Tour Overview
Towering over Tanzania's northeastern plains, snow-capped Kilimanjaro commands attention. This majestic mountain is the highest on the African continent at 19,335 feet and is an ideal "starter peak" for novice mountaineers. Though certainly no walk in the park, Kilimanjaro offers terrain that's reasonably scalable, but the high altitude may be the biggest hurdle. After seven days of trekking from rainforest to grasslands to barren, glacier-like landscape, you reap the ultimate reward of the summit.
**NOTE: For a more aggressive itinerary, a 7-day option is available. To reduce the number of nights on the mountain, we combine Days 05 & 06. Therefore on the shorter itinerary, climbers will hike from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp , omitting the night at Karanga Camp. If interested, please ask your Adventure Consultant for more information & pricing.
Day 1: Moshi, Tanzania
Upon arrival in Arusha you will be met by our representative and taken to Protea Aishi in Kilimanjaro.
Situated at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, Aishi is located a few kilometers from the Machame Gate where climbers commence their ascent of this most majestic mountain by way of the picturesque Machame Trail. Just 3 degrees south of the equator, the two world famous peaks of Kibo (5895m) and Mawenzi (5194m) are permanently snow-capped.
All en-suite bedrooms have just been completely refurbished and a restaurant and bar is available at the hotel.
Protea Aishi or Arusha Hotel or similar
Day 2: Moshi- Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park- Machame
After breakfast, depart from your hotel (approximately 8:00 AM) for the Machame village where you will begin the trek. From the (Machame) park entrance gate, you will trek (about two to three hours) through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for lunch will be made halfway to this evening's campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left of which is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru. Depending on the pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5-6:00 PM. Your camp is set up near some old metals huts, which were once used for shelter.
This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy. There is no point in rushing to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatization. Do not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bound ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the rainforest. If you are interested in botany, you should carry a small reference book, as guides are not especially knowledgeable about this aspect of the climb.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Machame Camp - 10, 000 ft
Day 3: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park/Machame- Shira
On this, and subsequent mornings, wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and weather permitting, by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak.
Today's trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. Encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams.
Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite takes approximately six hours and you should arrive between 2-3:00 PM.
Pace yourself, walk slowly and rest about every half-hour. You may feel lethargic and have a headache by the time you reach camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira Camp - 12,500 ft
Day 4: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park/Shira- Barranco
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles.
A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft.) where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream, you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night before. Today trek for about six hours and arrive at camp between 4:30-5:30 PM.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barranco Camp - 13,000 ft
Day 5: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park/Barranco- Karanga
This morning you begin your hike to Karanga Camp, which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp.
You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain most of the way to camp. The climbing is not considered difficult and you should arrive in time for lunch (approximately 1:00 PM) having trekked for about four hours. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow; however, you are well advised to rest as much as you possibly can to prepare you for the climb ahead.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karanga Camp - 13,000 ft
Day 6: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park/Karanga- Barafu
The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach.
The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Lunch will be taken along the way and climbers arrive at Barafu Camp at around 2:30 PM. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barafu Camp - 15,200 ft
Day 7: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at around 1:00 AM. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult. Here, very few will not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or another; and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru stands at 19,340 feet and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the journey.
The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Kibo Hut after about three hours (around 11:30 AM.) Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving into camp at around 5:00 PM, you will have trekked a total of thirteen hours today.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mweka Camp - 10,200ft
Day 8: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park- Arusha- Depart
On the final day of the journey, climbers descend from Mweka camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately 5 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon.
Upon arrival at the gate climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting their success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
After finishing your climb you will be taken to Kia Lodge where you will have the use of a room to freshen up before being taken to the airport to connect with your onward flight.
Breakfast, Lunch
Kia Lodge - Dayroom use
Prices
2010 Pricing:
$3,850 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together.
$3,095 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.
$315 single room supplement
$5,095 solo traveler
Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of September, 2009. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.
Inclusions:
· Services of trained English-speaking guides, a cook and porters.
· All food- for the duration of the climb, top quality food specially considered for maximum nutritional needs, with a dedicated cook.
· All Kilimanjaro fees- including park fees, camp fees and rescue fees.
· Safety communications equipment.
· Safety equipment hyperbaric (aka Portable Altitude Chamber) for entire climb.
· Portage of 2 bags (maximum 20 kgs) per person.
· Tents- top quality mountain tents.
· Filtered water throughout the climb.
· Government taxes and levies.
Exclusions:
· International air fare or airport/departure taxes
· Gratuities for climb crew, transfer driver/guide, hotel staff, etc.
· All expenses of a personal nature such as, telephone calls, etc.
· Optional activities
· Meals or transfers other than those indicated
· Beverages, laundry, personal gear or clothing on the mountain
· Any charges resulting from an early descent such as additional hotels, transfers etc. (if client returns before the completion of the climb)
· Gratuities for climb crew, transfer driver/guide, hotel staff, etc.
· Travel and medical insurance
· Optional activities
· Entry visa fees
Note: The routes are not strenuous technical climbs, and no mountain-climbing experience is necessary. But there's no avoiding the steep ascents and high altitudes that make robust physical fitness (and a minimum age of 16 years) a prerequisite for this trip. You'll want to consult your physician before undertaking this unforgettable adventure.
These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.
Group Discounts
The more people you bring on your next iExplore adventure, the more you save. Learn how with iExplore Group Discounts.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Additional Health Information
Only travelers in excellent physical condition should attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. As a guideline, you should be able to run or jog for half an hour or more without feeling short of breath.
Each prospective climber should consult a doctor about high-altitude travel. After a brief period of acclimatization, most people do not suffer from altitude sickness; but elderly travelers or those with high blood pressure or heart conditions need to exercise extreme caution at high altitudes (see section of information on acclimatization for travelers for areas of high altitude.)
The best advice to climbers is not to hurry and to proceed at a steady, comfortable pace that will facilitate your acclimatization to the altitude. Having the right mental state is also important. Do not push yourself to go on if your body is exhausted. Take it slowly, and do not force your body to exert itself.
Although the park has a reliable, equipped rescue team on the Machame route (guides are also trained in rescue procedures,) please keep in mind that professional medical attention is NOT readily available in the remote areas visited during a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Additional Information on Weather
Although Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of year, January, February and September are considered the best months. July, August, November, and December are also good months.
During the rainy period of March to May, clouds tend to pile up and over the summit, dropping snow on top and rain at the base. Cloud cover can limit visibility even when no rain falls. The temperature at this time of year is relatively warm.
The dry season, beginning in late June and extending through July, can be very cold at night; but is usually clear. August and September are also cool and may have completely clear days -- however, it is not unusual for a dripping cloud belt to girdle the mountain above the forest and moorland.
The summit can be totally clear, but the successful climber may look down on a vast sea of clouds with distant mountain peaks poking through like islands.
The shorter rainy period of October to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain, dropping rain as they go. Typically, the clouds disappear in the evening; so the nights and mornings are clear with excellent visibility.
January and February are usually dry, warm, and clear with brief showers that make for good climbing conditions.
Additional information on clothing and accessories
Here is a suggested list of clothing and accessories for a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro:
· Insulated, waterproof hiking boots with rigid uppers and thick soles (well broken in)
· 3 pair of warm socks
· 3 pair of lightweight socks (to wear under warm socks)
· 1 or 2 pair of lightweight walking or running shoes for walking around camp
· 1 warm hat (or balaclava) with brim to keep the sun off face and neck and a sun hat (you will need both types)
· 1 pair of insulated hiking or ski gloves
· 1 down-filled, hooded parka or Gore-Tex anorak
· 2 sets of thermal underwear (preferably, a lightweight pair to wear next to the skin and a heavier second pair for extra warmth)
· 1 pair of warm, windproof slacks
· 1 pair of lightweight slacks
· 1 pair of shorts
· 2 woolen or flannel shirts with long sleeves
· 1 or 2 warm sweaters (fleece-type)
· 2 lighter-weight shirts (or tee shirts)
· 3 or 4 sets of underwear
· Lightweight rain gear with hood (rain can occur at any time on the lower slopes)
· Lightweight personal water container
· A water purification kit and/or iodine pills
· A lightweight daypack for carrying your own water, lunch, camera, film, etc. (a pack that has a hydration system with an insulated water bladder is suggested)
· A medium-size, sturdy duffel bag to contain all your gear and clothing (porters will carry this for you, but they will NOT carry framed backpacks)
· Well-insulated sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of 20-degrees Fahrenheit (sleeping bag should fit in your duffel bag)
· Camping pillow (if desired)
· Emergency foil blanket (optional)
· Flashlight (with extra batteries) - a head lamp will be especially useful for the last part of the climb, which is done at night
· 1 or 2 walking sticks
· Pair of mud gaiters
· Dark sunglasses with high UV ray protection or snow goggles (polarizing glasses are not sufficient to prevent snow blindness)
· Sunscreen with high SPF
· Lip balm containing a sun block
· Small hand towel, soap, and 2 rolls of toilet paper
· Tissue and "wash and dry" wipes
· UV filter for your camera (which is necessary for high-altitude photography)
· High-energy snacks (such as Muesli bars, chocolate, or instant hot drinks)
· A small reference book on plants (if you are interested in botany,) as guides are not especially knowledgeable about this aspect of the climb
In addition, it is suggested that you assemble a basic medical kit. Your doctor can advise you on specific items to include. The following items may be useful:
· A good supply of aspirin (for altitude headaches)
· Altitude medication -- as prescribed by your doctor
· An antibiotic to use if needed (such as Spectra DS) as prescribed by your doctor
· Anti-biotic cream (for cuts and scrapes)
· Band-aids and bandages
· Moleskin
· Scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer
· Cold/flu tablets and throat lozenges
· Medicine for stomach ailments and re-hydration salts
Clothing of various weights is suggested, because you will want to dress in layers (removing layers as you heat up from walking, adding layers as you cool down from resting.) During the first two days, climbers may find it comfortable to wear shorts and tee shirts. However, temperatures will change at higher altitudes. By the third day of your climb (Shira Camp to Barranco,) it can be very windy and the temperature can fall to freezing at night.
A limited selection of equipment is available for rental at the base of the mountain; however, we cannot guarantee the quality or condition of any items rented locally. It is, therefore, suggested that climbers bring all of their own equipment.
Additional Baggage Information
During a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, travelers should plan to travel with only what is required for the climb. (Excess luggage can be left behind in Arusha and claimed after the climb.)
As previously mentioned, porters will carry only duffel-type bags during the climb (no framed backpacks or suitcases.) You need only carry a daypack with the personal items you will require during the day (your personal supply of water, your lunch, your camera and film, and any clothes you may want to put on or discard). Your passport, money, and permit papers should be kept with you at all times during the climb and also carried in your daypack.
Please be advised that luggage carried by porters is available to travelers only while in camp and is NOT accessible during the day.
Additional Information on Laundry
Laundry service is NOT available during a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and it is necessary to take a sufficient amount of clean clothing for the duration of the climb.
Additional Information on Food and Drink
On most days of the climb, camp breakfasts are served at approximately 6:00 AM. Breakfast is usually a hearty meal consisting of porridge, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and toast with jam. Lunches generally consist of sandwiches and fruit; occasionally soup may be served as well. Tea and biscuits or cake are served on arrival in camp at the end of the day's climb. Dinner, which is served in the early evening, usually consists of soup, meat, potatoes, a vegetable, and fruit.
At all stages of the climb, it is important to drink as much liquid (water and tea) as possible to help your body acclimatize.
Additional Information on Gratuities
Many travelers view tipping as a difficult subject, though this need not be the case. The first thing to remember is that tipping is not compulsory, nor is there any fixed amounts. The bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to ask yourself how much the individual did to make your travels more enjoyable. It is with this in mind that we offer the following information.
On a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, many travelers choose to tip their guides and porters and the following amounts are suggested:
· Head Guide: US-$50-100 for the entire trip
· Assistant Guide: US-$40-60 for the entire trip
· Porters (per porter): US-$15-$20 for the entire trip
PLEASE NOTE that your gratuity should be presented at the end of the climb and should be given to the head guide, who will distribute it amongst those who have assisted you during the climb.
Description of the Climb
The awesome site of the Kilimanjaro Mountain is breathtaking. With its glittering peaks rising from the high Tanzanian plateau, this immense dormant volcano seems to watch over the fauna of East Africa. "Kili" is actually made up of three different craters; the little Shira in the west, Mawenzi, in the east, and in the center, the enormous cone of Kibo, whose summit, Uhuru Peak, set in a spectacular background of hanging glaciers, is the climber’s goal. The less frequented Machame route includes six days of actual climbing, allowing additional time for altitude acclimatization. Climbers ascend and descend by a different route, encountering more wild and varied scenery along the way. Additionally, climbing the route does not present any particular technical difficulty.
Accommodation is in huts. As mentioned previously in the section on additional information on clothing and accessories, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, although a sleeping pad will be provided. Toilet facilities are not available in all campsites; you are advised not to use sites near your camp or streams as a waste disposal area.
Avoiding Altitude Sickness
Sensible precautionary measures include:
· Sticking to a schedule of mild activity;
· Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids (one to five liters per day are recommended);
· Not smoking; and avoiding sedatives (such as sleeping pills or tranquillizers), which tend to depress respiration and limit oxygen intake.
You might also consult your personal physician about taking the prescription drug Diamox (Acetazolamide), a mild diuretic that stimulates oxygen intake. (It is used by the Himalayan Rescue Association.)
ACTIVE AFRICA strongly advises all travelers to high altitudes to consult with their doctor prior to travel.
PLEASE NOTE: All the information contained in these pages is intended for guidance only and is believed to be correct at the time of printing.
As circumstances may change at any time you are strongly recommended to check with us or the appropriate authority prior to travel for up-to date information, especially health and insurance requirements. All prices quoted are subject to change without notice.
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