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 plains almost three vertical miles below as the sun
rises behind Mawenzi. 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. National
Park statistics indicate that the chance of reaching the summit
increases by at least 20% if an extra day is spent acclimatising.
The extra day is used to make an interesting excursion towards the
jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
Day 1
After completing the entrance formalities at the National Park
gate (1,830 m.) 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 simply rest and enjoy the beautiful forest
around you. [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
The day is spent making an excursion towards the base of the seldom
visited Mawenzi peak, which affords excellent views of Kibo and
our route up to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. Mawenzi
is an older volcano than Kibo and so has eroded further into a very
jagged ridge with dramatic pinnacles. The landscape feels more alpine
and there is a greater sense of peacefulness than in other locations
on this route. We spend a second night at Horombo Hut to further
improve our acclimatisation. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 4
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! [4-6 hours]
Day 5
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 should reach Gillman’s
(5,685 m.) in five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some
time taking in the sunrise over Mawenzi. 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 6
We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and
then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. [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.