MOUNT KILIMANJARO

	Price includes pre and post night accomodation as well as aiport transfers from Kilimnajaro Airport.
	Return transfer from Nairobi costs $80 per person.
	Add on safaris and Zanzibar excursions can be arranged.

GENERAL INFORMATION

An almost perfectly shaped volcano which rises sheer from the plains, Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the African continent’s most magnificent sights. Snow capped and not yet extinct at 5 895 metres (19432 ft) it is the highest peak in Africa.

From cultivated farmlands on the lower levels, it rises through lush rainforest onto alpine meadow and finally up a barren lunar landscape to the summit. The rainforest is home to many animals, including elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and monkey, and you may encounter herds of eland on the saddle between the summits of Mawenzi and Kibo.

The Marangu route will take us from the lush rainforest, through high alpine scrub, with its exotic plants to the primordial snow and ice, and steaming fumaroles fo the summit crater. In the cold wee hours of the morning we begin the steepest and most demanding part of the climb. Slowly we climb, Higher, still higher. The crater rim is reaches about sunrise, and we are rewarded with a breathtaking view, as Africa awakens to a new day. We spend the nights in huts, an porters carry our gear, during our ascent to the legendary "snows of Kilimanjaro".

The Machame route takes a minimum of 6 days and is far more demanding than the Marangu route. Accommodation is in tents, rather than huts. The reward for doing the more physically demanding route is scenery that is spectacular and also relatively unspoilt.

THE MARANGU ROUTE

DAY ONE:

Arrive in Arusha or Moshi. You will be met in Arusha and transported to Moshi. Overnight at the Moshi Hotel or similar. (Breakfast)

DAY TWO:

You will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park and begin your ascent from 1800m. Today is is a steadily paced walk through the thick forest of the lower slopes. After 3-4 hours you will reach your overnight destination - the Mandara Hut, 2 700m. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY THREE:

From the Mandara hut, the route climbs steeply through giant alpine forest and accross moorlands onto the slopes of the Mawenzi massif. After 5 -7 hours you reach the Horombo Hut, 3 720m. Altogether you will cover 14km today, which needs to be taken at a slow pace as this is a fairly hard days walk. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

DAY FOUR:

A continuing climb today, covering about 13km and approximately 7 hours, in the cool clear air. Tonight you use the Kob hut, 4 703m. your porters will remain here when you complete the ascent tomorrow. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY FIVE:

A start in the early hours of the morning is necessary in order to reach the summit by sunrise. The final assault is aimed at Gillmans Point, on the crater rim, 5 681m. This usually takes 5 - 6 hours. Time, and energy permittin, there is an option of climbing the higher Uhuru peak. Kibos highest point, 5 895m. Whilst this is only 600m form Gillmans point, it can take 11/2 hours. After taking in the view and a rest, you descend down to the Kibo hut. The fitter may be able to return further down the mountain to the Horombo Hut. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY SIX:

Today you complete your descent of Mount Kilimanjaro. you are met at the base of the mountain and will overnight in Moshi at The Moshi Hotel or similar. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY SEVEN:

End of arrangements

NOTE: The 6 Day Climb spends an extra day at the Horombo Hut to aid acclimatisation to the altitude.

MACHAME ROUTE

 

DAY ONE:

Arrive in Arusha or Moshi. Overnight in the Keyes Hotel or similar.

DAY TWO:

We drive to Machame road head at 1900m where we spend the night at our first campsite. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY THREE:

We now follow the steep ridge which veers west and after 3-4 hours gradually ascend to the Shira plateau and our campsite at 3800m. (approx 5 hours total. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY FOUR:

From Shira we walk East on the plateau, following the trail leading to the lava tower. Shortly before the tower we branch off onto the path to the Umbwe Ridge and Barranco Hut which is situated at 3900m. Our campsite is a further 30 minutes walk beyond the hut beside a glacial stream. From here there are superb views of the Southern ice cliffs and the breach wall. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY FIVE:

Today we scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and traverse over scree and ridges beneath the ice falls of the Heim Kersten and Decken glaciers. After a steep pull out of the Karanga valley we ascend the ridge leading to the Barafu huts at 4600m. (approx. 6 hours) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY SIX:

After an early start, we ascend directly to the rim of Kibo between the Rebmann and Retzel glaciers. From here it is about a 45 minute walk to Uhuru peak 5895m - the roof of Africa, with fine views of Mt. Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. We then descend to Kibo hut for a short but well earned rest before continuing down to Horombo hut at 3720m where we spend the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY SEVEN:

We descend to Marangu gate, passing Mandara hut on the way. A short diversion above the park gate allows a last look at the beautiful forests. Finally, a short drive to the town of Moshi where your Hotel awaits you. (Breakfast)

DAY EIGHT

End of arrangements. (Breakfast)

PRICE INCLUDES:

•Accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis in Moshi •Breakfast, lunch and evening meal during the climb •Entry fees to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park •Mountain rescue Insurance •Hut/camping fees •Fees for porters and guides

PRICE EXCLUDES:

•Sleeping Bag •Visas •Personal Medical Insurance •Tips for Porters and Guides •Drinks •Items of a personal nature

DAY ONE
Arrive Arusha.  You will be transferred to Moshi.  You will receive a short
briefing and will have time to sort out any last minutes enquiries you may
have.
Overnight Springlands Hotel.
BREAKFAST

DAY  TWO
(3 - 4 hours hike)
After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park where you will start
your climb. We start our ascent through montane forest. Today we will walk
through equatorial forest with the opportunity to see colobus and Sykes
monkeys. While we are walking through the forest there are excellent
opportunities to identify a wide variety of birds. The first night will be
spent at 9 000' at Forest Camp.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY THREE
(7 - 8 hours hike)
Today we will walk from montane forest through a transitional zone to the heath zone. We will hike to the edge of the Shira Plateau. We will have spectacular views of Kilimanjaro - weather permitting. We will overnight at Shira Plateau camp at 11 300'.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY FOUR
(6 hours hike)
The walking is easy. You will have the opportunty to explore the wonderful vegetation of the heath zone today. We will set up camp at Shira Plateau Camp at 12 950'
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY FIVE & SIX
(5 - 6 hours hike)
Today we continue our ascend to the alpine and high desert zones. The change in vegetation is remarkable from the giant senecia to the smaller alpine species such as the lobelia and the helichhrysum. We reach Sheffield camp at lunch time. Sheffield Camp at 14 800'.
The second day Sheffield Camp will be used to rest and to acclimatise. Day walks can be taken to discover the unique flora of Kilimanjaro.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY SEVEN
(5 hours hike)
We will do the short steep hike to the Arrow Glacier, for views of the Shira Plateau and the Western Breach. Optional afternoon nature hike. We camp at Arrow Glacier at 16 000'
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY  EIGHT
(10 hours hike)
Today we make the steep ascent of the Western Breach route. We will walk on frozen scree and climb over large boulder. On reaching the Summit Plateau, you have the option to climb the Inner Crater, an area of ash pits, sulphur deposits and active fumaroles surrounded by huge laciers. Inner Crater at 18 500'
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY NINE:
(5 hour hike)
You will start your summit attempt at 04h00 in the morning. It is a 2 hour hike to the true summit of Kilimanjaro. After spending a while enjoying your achievement, start your descend via Barafu Camp for lunch to our last overnight camp at Mweka. Mweka Camp is at 9 000ft.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY  TEN:
We continue our ascent to Mweka Gate. At Mweka we will sign our names, greet our porters. Return to Mountain Village for a hot bath and relaxation.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH.

DAY  ELEVEN:
End or arrangements:

PRICE INCLUDES:

•Accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis in Moshi •Breakfast, lunch and evening meal during the climb •Entry fees to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park •Mountain rescue Insurance •Hut/camping fees •Fees for porters and guides

PRICE EXCLUDES:

•Sleeping Bag •Visas •Personal Medical Insurance •Tips for Porters and Guides •Drinks •Items of a personal nature

 

USEFUL INFORMATION

VISAS:

Visas are required for most nationalities. Our office will advise you on the most convenient way to obtain your visa.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

Yellow Fever Innoculations are neccessary and must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. Anti Malaria prohylaxis is also necessary.

GUIDES:

You will be accompanied by an experienced guide. The normal maximum group size is eight, and there will be at least one guide per group.

PORTERS:

In addition to the guide, you are accompanied by your own porter, who will carry baggage and provisions for you. However, you are expected to carry a day-pack of items frequently inuse during the day, such as spare clothing, water, camera, binoculars, snack food etc. The porters provide a vital safety factor, being able to leave with an injured or unwell climber, without disrupting the rest of the group.

FOOD:

Your provisions are fairly basic and consist of meat, vegetables and staples, and are prepared for you by the porters. Extras such as high energy snacks of dried fruit, chocolate or glucose sweets should be purchased beforehand.

HUTS:

The huts are run by the Tanzanian National Park Association. They are typical of mountain huts, having wood stoves, bunk accommodation and mattresses. Solar power has been installed in some huts recently, there is no electricity. At Mandara and Horombo huts, water is available. At Kibo hut, water is in short supply and reserved for cooking.

CLOTHES AND EQUIPMENT

Despite the fact that it is on the Equator, Kilimanjaro is bitterly cold, particularly beyond the Horombo Hut. Whilst the effort expended during the climb will keep you warm, good warm clothing is required for the rest stops and at night.

Thick shirts, trousers and jerseys are essential. A balaclava or warm hat will prevent loss of body heat. A sun hat is useful for the bush-walk section. Gloves or mitts are needed by some for the cool evenings and for the final ascent. Raingear and walking boots are essential. Several pairs of woollen socks will be needed and thermal underwear may be needed for the final day. Night temperatures at Kibo often reach-10C so a sleeping bag rated 3 seasons or better is advisable. You should carry your own personal first aid kit. Please consult your doctor or local mountaineering club for up to date advice on requirements. A pen- knife, sunglasses, torch, water bottle, are additional items that are useful to carry.

Equipment can be hired in Nairobi, Moshi or at the Park Entrance.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE INFORMATION BY MAIL OR FAX, PLEASE CONTACT US AT:

Telephone: +27 11 888 6364 Telefax: +27 11 782 7557 email: reservations@safarishop.co.za

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