The Marangu route is used by almost 50% of all
climbers and has comfortable mountain huts with solar power lighting.
Although the trail is crowded, the views are beautiful and each
day of walking progresses through a different climate zone, adding
considerably to the interest of the trek. The real highlight is
the walk from Gillman’s point along the crater rim to Uhuru
Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that
still occupy most of the summit area. The views on a clear morning
are absolutely magnificent - The Rift Valley, Mt. Meru, and the
Masai Steppes stand out from the endless plains almost three vertical
miles below as the sun rises behind Mawenzi.
Day 1
The National Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which
is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations.
After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive
and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut
(2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and
make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy
the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys
are often seen as well. [3-5 hours walking]
Day 2
The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but
the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather,
there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily
through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional
stands of groundsel, to eventually reach the hut complex at Horombo
(3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very spectacular,
the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a
real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]
Day 3
We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between
Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree and there is a palpable
sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700
m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon
is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the
day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb
before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]
Day 4
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we
can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb
is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded
zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s
(5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend
some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong
can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim
to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers
that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly
fast and we return to Horombo for the night. [11-15 hours walking]
Day 5
We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and
then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. The greenness
and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit
day, and it really makes you realise how varied the secenery on
Kilimanjaro really is. [5-6 hours walking]
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Tanzania
has one of the largest areas of protected lands in the world. It
houses the largest Game Reserve on the continent (Selous) and its
most famous national park (the Serengeti), not to mention the famous
Ngorongoro Crater considered being the eighth wonder of the world.
Here you can experience the landscapes which have captivated the
minds of millions of people. 
Tanzania is endowed with some of the most diverse and picturesque landscape. Its towering mountains in the North are some of the highest mountains in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, is a great extinct volcano 5,895m (19,345ft) above sea level. Rift Cross can take you to the roof of Africa - Kilimanjaro and to the tops of other attractive mountains such as Meru and Oldoinyo lengai. Climbing these volcanoes is an incredible but manageable challenge. For travelers seeking adventures off the beaten track and spectacular views, these are ideal destinations.
The
white and golden sands of East Africa’s beaches are deservedly
world famous. They are soaked in sun all year round, and surrounded
by coral reef and the exotic scenery of the Indian Ocean. A rest
on a Tanzanian beach will leave you refreshed, restored and intrigued.
Walking through the narrow, twisting streets of Zanzibar’s
Stone Town plunges you into the past.
To many people tourism is confined to the wildlife destination, mountain trekking and beach relaxation. Rift Cross goes beyond the limits by taking you to experience the richest and most diverse cultures of people who follow ancient traditions –yet engaging on their own terms, with a globalizing world. Let us take you to visit these peoples, their homes and villages.