Climbing 3 Highest Mountains in Africa

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GENERAL OVERVIEW

Climbing 3 Highest Mountains in Africa; Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya and Mt. Stanley on 20 Days Mountaineering expedition journey covering Volcanic Mountain, Snow Capped Mountains and Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga National Park.

Africa is best renowned for Wildlife & Primate Watching in the wilderness of Virunga Mountains, but it also boasts its share of enchanted, high-altitude Mountains that should be at the top of every hiker’s bucket list and these mountains are the 3 highest mountains in Africa that is Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Stanley.

Take an expeditious adventure to explore and summit all the 3 highest peaks in East Africa and in African in general with the leading Mountaineering operator. You will start with the highest peak of Kilimanjaro (Kibo Peak) Mount Kenya (Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana) and Rwenzori Mountains (Margherita Peak).

This is adventure that is recommended to experience Mountaineers that have been mountaineering in the world. 20 Days East Africa Mountaineering tours starts in Tanzania Arusha and ends in Entebbe/ Kigali airport after the summit to Mount Stanley with extension to do Mountain gorilla watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Facts about Climbing Routes

  • Kilimanjaro Marangu Route known as the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu route is the oldest and the most well-established route on Kilimanjaro Mountain. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.

Chogoria Route Mount Kenya:is the best route that 6summits recommends to travelers since it has registered high success in summiting to the peak from the eastern side of mount Kenya having been open since 1920s.  The trail begins from chogoria town as the route name suggests which is about 96km from Embu and 64km from Meru.

Camping is possible at the road head and water is available from a stream that passes by  Mintos Hut (4,300m) is an excellently sited hut on the plateau overlooking Lake Michaelson 300m below. Spectacular views can be sighted at the Nithi George, by walking ten minutes south-east of the Mintos hut to the edge of the “Temple.” From Hall Tarn, the trail continues to the Austria Hut (4,790m) via square Tarn and the Tooth Col, then round the head of the Hobley Valley. Alternatively, Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) may be reached (3 hours), via Simba Col. Drop down towards lower Simba Tarn and turn left to Shipton’s Camp.

  • Mount Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail is the oldest and most famous trail of the Rwenzori Mountains. The Central Circuit trail starts from Mihunga gate at 1,651m asl. It is the shortest and somewhat easiest route to Margherita peak except for the boggy path after John Matte camp on day 3 of the trail taking just 7 days to summit to Margherita peak. 

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The Kurt Schaffer Bridge previously swept away by floods has been reconstructed allowing easy crossing of the Mubuku River just below the confluence of the Bujuku River and Mubuku River, and the Uganda wildlife authority is under preparation to increase on the huts in the mountains so that the group sizes via Rwenzori Central Circuit can be increased too from 12 Pax to 24 Pax for ultimate luxury experience of the Rwenzori Mountains with 6Summits African Expeditions.

Activities

  • Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing
  • Mount Kenya Trekking
  • Rwenzori Mountains Hikes
  • Mountain Gorilla Watching

Key Points to Summit

Name: Kilimanjaro Elevation: 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) Mountain Range: Mount Kilimanjaro

 Country: Tanzania Difficulty of Ascent: Rated as Walk-Up

Name: Kenya Elevation: 17,047 feet (5,199 meters) Mountain Range: Mount Kenya Mountain

 Country: Kenya Difficulty of Ascent: Rated as Technical Climb

Name: Stanley Elevation: 16,794 feet (5,119 meters) Mountain Range: Rwenzori Mountain Range Country: Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda Difficulty of Ascent: Rated as Scramble

  • Climbing 3 Highest Mountains in Africa

Book 20 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb, Mount Kenya & Rwenzori Trekking on a luxury mountaineering to the 3 highest peaks in Africa with 6Summits African Expeditions including the Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with experts in Mountaineering.

Preparation & Arrival in Tanzania.

Our Local Tanzanian guide will meet your, brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

TOUR PLAN

  • Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft)
  • Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft)
  • Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Hut to Horombo Hut (Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft to 12,205 ft)
  • Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft)
  • Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Point to Horombo Hut (Elevation15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft)
  • Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft)
  • Day 7: Nairobi- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 650m ascent.
  • Day 8: Mt Kenya Bandas - Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m) 3hrs, 9km, 700m ascent.
  • Day 9: Lake Ellis - Minto`s Camp. (4,200m) 4 hrs, 12km, 600m ascent.
  • Day 10: Minto`s - Pt Lenana (4,985m) - Liki North camp. 8-9 hrs, 785 ascent, 1,085 descent, 19km,
  • Day 11: Liki North camp - Nairobi- 3 hrs.
  • Day 12. Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
  • Day 13. Nyakalengija (1600m) to John matte hut (3420m)
  • Day14. John matte to Elena hut (4563m)
  • Day 15. Elena to Bujuku camp (3930m) – Hiking to the top
  • Day 16. Bujuku to Nyabitaba hut (2660m)
  • Day 17. Nyabitaba back to Nyakalengija
  • Day 18: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Day 19: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Day 20: Transfer to Kampala for flight back home.
  • Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft)

    We head to the Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rain forest near the upper edge of the forest line, where we sometimes see playful blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

    Hut: Mandara Hut.

  • Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft)

    Our second day on the trail begins with a steep ascent through the forest and opens into high moorland. If the sky is clear, we may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

    Habitat: Heath / Moorland

  • Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Hut to Horombo Hut (Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft to 12,205 ft)

    This extra day is used for acclimatization. We hike towards or all the way to Mawenzi Hut and back. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

    Habitat: Heath

  • Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft)

    Today we climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our campsite which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp we rest, enjoy an early dinner and prepare for summit day.

    Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Point to Horombo Hut (Elevation15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft)

    We wake in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa. The trail to Gilman’s Point is very steep and the ascent will be slow and steady. From Gilman’s, it is a traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. We stay at the summit for a short time, to take photos and enjoy the views, before retracing our steps to all the way back to Horombo Hut.

    Habitat: Arctic

  • Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft)

    A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate we pick up our certificate that proves our achievement and catch our vehicle transfer to Kilimanjaro international Airport for the flight to Kenya for the next hike to the second highest mountain in Africa.

  • Day 7: Nairobi- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 650m ascent.

    Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch.  After lunch, we drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km to the Mt Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the Meru Mount Kenya Bandas.

  • Day 8: Mt Kenya Bandas - Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m) 3hrs, 9km, 700m ascent.

    After breakfast and sorting of porter loads, we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, and then it’s time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more “touristy” areas

  • Day 9: Lake Ellis - Minto`s Camp. (4,200m) 4 hrs, 12km, 600m ascent.

    Similar early start.  Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breath-taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night’s rest. The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort.  This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge – they look as if they are praying. An early night is recommended as you are attempting the summit the next day.

  • Day 10: Minto`s - Pt Lenana (4,985m) - Liki North camp. 8-9 hrs, 785 ascent, 1,085 descent, 19km,

    Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you hike for about three hours up to Point Lenana (4,985m), the hiker’s summit, arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton camp for breakfast. After breakfast, begin a 3-hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to the Liki North camp (3,900m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp. Dinner and overnight at Liki North camp.

  • Day 11: Liki North camp - Nairobi- 3 hrs.

    After early morning breakfast, descend for 2-3 hours to Old Moses camp to catch a vehicle for transfer to Nairobi arriving late afternoon and take a connecting flight to Entebbe International Airport.

  • Day 12. Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

    After your morning breakfast, the company driver guide will be there to pick you up to transfer you to the Mountains of the Moon in western Uganda with en route lunch in Fort portal. Upon reaching the area, you will check in the lodge and spend a night relaxing as your first day trekking awaits you. Dinner and overnight stay at Snow Heights Lodge.

  • Day 13. Nyakalengija (1600m) to John matte hut (3420m)

    You will go to Rwenzori Mountains National Park offices  in Nyakalengija where you will be briefed and then pick your hiking equipment. The guides and porters will be ready and you will start the hike passing through the local settlements, tropical forests, montane forests, bamboo forest and part of the alpine. As you hike, you will have a stopover at Nyabitaba hut for lunch and then proceed through the Kurt Schaffer Bridge which is at the conference of Mubuku and Bujuku Rivers. You will then reach john mate where you will have dinner and spend the night.

  • Day14. John matte to Elena hut (4563m)

    After breakfast at john matte, you will pass through the rocky and slippery area as you cross different rivers and stream. Along this route, you will spot where you will be able to spot the Margherita and Alexandra peaks at a distance. You will then proceed with the hike through the lower bigo bog where boards were put to make movement easier, you will spot various plants like giant lobelia, groundsels, and everlasting flowers among others. You will continue to hike through the rocky parts of mount Stanley to Elena hut where you will have dinner and spend the night.

  • Day 15. Elena to Bujuku camp (3930m) – Hiking to the top

    On this day you will start the hike at around 2am, get ready with your hiking gear and headlamps, you will hike through the rocky area, and you will use the ropes as you hike on some spots to the Stanley glacier. You will need your crampons. After the Stanley glacier, you will remove the crampons and continue with the hike through the rocks to the Margherita glacier. The hike through the Margherita glacier will lead you to Margherita peak which is the highest point of the Rwenzori. You will then descend back to Elena hut where you will rest and have lunch. And then continue to descend to Bujuku hut where you will have dinner and spend the night.

  • Day 16. Bujuku to Nyabitaba hut (2660m)

    After breakfast at Bujuku you will move through the upper bigo bog, continue descending through the lower bigo bog to john mate where you will rest and have lunch. You will then proceed to Nyabitaba hut where you will have dinner and spend the night.

  • Day 17. Nyabitaba back to Nyakalengija

    After breakfast at Nyabitaba, you will descend back to Nyakalengija and head to Sandton hotel/ Snow height lodge for overnight stay

  • Day 18: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    You will set off from Rwenzori Mountains National Park and start on the journey to connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home to the mountain gorillas which hosts half of the world’s mountain gorillas.  The journey takes you 5 hours to connect to Bwindi where you will be checked in at your accommodation for relaxation.

    The alternative destination for gorilla trekking is Mgahinga national park depending on availability of the Gorilla Permits, Sleep and dinner at Gorilla Forest Camp/ Ikoro Lodge.

  • Day 19: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

    After Early Morning breakfast, you will head to the park office headquarters with packed lunch for an inevitable briefing ready to trek for the gorillas in the thick impenetrable forests. You get to spend an hour with the gorillas after having trekked for about 3-5 hours. If you are not so worn out in the evening, head for a brief nature walk to the Batwa community.

  • Day 20: Transfer to Kampala for flight back home.

    You will have morning breakfast before starting on the journey to connect to Kampala which is 8 hours drive; you will have stop over at Equator for experiment and later proceed to Entebbe.

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