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Kilimanjaro

An almost perfectly shaped volcano rising from the plains, Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the African continent's most magnificent sights. At 5,895 metres it is the highest peak in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world. From cultivated farmlands on the lower level, it rises through lush rainforest onto alpine meadow and finally across a magical lunar landscape to the snow and ice capped summit. The rainforest is home to animals such as buffalo, eland, antelope and the black & white colobus monkey.

When to undertake the climb:

Although the mountain can be climbed throughout the year it is better avoiding the two rainy seasons April to mid- June and October to mid-December, when the routes become slippery. Probably the best time to visit is mid-December through March and mid-June through September, when there is usually little cloud.

Preparation:

Officially anyone aged from 12 may attempt the climb. Some routes are technical but no technical mountain climbing equipment is required on the three routes we take. Although sometimes called the Everyman’s Everest, getting to the summit of Kilimanjaro is not a piece of cake. The trek is physically demanding especially for those who come from sea-level. Altitude sickness is often a problem. If you know you are susceptible to this you are advised not to attempt the climb. Symptoms include bad headache, nausea, vomiting and severe fatigue. This can be avoided by ascending slowly and if at all possible spending an extra day half way up to acclimatize. Altitude sickness can be cured simply by descending a few hundred metres. Although thousands of non-experienced climbers have made it to the top, thousands also have not and more than a few have died in the attempt. There is no shame at 4,000 metres deciding with your guide that you have gone far enough. We will give our best in assisting you get to the level that is appropriate for you. If that is the summit we will guide you there and back surely and safely. The important things to remember are to come prepared, take it slowly (pole, pole), be open and comfortable with your guides and porters and, most importantly, be honest with yourself. If your body, and possibly your guide, suggest you may have had enough, then listen to both. If you have the chance, spend an extra acclimatization day half way up.

If you are intent on summiting Kili, have little experience of high altitude trekking and have the time and money a good idea to consider for acclimatization purposes is to first go on a six day wildlife viewing trek in the Ngorongoro Highlands. There go up Oldonyo LeNgai (The Mountain of God) at 2,878 metres. Then take four days going up and down the less traveled but very spectacular Mt. Meru at 4,566 metres.  Then you will be ready to enjoy rather than suffer through Kilimanjaro.

Being well equipped will also increase your chances of succeeding in reaching the summit. Be sure to bring a warm sleeping bag (-20°C), thermal underwear, double pair of warm socks, gloves, wool hat, thermal high altitude jacket, rainproof light overjacket, thick sweater, thick trousers, light rainproof overtrousers, run-in high mountain trekking boots, sunglasses, sun filter, a large water bottle, a first aid kit and baby wipes. Bring your bulky stuff in a rucksack which we will bring up the mountain for you. All you will need to carry in a small backpack is your very personal stuff and your own water.

Marangu Route

Most visitors use this trail. The climb via Marangu can be done in 5 or 6 days. Overnight is in huts along the way, which have two rooms for 4 people each.

- DAY 1: The climb starts at Marangu Gate (1,829 metres), followed by a 3-4 hours walk through the rainforest to reach Mandara Hut (2,700 metres), close by Maundi Crater. If you come from sea level you will probably be aware of the altitude at this stage. Dinner and overnight in the hut.

- DAY 2: The last glades of the forest are left behind, when we follow the gently ascending path through the open Alpine Meadow. The altitude begins to make you tread slowly : pole, pole (slowly, slowly in Swahili) is the order of the day while enjoying the flora and the magnificent view. Picnic lunch on the way. Horombo Hut (3,720 metres) is reached within 5-7 hours walking. Dinner and overnight in the hut.

- DAY 3 OPTIONAL : One extra day and night at Horombo Hut for acclimatization. All meals and overnight in the hut.

- DAY 3 or 4: After a good nights rest, we continue, past the last giant Lobelias and Proteas, and move on the lunar landscape of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. Kibo Hut (4,703 metres) is reached in 5-6 hours. Picnic lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight in the hut.

- DAY 4 or 5: The climb for the summit starts in the early morning hours. How late after midnight depends on how fit you are. For about 5 hours we will be climbing the steepest and most demanding part, the route to Gilman's Point (5,685 metres) on the crater rim. About 2 hours are then taken to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. Yes, you made it! The fascinating colour changing sunrise is the reward for bearing the extreme cold. From here we descend going straight down to Horombo Hut, where we overnight.

- DAY 5 or 6: The day is spent descending to Marangu Gate. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi.

2005 Price: 5 days 710 USD/860 EUR Per Person (PP) 6 days 840 USD/1,020 EUR PP

2006 Price: 5 days 1,050 USD/1,275 EUR PP 6 days 1,250 USD/1,520 EUR PP

Included: - Transport from Moshi to the gate and back. - Park & hut fees. - Rescue fees. - Park commission. - Guide, cook and porters. - All meals during the climb.

Excluded: - Beverages. - Breakfast the first day and dinner the last day. - Tips.

Machame Route

This is a bit more difficult than the Marangu route. On the other hand, as the climb takes one day longer, there is a better acclimatization. Overnight camping.

- DAY 1: Gate - Machame hut. Transfer from your hotel to the gate for registration and start the trek up-hill, through mountain forest to Machame Hut (3,000 metres). Picnic lunch on the way. If you come from sea level you will be aware of the altitude at this stage. Camping near Machame Hut.

- DAY 2: Machame Hut - Shira Hut; 5-7 hours walk. We leave Machame Hut in the morning. The path leads up through rocky ridges. Shira Hut (3,840 metres) is reached in the afternoon. Picnic lunch on the way. Superb views of the Shira Plateau and the land below from here. Mt. Meru is seen to the south west. Camping near Shira Hut.

- DAY 3: Shira Hut - Barranco Hut; 10 km; 6-7 hours walk. Depart Shira Hut in the morning taking the path which rises up gradually towards the Kibo Dome. After reaching the Wedge Buttress the path drops down to the Barranco Valley and Barranco Hut (3,950 metres). Picnic lunch on the way. Camping near Barranco Hut.

- DAY 4: OPTION : An extra day and night here for acclimatization. Lunch, dinner and camping near Barranco Hut.

- DAY 4 or 5: Barranco Hut - Uniport Hut; 8 km; 7-9 hours walk. Leave Barranco Hut and walk up to the junction where you ascend to the Uniport Hut (4,600 metres) for camping.

- DAY 5 or 6: Uniport Hut - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp; 5 km; 4-5 hours walk. Shortly after midnight start trek to conquer the highest point of the African Continent. How late after midnight depends on how fit you are. This section of the route is very steep and is considered the steepest of the non-technical paths on Kilimanjaro. The fascinating colour changing sunrise is the reward at the extremely cold Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres). The descent goes to Mweka Camp for overnight.

- DAY 6 or 7: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate; 14 km; 5-7 hours walk. This day is spent for leisurely descent to the gate and transfer to your hotel in Moshi town.

2005 Price: 6 days 900 USD/1,095 EUR PP 7 days 1,010 USD/1,225 EUR PP

2006 Price: 6 days 1,250 USD/1,520 EUR PP 7 days 1,350 USD/1,640 EUR PP

Included: - Transport from Moshi to the gate and back. - Park fees & hut fees. - Rescue fees. - Park commission. - Guides, cook and porters. - All meals during the climb. - Tents and mattresses. 

Excluded: - Beverages. - Breakfast the first day and dinner the last day. - Sleeping Bag. – Tips.

Umbwe Route

Considered one of the most difficult of the non-technical routes. However, more direct and visually very rewarding.

- DAY 1: Gate - Forest Caves. Transfer from your town hotel to the gate. The path is steep and leads up through mountain forest to the caves. Arriving forest caves (2,850 metres) in the late afternoon. Here you will probably be aware of the altitude if you come from sea level. Camping at the caves.

- DAY 2: Forest Caves - Barranco Hut; 5 km; 4-5 hours walk. Leave the lower caves in the morning and trek up through forest to reach the upper caves. From here the path leads up to your overnight camping stop, the Barranco Hut (3,950 metres).

- DAY 3: OPTION : An extra day and night here for acclimatization. Lunch, dinner and camping near Barranco Hut.

- DAY 3 or 4: Barranco Hut - Barafu Hut; 5 km; 4-6 hours walk. Start in the morning, with a steep climb out of Barranco Valley, crossing Karanga Valley and finally reaching Barafu Hut (4,600 metres) for camping.

- DAY 4 or 5: Barafu Hut - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp. Depart shortly after midnight for the Summit. How late after midnight depends on how fit you are. The extremely cold Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres) is reached but you are rewarded with a spectacular sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.

- DAY 5 or 6: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate; 14 km; 5-7 hours walk. This day is spent for leisurely descent to the gate and transfer to your hotel in Moshi town.

2005 Price: 5 days  785 USD/955 EUR PP 6 days 930 USD/1,130 EUR PP

2006 Price: 5 days  900 USD/1,095 EUR PP 6 days 1,150 USD/1,395 EUR PP

Included: - Transport from Moshi to the gate and back. - Park fees & hut fees. - Rescue fees. - Park commission. - Guides, cook and porters. - All meals during the climb. - Tents and mattresses. 

Excluded: - Beverages. - Breakfast the first day and dinner the last day. - Sleeping Bag. – Tips.

 

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