CLIMBING KILI - High School Summer Programs (800) 321-4353

For an Unforgettable Journey to the Top of Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro rises majestically above the vast expanse of northern Tanzania, challenging all who gaze across the plains to ascend this great peak. Scale the mountain to the summit and soak in the magnificent views it bestows on those determined to tackle this rugged climb. This is truly an awesome endeavor, and Rustic Pathways is proudly offering this exciting trekking adventure to a limited number of students for the summer of 2008.

Are You Ready for This?
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing volcano. Its snow capped peak reaches a jaw-dropping 5,895m/19,340ft, offering unbelievable panoramic views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Maasai Stepp. Your journey starts in the small town of Arusha, in the northern highlands of Tanzania, beneath the twin peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. During the next seven days, the group treks up the famous Marangu Route, a nontechnical climb that any person with good physical fitness and mental toughness can conquer. You don’t need ropes or climbing equipment to make it to the top, just the drive and resolve to partake in this great adventure. Accompanied by an experienced team of professional guides, cooks, and porters, the group paces themselves and acclimates along the way, making the summit a realistic and attainable goal. It’s the perfect way to reach the ‘rooftop of Africa’.

The Ascent Begins
Once on the trail, the group hikes for 2 days through thick lowland forest, averaging between four to six hours of hiking per day. On the third day, the brush gives way to alpine meadows where the air begins to thin. At this altitude, the environment hosts an unusual variety of vegetation, and offers expansive views of the boundless plains below. After a few nights of sleeping on the mountain to acclimate, you’ll wake up in the middle of the night to get a head start on your final day of climbing. The stars gradually fade as the air begins to warm in anticipation of the approaching sunrise. Nearing the peak, your adrenaline starts pumping as you realize the summit is within your reach. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

Midnight on the Mountain
Nights are spent in huts along the Marangu Route allowing you time to get to know your group over hearty dinners and crystal clear star gazing as you camp on the slopes of one of the world’s greatest peaks. Once the summit has been scaled it is time to descend, with an indescribable sense of pride and achievement carrying you home. The great expanse of Africa seen from the top of Kilimanjaro is the ultimate backdrop to your great sense of accomplishment. The journey comes to an end back in the town of Arusha with a farewell feast of mouth-watering local cuisine.

What a Journey!
This program offers the thrill of immersing yourself in a fascinating culture and the opportunity to reach the summit of world famous Mount Kilimanjaro. Grab your hiking boots and backpack and join us in Tanzania on this incredible African adventure. Combine this awesome quest with one or more of our other fantastic African programs for the ultimate African summer experience. If you would like to inquire about our Climbing Kili program please email Tanya Rinaldi at tanya@rusticpathways.com.

Marangu Route up Kilimanjaro:
The most commonly utilized route, Marangu is popular with first time hikers.The route illustrates Kilimanjaro’s progressive changes in scenery from rainforest, extensive moorland and alpine desert, until the eventual climb up loose gravel to the snowline on the lip of this dormant volcano’s peak.

Day 1: Africa here we come!
All scheduled group flights to Africa depart from New York, and are escorted by a Rustic Pathways Flight Leader.

Day 2: Meet and Greet
Welcome to Arusha, Tanzania. On arrival you will transfer to our overnight accommodation where you will get to know the staff and have a briefing about the climb.
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 3: Arusha to Mandara- 1280m to 2740m
The day starts with an early drive from Arusha to the Marangu gate. After registering at the park gates we begin trekking through rainforest, until we reach our first base camp of Mandara.
Hike Time: 3-4hrs, Distance: 7kms, Accommodation: Hut

Day 4 & 5: Mandara to Horombo- 2740m to 3700m
After breakfast, leave the confines of the rainforest, and continue trekking past Maundi Crater into open rolling moorlands where you will get your first clear view of towering Kilimanjaro in the distance. Our base camp for the next two nights is Horombo. (We will take an extra day at Horombo hut for acclimatization.)
Hike Time: 4-5hrs, Distance: 11kms, Accommodation: Hut

Day 6: Horombo to Kibo- 3700m to 4700m
After a good night’s rest trek past the last water point to reach Kibo Saddle. This is a broad desert zone between the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Early to bed tonight as the summit awaits us early tomorrow morning.
Hike Time: 6-7hrs, Distance: 10kms, Accommodation: Hut

Day 7: Kibo to Summit- 4700m to 5895m
Our summit approach starts at midnight, after a snack we precede to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft). It is about 5-6hours from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman’s point to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) is 1-2 hours. Thus reaching the peak in the early morning of the seventh day will arrive just in time to watch the sunrise. After some awesome picture taking on the Rooftop of Africa we start descending to Horombo hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
Hike Time: 5-7hrs, Distance: 4kms, Summit to Horombo- 5895m to 3700m
Hike Time: 4-6hrs, Distance: 14kms, Accommodation: Hut

Day 8: Horombo to Arusha- 3700m to 1280m
Today is spent descending to Marangu Gate where it all started from. You will be presented with your certificate of accomplishment before transferring back to Arusha for some well deserved rest and relaxation.
Hike Time: 5-7hrs, Distance: 18kms, Accommodation: Lodge

Day 9: Arusha and Relaxing
We spend our final day relaxing, doing some last minute shopping in Arusha for souvenirs and enjoying the chance to recount some of the wonderful memories we have of the last few days. Arusha is a small African town nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru with commanding views of the mighty Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 10: Goodbye Africa
Our journey starts off with an early rise as it's time to say goodbye to the staff and Arusha. If you are returning home today, your flight will depart this morning. If you are continuing onto another Rustic Pathways adventure,
your staff will help you with your flight arrangements.

All of the items below are guidelines. Here is the packing list for the Climbing Kili. If you are doing a combination of trips over two or three weeks, be sure to check the packing lists for all sections of your trip to pack appropriately. You will not have the opportunity to wash your clothing during this trip in Africa.

One of the important prerequisites of a successful summit attempt is being properly equipped. Ensure that you are well equipped. Extra luggage, including clean clothes to wear after your climb, can be left at our base in Arusha. Please remember to limit the weight of your backpack and its content, to be carried by the porters on the climb, to 30lbs or less.

Travel Documents:
Valid passport
Airline Ticket

Essential Items:
Backpack- Large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. (To be carried by porters)
Day Backpack- 20-35litres. (Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks and warm clothing)
Sleeping Bag (0 to -20.c)
Ski-Pole/Walking Stick
Water Bottle

High Altitude Gear:
1x Waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket (outer wear)
1x Waterproof, breathable and windproof pants (outer wear)
2x Polar Fleece (middle layer)
1x Thermal Underwear (under layers)
Mittens or Warm Gloves
2x Thermal (polertex) Socks
1x Ski Mask
Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb

Hiking Gear:
2x Shorts
1x Hiking Pants
5-10x Underwear
5x T-shirts
1x Raincoat or Poncho

Footwear:
Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots
Sneakers
Socks- several pairs for the climb

Equipment:
Sun Hat
Head Lamp
Flashlight with spare batteries

Personal Items:
Toiletries Bag
1x Towel
Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
Toilet Paper
Medications
Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia

Optional Items:
Camera
Notebook & Pen
Deck of Cards
CD Walkman or Ipod.
Reading Material