Tanzania

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Kilimanjaro Trekking

Brochure

As the highest mountain in Africa (5896 m / 19343 ft), and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is a “must climb“ for amateur and veteran mountaineers. It has a permanent snowcap and can be climbed at any time of the year as a non-technical climb. Successful mountain expeditions require good health, fitness and stamina. These are inputs that every climber must individually deliver. On top of that a good back up from your expedition outfitter is of great importance. These factors will determine weather you will endure or enjoy your climb.

Our Kilimanjaro climbs all include: the first and last night's accommodation in Arusha plus transfers to and from the park gates, a mix of huts or tents on the mountain, all food, an experienced and highly-trained mountain guide and porters. One of the members of staff will also double as the cook.

Accommodation is in a mix of mountain huts and high-altitude tents, depending on the route. Please note that, owing to their unique location, many of the places are spartan and communal. One must be prepared to 'rough it' and simply enjoy the experience, views and location.

As you ascend, the oxygen in the air decreases. Low oxygen in the blood causes shortness of breath, increased ventilation and raised heartbeat. Thinking may be slowed and co-ordination difficult. The routes that we offer ascend gradually, making acclimatisation easier and hopefully increasing chances of reaching the summit.

Many people become overheated when climbing, so it is best to dress in several layers. For instance, thermal vest, undershirt, overshirt, sweater and jacket. Sweating causes loss of bodily fluid and at the same time soaks clothes. These rapidly become cold in the wind or shade. It's therefore recommended that layers be removed as the body heats up. But be sure to put them back on when you stop to rest, enter a shadow or trek after sunset. If you get wet, change into dry clothes immediately. Winds around the saddle and summit can cause severe heat loss by evaporation, so a windproof jacket is required. Hats are also recommended, as they prevent heat loss from the scalp. A balaclava that covers hair, ears, forehead and chin is very useful at high altitudes. Good gloves, sunglasses and sun block are essential. Comfortable 'broken in' boots are imperative.

Kilimanjaro - the Marangu Route

The easiest and most popular route to the summit, the Marangu Route is classified as a moderate trek rather than a climb. It's suitable for those adventurers who are a little less experienced in the mountains. Accommodation is in mountain huts.

Day 1: Transfer from Arusha to Kibo Hotel. Evening briefing and equipment check.

Day 2: Drive to the mountain and start trekking through beautiful rainforests. 3-4 hours' walking. Mandara Hut

Day 3: Leave the forest and cross moorland filled with high heather. 5-6 hours' walking. Horombo Hut

Day 4: Cross the saddle with its lunar landscape. 5-6 hours' walking. Kibo Hut

Day 5: Depart during the early hours for the final ascent to Gilman's Point to watch the sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak. 11-15 hours' walking. Horombo Hut

Day 6:Easy-paced trek down to the main gate. 5-6 hours' walking. Transfer to Kibo Hotel.

Daily Departures
Price: US$1185 per person double, $91 single supplement

Kilimanjaro - the Machame Route

This is the second most popular route, and it is considered the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. With a gradual ascent through the forest you emerge to see wide views of the moorland on the Shira Plateau, Kibo and the Western Breach. The different kinds of vegetation found along the route make it the most scenic route. The descent is through the Mweka route. This is more difficult than the Marangu Route and suitable for experienced climbers or alpine walkers. The approach is from the south-west, with fascinating rainforests and spectacular views over Mount Meru. An unforgettable trek for any who aspire to reach the summit.

The accommodation on the Machame route is camping throughout in mountain tents shared by two people. The porters will carry your entire luggage. You only carry a daypack with personal items. Our staff prepares all food, so you don’t have to do any camp chores. The cook will cater for people with special dietary requirements at no extra charge.

Day 2: Drive to the mountain. Trek through banana and coffee farms, before crossing the beautiful rainforest and heath land. 4-5 hours' walking. Machame Camp

Day 3:Steep morning climb, with some of the most magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and Kibo Peak. 4-6 hours' walking. Shira Cave

Day 4:Trek across the lava ridges of the glacier. 5-7 hours' walking. Great Barranco Valley Camp

Day 5: Steep morning climb with superb views of the ice-fields. 6-8 hours' walking. Barafu Camp

Day 6: Depart during the early hours for Stella Point, before the final trek to Gilman's and Uhuru Point. 11-15 hours' walking. Mweka Forest Camp

Day 7: Easy-paced trek down to the gate. 4-6 hours' walking. Transfer to Impala Hotel.

Daily Departures
Price: US$1561 per person double, $91 single supplement

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: all accommodation and meals through last dinner, all transport within Tanzania, services of guides and porters and the park entrance fees.

It does not include the airfare, airport taxes, visa, insurance, drinks, tips and expenditure of personal nature.

Equipment
A certain amount of equipment can be hired from the park or the hotels before departure, including: sleeping bag, walking stick, rucksack, warm clothing, rain wear and water-bottle. However, bring your own 'worn in' shoes, including a light pair for walking and use around camp and a pair of boots for mud, rain, snow and ice. Other useful items include: sweater, wind/rain proof jacket, thermal underwear, hat/balaclava, gloves, thermal socks, scarf, sunglasses, sun-block cream, toilet paper, basic first aid kit, personal medicine, sweets, nuts, fruit, money (to purchase drinks at Mandara Hut) and a torch with spare batteries. If sleeping in any of the huts other than those on the Marangu Route (which have bunks and mattresses), it is essential to hire/bring a good ground cloth or foam mat.

Fitness
People attempting to reach the summit should be in good physical condition, able to slowly jog for an hour or more without feeling short of breath or manage a walk of several hours. No-one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go above 3,000m. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt the mountain, without consulting their doctor. Being in the right mental state is also important.

Fluids
Everyone should drink four to five litres of fluid each day. Water is best, but fruit juice is a good supplement. Carry your own water-bottle at all times as dehydration is a real problem on the mountain. The air is very dry above 4,000m, so panting should be avoided and breathing ought to be through the nose. Controlled sweating is managed by wearing removable clothing and walking at a gentle pace. Sip fluids frequently.

Food
Appetites are usually good until around 4,000m. After that, few people feel like eating. Light carbohydrate food, like bread, cereals and rice, is highly recommended. These foods help increase oxygen in the blood, as well as providing the body with the necessary 4,000 calories per day. Citrus fruits and bananas are good to eat, as they reduce the alkaline condition of the blood. Nuts, fruits and sweets are excellent, but avoid fats, rich food, alcohol and tobacco.

Mountain sickness
Above 3,000m, some people begin to experience mountain sickness, which is caused by the body being unable to acclimatise fast enough to the altitude. The best way to prevent this is to ascend very slowly, taking care to eat and drink properly. The symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness and the swelling of hands and feet. Above 4,000m, most people have some of these symptoms. If food and fluid intake has been adequate and symptoms persist, one should
descend immediately.

Porters
Porters are the backbone of a climber's trip. They are the silent ones: the ones who carry the loads, have your equipment set up hours before you arrive and sweat the same vertical path to the summit. They too are human and suffer from mountain sickness, frostbite and hunger. Please advise us if you see porters being treated unfairly, under-dressed or over-loaded.

Rescue team and medical facilities
The park has a reliable, well-equipped rescue team on the Marangu route. In case of emergency whilst on another route, the park headquarters is in radio contact with the guides. For medical emergencies, there are the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre and a large hospital in the Moshi area.