Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing volcano in the world and the tallest mountain in Africa. At an altitude of 5895 metres it presents a formidable challenge to all who attempt to climb it. Many tourists fail as they try to save money by opting for a 4 or 5-day climb, the success rate for which is approximately 40%.

 

We take our time and as such over 90% of our climbers reach the top. Our trek lasts for 7 days and follows the stunning Machame Route to the summit, Uhuru Peak. We use professional porters and guides, excellent equipment and guarantee a range of cuisine that would challenge many restaurants.

 

Our safety systems are tried and tested and trained professionals will lead you at all times. If you choose Kilimanjaro as your adventure package you will not be disappointed as you sit on the highest point in Africa watching the sunrise.

 

Highlights

 

• 7-day trek provides an extremely fulfilling personal challenge for all ages.
• An opportunity to escape normal life and experience one of the wonders of the world.
• 2 nights at a very comfortable Tanzanian hotel, before and after the trek to both prepare and celebrate.
• Optional 3 day Big Game Safari to some of the best parks in East Africa: Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire with professional drivers & guides.

 

Itinerary (8 nights/9 days)

 

We do not use the most commonly used tourist routes as we don't believe it provides the quality of experience we know you can have on the mountain. Instead we focus on the less busy and more beautiful routes. The industry standard success rate for summiting Kilimanjaro is around 40%. Ours is around 90%. This is normally because of problems suffered due to the sudden change in altitude on short treks, which is why, with the exception of specialist mountaineering groups; we insist that you take at least 6 days for your climb and 7 as suggested here.

The following information merely outlines the itinerary and provides you with additional information regarding the mountain and the route we use. Acclimatization days and camps may vary dependent on weather conditions and overall progress.

 

Please also note that the timings given in the itinerary to illustrate walking days are approximate, essentially we go slowly slowly or 'pole pole' as they say in Swahili.

 

 

Day 1 Arrival in Moshi, relax and prepare

Depending on where you are traveling from, you will either arrive the night before or by lunchtime on day 1. The Hotel is based in the foothills of Kili and if the clouds clear you are rewarded with a stunning view of the challenge ahead. Day 1 is an opportunity to relax after your journey, chat to your team mates and sort out your equipment. The Head Guide will visit you in the afternoon to brief you on the trek and introduce you to some of his team. They will check on any particular issues regarding diet and medical conditions and of course answer any questions you have. We suggest an early night complete with butterflies in your stomach.

 

Day 2 Machame Gate to Machame Huts (3000 m)

A 40-minute drive from the Hotel delivers you to Machame Gate. You will have a busy half-hour while you register at the gate and the porters argue about who gets to carry the really heavy bags! Your start is slow and gentle and for the next 8 hours you trek slowly up the muddy track through the rain forest. It's a long day and typically takes 7 - 8 hours but by the end you emerge into a clearing and the welcome sight of your tents, hot tea, popcorn and dinner. Already you will feel a sense of achievement and spirits are high as you settle down for your first night's sleep on the mountain.

 

Day 3 Machame Huts to Shira Plateau (3,840 m)

Following a cooked breakfast you start the climb through the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. The trek today is much shorter and the environment changes rapidly as you ascend out of the rain forest. It is a 4 - 5 hour trek, during which you gain approximately 800 metres in altitude. Lunch is taken on a stunning outcrop of rock before completing the last stretch to Shira Camp and a stunning view over the Shira Plateau. Weather permitting you should also get your first close views of Kibo - the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro

 

Day 4 Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp (3,950 m.)

After breakfast you set off early, as today is a long trek. You will climb gradually through alpine desert to an altitude of 4,500 metres before dropping back down towards Barranco Camp. Whilst long, the environment is extraordinary and few would argue that Barranco, nestled at the foot of Kibo, is a wonderful campsite. Your sleeping altitude is not much higher than the previous night at Shira but this is a great day for acclimatisation having spent time at 4,500 metres. By now you will know the routine, rest, relax, food and sleep.

 

Day 5 Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley (4200 m)

After breakfast, your first obstacle is to breach the Barranco Wall, a 600-foot rock face. No technical climbing experience is required and whilst steep, it is still classed as a trek. Once over the wall, the climb becomes easier and extremely beautiful with fantastic views of the crags and crevasses of the jagged peaks on your left and then descends into the Karanga Valley.

 

Day 6 Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp (4700 m)

The air is starting to get quite thin at this stage and you will be running short of breath as you climb out of the Karanga Valley . It is a slow, tough hike up to Barafu, which means "ice" in Swahili. It can be extremely cold at this altitude and with an early start ahead, you dive into sleeping bags early to grab some sleep. At 11pm, just as you are getting comfy, your guide will knock on your tent, hand you a cup of tea and at midnight you start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak - the Summit .

 

Day 7 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Hut

Dress warmly, because you start climbing around midnight on the steepest and most demanding part of the mountain. Light is provided by your head torches and the moon on a clear night and at dawn, as you reach Stellar Point, the sun climbs into view.
At dawn, from the Crater rim, rugged Mawenzi is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath you and the crater's ice-walls looming ahead. If you feel strong enough, you will continue to Uhuru Peak , the highest point in Africa , and the world's highest solitary peak (19,340 ft).
This is the toughest day that most trekkers have ever experienced. You will have ascended 3,600 feet and descended 7,200 feet in a period of 12-15 hours. Although tiring, you will have just achieved something extraordinary and for most, this is a chance to talk and share the experience with their climbing team. More importantly, Mweka camp provides us with an opportunity to enjoy an uninterrupted sleep and sink a beer.

 

Day 8 Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate to Moshi.

In the morning you will walk down to Mweka Gate through the rain forest. After a welcome lunch it's time to say "kwaheri" to the porters after paying them a well-earned tip. Many companies suggest that this is discretionary, we do not and as such suggest an amount in the Mountain Kit List. You then get a lift back to the hotel. This all takes 6 to 7 hours. Dinner and a few drinks at the hotel that evening tends to be a good-humoured affair and a chance to look back on your achievements.

 

Day 9 Depart for Home or another experience with Camps

We would probably be lying if we said that you would be sad to say goodbye to the mountain. In fact you may be thinking that you would be happy to never see another mountain again in your life. Either way we are confident you will have just experienced an amazing week. Transfers back to the airport will be organized to tie in with your flights or you may choose to come on safari or join/rejoin one of our community and wildlife projects.

 

 

Safari (Optional)

It is widely recognised that Northern Tanzania provides a backdrop for possibly the best safari experience in Africa and we haven't cut any corners. On completion of your Mountain trek, we can take you on a camping safari to some of the best National Parks. The word 'safari' is Swahili for 'journey' and you will spend 3 rough, dusty and thrilling days exploring the different habitats that each park has to offer. If you have never been on safari this will be something that you will remember for the rest of your life. We use experienced professional guides for all our trips and they will work hard to ensure you see as much variety of wildlife as possible.

Fitness

As you can probably imagine, a generally good level of fitness is required. Please consult your GP first and then train for the climb! A word of caution, don’t overdo it, no need for superheroes. If you are a regular walker and are moderately fit, there should be no problems in the ascent and a regular routine of jogging, cycling or walking three times a week will help with your fitness.

 

Inclusions

 

• Briefings
• Staffing and participation : Fully escorted by qualified professional local guides and porters within National Parks and Reserves.
• Transport : Fully equipped safari vehicle, minivan or bus if safari option is chosen.
• Full Board Accommodation
• Mountain Rescue Fees
• Entrance fees : All park fees are included in this tour but please note: We reserve the right to pass on any increases in Park Fees

 

Price Does Not Include

 

• International and domestic flights
• Arrival and Departure transfers (on application) *see table below
• Arrival and departure fee (if applicable)
• Insurance
• Vaccinations
• Tourist Visa (typically US$ 50)
• Porter's Tips (US$ 100 recommended)
• Personal equipment
• Spending money
• Drinks
• Tips
• Personal laundry
• Meals other than those listed
• Exclusive accommodation available with 40% single supplement charge.

 

 

Travel Dates

 

Duration: 9 days

There is availability throughout the year and often to suit you. Please contact us for more information.

 

 

Price

 

£1,495

 

Transfers

 

Flights & Airport transfers (RETURN)

 

Camp Kenya – Mombasa airport £40 per taxi

Mombasa – Kilimanjaro £215 per person
Available all days except Thur &Sat

Kili Airport – Keys Hotel from £56 per taxi (1-5 sharing) to £115 per minibus (6-25 sharing)

 

Kenya Overland Transfers (RETURN)

 

From £280 per taxi (1-4 sharing) to £340 per private van (4-7 sharing)

 

Tanzania Overland Transfers (RETURN)

 

From £115 per Landrover (1-5 sharing) to £135 per minibus (6-25 sharing)

* Please note that Camp Kenya can book the above transfers free of charge but do not guarantee the prices, as service providers can increase them without prior warning.

 

NB: Due to seasonality and availability, we are unable to guarantee that you will be trekking with others from your programme