Kilimanjaro – The Roof of Africa

Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world and the highest peak in Africa standing at an impressive 5985m.  The mountain has no less than 5 different habitats making it a diverse and interesting place to be.  Each year it attracts many mountaineers looking for a challenge.  Although not for beginners, it is a non technical mountain that is accessible to fit hill walkers.  Some experience of walking at altitude is preferable but not essential.  Our 10 day package to Kilimanjaro offers you the best possible chance of summiting safely.  Each expedition is accompanied by an experienced and qualified British Mountain Leader and supported by Tanzanian Mountain Guides and Porters.

Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

The Machame Route is a popular trail which many guides consider to be the most enjoyable.  The success rate on this trail is higher than that on the Marangu Route (coca-cola route) as it allows trekkers a longer time to acclimatise to the mountain.  Each evening we camp on the Machame Route and the guides and porters prepare our meals.  

Day 1: Meet in Moshi (Hotel tbc)

Having flown into either Kilimanjaro International Airport or travelled overland from Dar es Salaam, we meet in our Hotel and have our evening meal as a team.  

Day 2: Rest Day in Moshi

Today we meet at a reasonable time for a team and equipment brief.  The rest of the day will be at your leisure, giving you time to acclimatise to East Africa, go shopping or relax in a cafe and soak up the atmosphere.  The evening will be spent preparing our bags for tomorrow.

Day 3: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3000m) (4-5h)

We travel to Machame Gate via private vehicle.  We register in the office, hand over baggage to porters and then start our trek.  To start with, the trek follows a 4 wheel drive track through a luscious green forest.  After about 45minutes, we leave the track and follow a narrower, steeper path.  We start to see changes in the vegetation as we venture further into the cloud forest.   We set up camp in a clearing which allows us views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak.

Day 4:  Machame Camp to Shira Plateau (3840m) (4-5h)

Today we rise relatively early and start our trek to Shira Plateau.  The forest starts to thin and the route steepens in places.  We see a drastic change in vegetation, with our first sightings of the Kilimanjaro’s Lobelias.  The landscape becomes more barren and rocky.  We arrive at the New Shira Camp, a few minutes walk from Shira Caves.

Day 5: Shira Plateau to Barranco huts (3950m) (5-6h)

We follow an undulating trail which is extremely useful for acclimatisation as even though we ascend to around 4500m we only sleep 150m higher than yesterday evening.  The vegetation diminishes further as we the day goes on.  We head towards the Lava Tower and then branch to its’ right where we enjoy views of the breach wall.  We descend into the Barranco Valley and to our campsite where we will have excellent views of the southern face of Kibo.  

Day 6: Barranco Huts to Karanga Valley (4000m) (3-4h)

We start today with a scramble up the Great Barranco Wall.  At the top of the wall we take some time to rest and enjoy the view of the Heim Glacier. As we push on, we descend into the Karanga Valley where there is a brief and welcome reappearance of greenery.  We camp and rest near here for the night.

Day 7: Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut (4600m) (3-4h)

We start early today so as to reach camp in good time.  The landscape today is quite barren.  We ascend to Barafu Camp where our hearts and minds become firmly focussed on our summit attempt.  Here we hydrate ourselves fully and eat well before we have an early night in preparation for our summit bid.  

Day 8: Summit Day (11-15h)

We awake very early (midnight) and have a light breakfast.  We use our head torches to climb the scree slopes until the dawn light begins to warm us and light the way.  It will take us approximately 6 hours to reach Stella Point (5725m).  From here, we have approximately an hour journey around the crater rim before we reach Uhuru Peak (5895m).  From the summit the views are spectacular.  To the North you can see Mount Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa and to the west, Mount Meru.  After some time celebrating, we begin our journey back down to Barafu Hut in time for Brunch.  From here, we continue down to Mweka Hut at 3100m.  

The summit day, although very long , varying between 11 to 15 hours, is an extremely rewarding day.

Day 9: Descent from Mweka Hut (3100m) (3-4h)

Leaving Mweka Hut, the path descends steeply through beautiful green forest, reminding us of our first days on the mountain. The path leads us to the park gate.  Here our transport meats us and takes us back to Moshi.  After a well deserved shower, we celebrate with a meal and possibly a few drinks!

Day 10: Leave hotel for onward travel

You may wish to lengthen your stay in Tanzania so that you can enjoy a safari or explore further.  If you would like assistance with this, please let us know at the time of booking.  
 

The Expedition cost: £1395 per person

The price includes;

• A UK qualified and experienced guide as well as a Tanzanian guide.
• Transfers to and from the hotel and the park gate.
• Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• B&B Accommodation in Moshi (based on 2 people sharing a twin room).
• All camping, group equipment and meals (3 per day) on the mountain.
• All permits and park fees (including mountain rescue).
• Tanzanian porters and cooks.

The price does not include:

• International flights and excess baggage charges.
• Transfers to and from Dar es Salaam.
• Tanzanian Visa.
• Meals in Moshi (Breakfast included)
• Tips.
• Laundry costs.
• Personal Travel insurance.
• Inoculations.

2012 dates;

TBC Coming Soon

If you wish to extend your stay or would like information on excursions before or after your Kilimanjaro climb, please contact us for assistance. 

For more information please contact us on 07754160505 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it