We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro,
preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the lightly-used
Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania
border and has been almost unused for many years because the area
was considered “sensitive”. Now open for climbing once
again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both
easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai
route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with
the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several
different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of
the trek. We also add an extra day to the standard five day itinerary
to ensure maximum acclimatisation and give ourselves the best possible
chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. Recent National Park
statistics indicate that the chance of reaching the summit increases
by at least 20% if an extra day is spent acclimatising. The deviation
to Mawenzi Tarn is very beautiful and on a little-used trail through
moorland. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and
offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it
from the north.
Day 1
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 2
This is only a morning walk up to the ‘Second Cave’
(3,450 m.). The walk is steady uphill with superb views of Kibo
and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. The afternoon can be
spend enjoying the view over the Kenyan plains or doing a short
acclimatisation walk up towards Third Cave. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 3
The morning walk is a steady ascent but short to the ‘Third
Cave’ (3,900 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern
icefields on the crater rim. We take hot lunch at the camp. The
weather and the scenary is experienced with the vegetation thinning,
and the huge bulk of Kibo suddenly seems to be very close, especially
from our camp at ‘Third Cave’ (3,900 m.) [2 –
3 hours walking]
Day 4
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi
and Kibo to reach Kibo 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 5
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 (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 6
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.),
the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue
descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National
Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [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.