Kilmanjaro
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and on a clear day it can be seen from the Tsavo plains more than 100 miles away. It is an extinct volcano and its summit is distinguished by a prominent crater. Although it is located just three degrees south of the Equator, its summit is permanently covered with snow and ice. Of the various routes which ascend the mountain's flanks, the Rongai route offers the best combination of gradual ascent, beautiful scenery and quiet paths.
The Rongai route approaches from the northern side of the mountain and is much drier than the southern routes. It begins with a trek through attractive farmland and pleasant forest, and there is the chance of seeing some wildlife. Colubus monkeys can often be spotted on the ascent. Although it is considered to be one of the easiest routes of ascent, the Rongai is also the least climbed. Partly this is due to its remoteness, requiring a long jeep drive along a rough dirt road to get to the starting point. We trek for three days through sub-tropical forests and open savannah to our camp at Mawenzi Tarn. Here we can acclimatise and hike up to the fascinating rock towers of Mawenzi Peak. We then ascend to our highest camp at Kibo Hut from where we make our summit climb. The ascent to the crater rim in the early hours of the morning is hard work, but as we reach Gilman’s Point we will be rewarded with a spectacular African sunrise. Another hour along the easy summit ridge brings us to Uhuru Point, the highest peak in Africa. The vista across the summit ice fields and down to the Tanzanian plains is one which we will remember for the rest of our lives.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Depart Glasgow
We fly with KLM from Glasgow Airport via Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. The flight departs from Glasgow at 05.55 Hrs and we arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport at 20.00 Hrs. On arrival we are met by our local guides and transfer to our hotel in the village of Marangu. At the hotel there will be a light buffet dinner and drinks at the bar.
Day 2 Marangu
After the long flight, the morning will be leisurely. There will be a relaxed time for breakfast, and mid-morning there will be a trek briefing by the guides. This will be an opportunity for equipment to be checked and for any final questions to be asked. After lunch we will make an acclimatisation hike in the Marangu area. The region is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and ancient caves. With more than seven waterfalls in the vicinity we can spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful views. The trails pass through the well-maintained coffee and banana plantations and the friendly villages give us an insight into local mountain life.
Day 3 Trek to Camp 1 from Nale Moru (8,550ft/ 2,600m)
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Landrover to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) 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 that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro 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 (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 4 Trek to Kikelewa Caves (11,800ft/ 3,600m)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) [6-7 hours walking]
Day 5 Trek to Mawenzi Camp (14,200ft/ 4,330m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 6 Trek to Kibo Camp (15,400ft/ 4,700m)
We cross the vast lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut campsite (4,700 m.) 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]
Day 7 Summit Uhuru Peak (19,344ft/ 5,896m)
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking]
Day 8 Trek to Marangu (6,000ft/ 1,830m)
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely sub tropical forest to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking]
Zanzibar
At the end of the Kilimanjaro climb, we will be spending four extra days relaxing on the beautiful Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. A short flight from Kilimanjaro Airport, Zanzibar offers a varied and colourful experience with a rich history dating back to the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama. In recent years Freddie Mercury was one of the islands most famous sons.
We have chosen the beautiful resort of Pongwe Beach Hotel www.pongwe.com situated on the north-eastern side of the island. Close to the beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs of Mnemba Island, the resort is quiet with just a few chalets looking out over the ocean.
The Pongwe Beach Hotel offers good quality accommodation in a tranquil setting. Experience the magic of the sunset either from the beach area or on a sunset sail in a boat. The hotel is situated in a private and secluded location fronting right onto the white sandy shoreline. The snorkelling is excellent and there are a range of other watersports available nearby. Mnemba Island, just a short boat trip away, is one of the best diving sites in the world.
Day 9 Morning flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar
After breakfast we transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for the flight to Zanzibar, departing at 11.00 Hrs and arriving Zanzibar at 12.00 Hrs. We are met at the airport and transfer 40 minutes by private vehicle to the Pongwe Beach Hotel. The hotel boasts 16 beautifully appointed, traditional cottages in a beach front setting, surrounded by delightful lawns and garden. The sea view cottages have traditional lime wash walls, and thatched roofs made from woven palm leaves. There are a wide range of activities available including big game fishing and snorkelling, and diving can be arranged at nearby Mnemba Island. There is an infinity pool and decking, and with the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean literally on your doorstep, it is truly a paradise setting.
Day 10 - 11 Zanzibar
Two full days at the Pongwe Beach Hotel. Arrangements are on a half board basis, so breakfast and evening meals are included, allowing you the freedom to explore the island without necessarily having to return to the hotel for lunch. Transport of various kinds can be hired, including 4x4 jeeps and motorbikes.
Day 12 Depart Zanzibar
The morning will be free. After lunch we transfer to the airport in Zanzibar for our afternoon flight, connecting via either Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi for the connection back to the UK.
Day 13 Arrive Glasgow
The flight arrives back into Glasgow Airport in the morning.
COSTS
Non Refundable Registration Fee £200
Suggested sponsorship target £2750 excluding registration.
Online individual fundraising website supplied to everyone via JustGiving.
This Charity Trek on behalf of Aberlour Child Care Trust will be organised and led by Great Walks of the World
www.greatwalks.net For further information contact Jane Wyman at Aberlour's Head Office in Stirling on 01786 230496 or email
jane.wyman@aberlour.org.uk
Aberlour Charity Trek to Torres Del Paine, Patagonia, Chile in March 07