MT. KILIMANJARO

Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa rising 19,340 ft (5,895m), the largest free standing mountain in the world and one of the seven summits, the seventh highest points on each continent in the world. Any person who is physically fit can climb this mountain to reach the summit Uhuru Peak 5,895m and look out over Africa.

There is no special equipment required to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro because the routes allow a gradual hike “non technical” with the full support of the climbing professional guides. We recommend a 6 to 8 days hike depending on the route chosen. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro up to the summit which includes one day for acclimatization between 10,000 and 15,000 ft. there are several routes to chose from and vary by popularity and steepness and are discussed below:

CLIMBING ROUTES
Marangu Route
Machame Route
Rongai Route
Lemosho Route

When to climb/Who can climb/ESSENTIALS/Other Items recommended

LEMOSHO / MWEKA – 8 DAYS

This is the longest and most remote route to Kilimanjaro. After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with the Machame Route. Groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other game. The South Circuit is then followed, offering superb views of the Southern Ice fields, past the Barranco Hut then on to Barafu and hence the summit. Descent is by the Mweka Route.

A party wishing to ascend slowly can comfortably take 8 days on this route as described below. However the campsite at Shira Hut and at Karanga Valley could be left out by a very strong party on request. Accommodation on the mountain is in tents which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas

Day 1
Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and transfer to Impala Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 2
Breakfast, transfer to the Londorossi gate for park registration before proceeding on to the Lemosho road head where you will meet your crew. After lunch a gentle walk for 2 to 3 hrs through a natural forest will take you up to the forest camp at (2650m) where you will spend the night in a tented camp. All meals at the camp.

Day 3
Today’s hike takes you to the moorlands leaving behind the forest.The trail climbs steadily with wide views over the Shira plateau. After a 6 to 8 hours walk with lunch on the way you get to the Simba cave, which is in the middle of the Shira plateau. Buffaloes and Klipspringers among other wildlife may visit you at the camp. You will spend the night in a tent at Shira 1.

Day 4
After breakfast your climb continues towards Shira Hut (3880m) and further on to the Baranco Hut (3965m). Lunch will be taken on the way. The walk takes you past Moorland to the alpine desert. After achieving an altitude of (4400m) the path now lead you down to Baranco passing a scenic mushroom like rock formation. The days hike takes about 8 hours, which is an ideal preparation to challenge the summit. The night will be spent in a tent at Shira

Day 5:
A 4km stretch that may take you up to 5 hours will take you to the Arrow Hut, which was destroyed by an avalanche. You will have achieved an altitudinal difference of almost (1000m). Lunch may be on the way or at the camp at the Arrow Hut depending on your speed. If you do not want to ascend via Western breach you can opt to hike to Barafu Hut for ascend via Stella point.

Day 6
The final ascend begins at about 2:00 am. The hike’s path gets gradually steeper towards the Western breach. Some passages just before the crater floor reach up to a grade 2 of difficulty if there is ice. Crampons are mandatory. Depending on the weather you will either cross or bypass the Furtwangler Glacier and finally ascend the Uhuru Peak (5895m) the rooftop of Africa at about 9:00a.m. After a short summit photo the long 8 hours descend to the Mweka hut via Stella point begins at the Barafu hut, where part of crews has already come along the southern circuit. Lunch is waiting for you. Overnight will be spent in a tent, at Mweka Hut.

Day 7
The final leg, which takes about 4 hours, starts heading for Mweka gate, which is an altitude of (1800m). Here you will be awarded certificates of achievement before proceeding to Arusha for a hot shower dinner and overnight at Impala Hotel.

Day 8
Transfer to departure Kilimanjaro International Airport or by shuttle to Nairobi or to your next safari destination

Prices per person 1,360 USD

Cost includes:
2 nights accommodation at Impala Hotel on half board
All park fees
Hut fees
Rescue fees
All food on the climb
Guides and porters’ salary
Airport transfers

Cost excludes:

Expenses of a personal nature like drinks, tobacco etc
Tips and porterage.
Any extras incurred at the lodges/hotels.
Any visa fees.