project

The project you will visit and assist at will be either a school or local community centre depending upon the need at the time. The activities you will be involved with may include erecting a boundary fence, gardening, painting and decorating or building a new toilet block.

Itinerary

Day 1: London - Kilimanjaro
Overnight flight from London to Kilimanjaro (via Nairobi).

Day 2: Moshi
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Moshi (approx 20-30 minutes drive). Visit the project this afternoon. A briefing and welcome dinner tonight. (Lunch, Dinner)

Days 3-4: Moshi
Help out at a project in Moshi. This could be at a school or community centre for example. (BLD)

Day 5: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut 2,705m (8,875 ft)
This morning we drive through the semi-tropical foothills of Kilimanjaro to Marangu Gate, where you enter Kilimanjaro National Park and start your climb. Today’s trek takes 4-5 hours through tropical rainforest to reach Mandara Hut where we stay overnight. The terrain is not too steep and it is a short day. (BLD)

Day 6: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut 3,718m (12,201 ft)
Your second day on the mountain starts with a fairly steep climb through the last of the rainforest, up to alpine meadows dotted with giant heather. Further on, the environment changes to open heath with stunted vegetation, before opening out to bleak moorland. There is a very steep section just over halfway through your day. Today you will gain approximately 1,000m in altitude, so walk slowly in order to acclimatize properly. It is normally a 6-7 hour hike to reach Horombo Hut depending on your pace. (BLD)

Day 7: Horombo Hut
Spend a day acclimatising to the altitude with short morning and afternoon treks, returning to base for meals and overnight. This time will greatly increase your chances of reaching the summit. (BLD)

Day 8: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut 4,713m (15,463 ft)
The terrain now becomes progressively more rocky and rugged, and giant groundsels and lobelias make their appearance. The trail skirts Mawenzi Peak, before crossing a stark, almost lunar landscape and the famed tundra desert of 'the saddle'. The hike to Kibo Hut takes between 6 to 8 hours and the views from the saddle are breathtaking. Make this an early night – your attempt on Uhuru Peak starts at midnight. (BLD)

Day 9: Kibo Hut – SUMMIT 5,894m (19,340 ft) – Horombo Hut 3,718m (12,201 ft)
Soon after midnight, you will be awakened by your guides to start the trek up a long scree slope. After roughly two to three hours you should reach Hans Meyer's Cave and from here the gradient gets steeper. Continue your climb for approximately another 3 hours up a steep, zig zagging path to Gilman's Point and you will be rewarded by the dramatic sight of the rising sun reflecting off the ice fields and craggy peaks of Mawenzi. Walk along the crater rim for another couple of hours to reach your goal – Uhuru Peak, towering at 5,895m (19,340 ft.) After congratulating yourself and your companions on this great achievement, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and refreshment before continuing to Horombo Hut. This is an extremely long day – up to 15 hours trekking depending on your pace. (BLD)

Day 10: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate - Moshi
After a leisurely breakfast, make your final descent across the alpine meadow, past Manyara Hut and on down through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where your driver and vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi. (BLD)

Day 11 -12: Moshi – London
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to London. Arrive in London the next morning. (B)

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