Come and climb one of the world's seven summits and the tallest free-standing peak in the world. While climbing this impressive mountain, you will experience several different climate zones each with their own attractions (you will see desert, jungle, and arid highlands). The vegetation along the way is quite impressive and you will also catch glimpses of many different animals, native to the area.
On this trip you will take the trail that is often called the “Whiskey Route." This is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much more gentle than the Umbwe or Marangu, the “Coca Cola Route" trails. On this ten day trip, you will be climbing the mountain in seven days. The route that you will take will allow for a much less strenuous route and a slower, and potentially more enjoyable climb. You will have sufficient time to acclimatize in an attempt to make the climb safer for you.
Highlights
Climb one of the world's seven summits!
Enjoy amazing wildlife and vegetation.
See great views of the surrounding area from what feels like "the top of the world"
Experience an African safari through the Arusha national park. ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day One - Arrive in Tanzania. Met with company and transfered to your hotel for the night.
Day Two - Visit Arusha National Park. Meet with your guide, recieve a briefing, and review the packing of your gear.
Day Three - Drive to the Machame Park gate. Make your first ascent 3,600 feet to camp at 10,000 feet.
Day Four - Climb to camp at the Shira Cave at 12,650 ft. See herds of eland and possibly a rare lion,
Day Five - Climb to the high-altitude desert and then return to 12,900 to assist with acclimatization.
Day Six - Easy day. Drop into the Karanga Valley to 12,700 feet. There is an optional afternoon walk to just below the glaciers.
Day Seven - Climb to Barafu at 15,200 feet. Rest and enjoy the views in preperation for the summit climb the next day.
Day Eight - Leave camp at midnight and SUMMIT the highest point on the continent (19,340 ft) at sunrise. Return to the Mweka camp at 10,000 feet.
Day Nine - Morning hike through the forest and off the mountain. Return to your hotel in Arusha. Eat dinner and spend the night or transfer to the airport for a flight home.
Day Ten - You will be free this day to shop in Arusha before returing to the hotel for lunch before being driven to the airpot to catch your flight home. ...see full itinerary
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
This trip offers you the chance to climb one of the tallest mountains in the world. This is a difficult climb. But, even if you are not in the greatest shape of your life, the route taken and the slow moving itinerary allow you to ascend the peak without over exerting yourself. This trip also offers not only a great hiike, you also go on a Safari and get to see many animals (including giraffes, wildebeasts, and many types of primates). ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
This trip is perfect for the avid adventurer who wants the satisfaction of climbing such a high peak without the pushing himself or herself (hopefully) to the point of sickness or pain. ...view more details
Day 1
Upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport you will be met by a vehicle and transferred to a Hotel in nearby Arusha or Moshi for the night.
Day 2
Visit Arusha National Park to view wild animals found in typical safaris including buffalo, wildebeests, dik-diks, giraffes, and various primates. Return to the hotel for a late lunch and relaxation. Before dinner, you meet with your guide to receive briefing of your trek plans and review the packing of your gear.
Day 3
From Arusha or Moshi drive to the Machame Park gate, then a gentle climb up through the original montane forest carpeted with unique “busy lizzie” flowers, begonias and ferns. Your first camp will be amongst the giant heather at 3,000m/10,000ft at Machame Camp. The ascent will be 1,200m/3,600 ft and 5-6 hours of walking.
Day 4
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m/12,650ft. Herds of eland exist up here (& you might even see the occasional lion!) Also, there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. The ascent will be 840m/2,500ft and 4-5 hours walking.
Day 5
From Shira, climb towards the main peak, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert, from Shira to volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid – way camp at 3,950m/12,900ft. This will be 5-7 hours walking and only 110m total ascent – after having climbed high and dropping down low to sleep and assist acclimatization.
Day 6
Climb the steep Barranco Wall which includes some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley at 3,800m/12,700ft. This is a short walking day, 3-4 hours, with an optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers.
Day 7
Ascend to Barafu camp perched high on a rocky bluff at 4,750m/ 15,200ft. You will see fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak and will have a bit less to climb tomorrow morning! This is another short walking day, about 4 hours, 950m, with less exertion and a good rest in afternoon immediately before the hard summit day.
Day 8
Around midnight, enjoy breakfast and start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise – another 40mins and you’re at the highest point on the continent 5,895m/19,340ft, usually in warm sunshine. Return on the Mweka descent route. Enjoy standing at the highest point in the African Continent and then descend 2-3 hours back to Barafu camp for lunch. After lunch continue trek descent 1,750m/ 5,000ft over 3-5 hours to the Mweka camp at 3,000m/10,000ft. This is a long hard day but you will feel absolutely ecstatic when you have finished! Enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest.
Day 9
A morning descent of 4-5 hours through the forest brings us to Mweka Gate where you collect your certificate and meet the vehicle. We return to the Hotel in Arusha for a hot shower and overnight after the climb; or early dinner and transfer to the airport for a flight back home. There is option for safari extension in the next day.
Day 10
This is a day room will be provided for you. In the morning go for shopping for goody souvenirs around Arusha back to the Hotel for lunch and packing your duffle earlier evening dinner and transfer to the airport for home departure.
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Climb Kilimanjaro - The Machame Route
