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The Itinerary of the 2008 Trip13 January (Sunday)This morning the group will be met in Nairobi and transferred to Marangu via Arusha. The journey from Nairobi to Arusha, where you stop for lunch, takes approximately 4 hours with border clearance at Namanga. Driving through the heart of Masailand in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania you have the chance to spot small plains game, lesser kudu and gerenuk as you pass under the curved peak of Mt. Longido. After lunch in Arusha you continue to the Kibo Hotel in Marangu, a drive of approximately 2 hours. The road from Arusha skirts the southern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro before you ascend to the small town of Marangu. This evening you will receive a full briefing about the Mt Kilimanjaro climb from a senior representative of The African Walking Co. 14 January (Monday) This morning after breakfast you will depart from your hotel and be driven to Marangu Gate. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, you continue by 4x4 vehicle to Rongai (journey time approximately 2 hours). The climb begins from the attractive village of Nale Moru (1,950m/6,397ft) 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 which shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful black & white 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 the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m/8530ft) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains [3-4 hours walking]. 15 January (Tuesday) This morning you have a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450m/11,318ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, you leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m/11,811ft) [6-7 hours walking]. 16 January (Wednesday) Today you start with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes which is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. You then leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,206ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation [3-4 hours walking]. 17 January (Thursday) This morning you cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo campsite (4,700m/15,419ft) 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! [5-6 hours walking]. 18 January (Friday) The final assault! After an early wake-up call at around 1 a.m you start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight. You plod slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685m/18,651ft). You rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi and those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896m/19,343ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700m/15,420ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, you continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3,720m/12,205ft) [11-15 hours walking]. 19 January (Saturday) With the end in sight, this morning you enjoy a sustained descent down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,858ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. You then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m/6,004ft) [5-6 hours walking]. You will then be met and transferred to Marangu and back to your hotel for some well-earned relaxation and dinner at the hotel. 20 January (Sunday) After breakfast this morning you will be transferred from Marangu to Nairobi for 3 nights whilst visiting the orphanages. 21 & 22 January (Monday and Tuesday) You now have two full days to enjoy your visit with our partner organizations in and around Nairobi, including a visit to Kibera - one of the largest slums in the world. During these two days you will have the opportunity to meet the children your funds have helped. Participants of our last Kilimanjaro Climb Fundraiser felt that this part of the adventure was extremely worthwhile. Heidi, a participant of our last Fundraiser, states, "I only wish I could have stayed longer �to do more work on the school." 23 January (Wednesday) Transfer to Nairobi for departure flights in the afternoon. Extending Your Stay Arriving to Tanzania early for our hike, and therefore having longer to acclimatize, is a good way to help ensure a successful hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. If you are interested in staying at Kibo Hotel for an extra day or two before the hike we can arrange your accommodation. If you are interested in extending your stay in Kenya at the end of the trip there are optional safaris available. We will be happy to provide you with more information on these optional extensions. |
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Machu Picchu