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Categorization
Level of fitness   Grading of accommodation

Dates and rates
Booking code: WKI
30.01.12 - 07.02.12	USD 2770
23.04.12 - 01.05.12	USD 3330
02.07.12 - 10.07.12	USD 3330
03.09.12 - 11.09.12	USD 2770
10.12.12 - 18.12.12	USD 2770

Gallery

Tanzania

Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, 17700 ft - The rooftop of Africa

A dream for many, climbing onto Mt. Kilimanjaro. To reach Uhuru Peak 17700 ft of this huge 'hill' you don't need any climbing experience, a general good hiking fitness is sufficient. – Individual and group travel

Hike onto the mountain via the more remote Machame Route. In order to have a successful hike to the top we slowly acclimatise to the altitude in front of us. First the path lead through rain forest, later over meadows and further up across rock and snow fields. Because this route is less travelled we don’t come across many other hikers and the camps are pretty quite. Porters carry our main luggage, during the day only a small back pack is carried by us. Besides the tents for sleeping a large dining tent is pitched at each camp – adding comfort especially in the evenings when it gets cold quickly.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Welcome from the English speaking tour guide and transfer to hotel in Moshi, 2550 ft above sea (1 hour) (D)

Day 2: Preparation day

This is the start of the tour. Discuss tour with tour guide. Check the equipment. Opportunity for MTB trip. (B, D)

Day 3: Hike to Machame Gate (5400 ft) – 1st Machame Camp (9000 ft)

Transfer to Machame Gate (approx. 1 hour). The route takes us through damp mountain forests and later through fields to Machame Camp. There is a packed lunch, which will be given out before tours begin. You will receive a packed lunch everyday, which is freshly prepared by our cook. An excellent dinner can be expected each evening. Vegetarian meals can also be cooked when we are informed in advance. (Walking time: 5-6 hrs; Height gain: +3600 ft) (B, L, D)

Day 4: Hike from Machame Camp (9000 ft) to Shira Camp (11520 ft)

Short climb, total height gain is 840m and we will reach Shira Camp around 2pm. The trail goes through alpine moors where you can see massive erica and senecio. A worthwhile trip to the Lava Tower is an excellent photography location. (Walking time: 5-6 hrs; Height gain: +2520 ft) (B, L, D)

Day 5: Hike from Shira Camp (11520 ft) to Barranco Camp (11850 ft)

Today is a day of acclimatisation. Total height gain is only 330 ft. The landscape is sparse and rocky, but around the Barranco Camp the senecio is a big exception. The Barranco Camp lies 11850 ft above sea level, the highest altitude of the day is approx. 13800 ft. (Walking time: 5-7 hrs; Height gain: +2400 ft – 2100 ft) (B, L, D)

Day 6: Hike from Barranco Camp (11850 ft) to Barufu Camp (14250 ft)

We go to Karanga Valley and onto Barafu Camp (14250 ft) in a landscape resembling Mars. The Barafu Camp is ultimately the base before the last run for the peak. The night ascension starts around midnight or 1am. (Walking time: 4 hours; Height gain: +2400 ft) (B, L, D)

Day 7: Peak ascension Barafu Camp (14250 ft) – Uhuru Peak (17700 ft) – Mweka Camp (9300 ft)

We reach the craters edge at Stella Point (17250 ft) by daybreak. Africa lies at your feet. A further 1-hour walk brings us to Uhuru Peak at 17700 ft. The dissent over an ash-slope brings us to Barafu Camp for lunch. Descent to Mweka Camp at 9300 ft. (Walking time: 14 hours; Height gain: +4350 ft, -8400 ft) (B, L, D)

Day 8: Hike from Mweka Camp (9300 ft) to Mweka Gate (5400 ft)

The 4-hour dissent to Mweka Gate again goes through rainforest. Transfer back to the hotel. In the evening we celebrate by the pool in the knowledge of our unique experience and accomplishments of the past days. (Walking time: 4 hours; Height gain – 3900 ft) (B, L, D)

Day 9: Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport and home journey

Up until the time of transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport you can use the time to go for one last shopping trip. Departure by plane. (B)

For those who get affected by the altitude during the climb of Kilimanjaro and feel unwell, you can always go back down with a guide.

You can combine the climbing vacation with our “MTB trip around Mt. Kilimajaro”: http://www.africanbikers.com/destinations/tanzania/mountain-bike-tour-kilimajaro-53.html and receive a great discount!

Services

Included in price:

• English speaking tour guide
• 3 nights in a hotel, 5 nights in a tent
• 8 x breakfast, 5 x lunch, 8 x dinner, drinks (coffee, tea)
• Porters to carry up to 10kg luggage, participants only carry a light day rucksack
• Warm water to wash
• Tent for meal times with table and chairs
• National park fees – camping and mountain rescue inclusive
• Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro airport and Kilimanjaro national park

Not included:

• Flights to and from Tanzania
• Visa – $50 USD to pay on arrival
• Tips
• Meals not mentioned above and extra drinks

Hints

For those who still have time and energy we can recommend a mountain bike tour around Kilimanjaro, see left-hand side. A hiking and cycling combination is also possible in the rarely visited area of the Usambara Mountains. After an hours flight to Entebbe, Uganda, we also offer a mountain bike safari through the national parks of Uganda, as well as chimpanzee and gorilla trekking. For bathing, snorkelling, diving and surfing we recommend the herb and spices island Zanzibar or, for those who like it a little quieter, the small island of Mafia.

This tour is also available as a private tour, with minimum two participants.