Kilmanjaro Expeditions, Tanzania

Situated south of the equator - in Tanzania - at 19 340 feet, (5895m) this is Africa's highest mountain and the highest "free standing " mountain in the world. Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for the successful trekker, as well as the satisfaction of conquering this mighty peak.

The main problems encountered can be altitude sickness, which can be countered by use of medicines and good basic acclimatisation. The standard route is a hike - no climbing as such.

This trek is a "once in a lifetime " challenge and must not be taken lightly. We ensure that all our climbers have all the facts - medical list, equipment list, etc, long before they travel - possibly the reason for our success rate.

On this route we utilise tents, which we supply, as well as lightweight camping mattresses etc. The Umbwe route is probably the most beautiful route by which to ascend the mountain.

All your supplies and camping equipment are portered up for you (tents, 25 mm mattresses, awnings, stools, lights, etc), and your meals are prepared. Your personal baggage limit is 12 kg for the climb.

Tents and sleeping mattresses are supplied on this trip.

The guides employed are excellent (some have climbed Kili over 120 times!) and look after all our clients who attempt the climb. Each trip is led by a senior guide, with other guides in a ratio of approximately one guide per 2 or 3 climbers - if you are a bit slower than the rest, a guide will always be with you.

We are the recommended tour operator for Kilimanjaro in the BBC's 100 treks to do before you die.

0845 0047 801

Itinerary / Highlights

* Climb Africa's highest peak via the Umbwe track
* See rare equatorial glaciers
* Feel the beautiful and friendly African culture
* View one of the greatest animal kingdoms from 6km above sea level
* Encounter elephants, giraffe, lions, monkeys and more

Day 1
Meet on arrival in Kilimanjaro and transfer to the hotel. Your climb briefing will take place today, or tomorrow.
NB: If you need to hire any extra gear, advise the hotel shortly after your arrival. Leave any excess clothing and valuables at the hotel - they will lock them up for you. Pack your bag carefully for the climb - remember the weight limit of 12kg. Leave some 'bin bags' in an outer pocket of your bag, and show the porters where they are so that in case of rain they can quickly cover your bag. Keep one out for your
personal daypack too! Liaise with staff at reception, and leave them your air tickets to be reconfirmed during your climb. It is your responsibility to ensure that flights are reconfirmed, as any schedule changes will be advised at that time.
Overnight in hotel

DAY 2
Rest day to rehydrate from your long haul flight and adjust to the African pace of life. You will also have the opportunity to take a complimentary guided tour of Moshi and the surrounding area.
Overnight in hotel

DAY 3
Drive to park gate. A seven-hour walk through the spectacular forest will bring you to a camping area - Umbwe Caves Campsite - with access to water at 2 900m. Take your time walking through this section - it will help towards acclimatisation. It can often be muddy or wet as well.
Overnight camp.

DAY 4
Barranco Hut, 3 900 meters. Some fairly steep walking through the forest, and along a sharp ridge, before the path flattens as you approach Barranco Hut, in the moorland zone. A fairly long and strenuous day, as the altitude is now beginning to be felt.
Overnight camp.

DAY 5
Today we will do an acclimatization walk to Lava Tower at 4600m. This will take around 7 hours (5 hours up, 2 hours down) and we will have a packed lunch as opposed to a hot lunch.
Overnight camp.

DAY 6
Morning at leisure, before ascending the Barranco Wall and dropping into Karanga Valley at 4200 m.
Overnight camp.

DAY 7
Continue across to Barafu Hut, now a fairly short day. This is an acclimatisation day, as you ascend up sections of scree and rock, then down into valleys - a hard day of walking at relatively high altitude. You will be able to rest up at Barafu for the whole afternoon, acclimatising and gathering strength for the summit.
Overnight camp.

DAY 8
Rest day. Read and enjoy the scenery. A short acclimatisation trek is recommended.
Overnight camp.

DAY 9
Early attempt on summit. You will be woken at approx. midnight for your final ascent. Dress warmly, and your guide will lead you to Stella Point on the crater ridge, and then along the top to Uhuru Peak. It's a very long day - reaching the peak in the early morning light, and then descending during the day, arriving at a camp an hour out of Mweka in the late afternoon.
Overnight camp.

DAY 10
Descend to park gate, approx. 5 hours steady downhill walk. On completion, transfer to hotel.
Overnight in hotel

DAY 11
Transfer to the airport for onward travel or other activities

Other Details

Accommodation Details

3 nights hotel accommodation on continental breakfast basis.
7 nights camping on the Kilimanjaro mountain on full board

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Expedition Schedule
This expedition is open for group sizes 2 - 10. If there are 2 or more of you, you can tell us when you
want to go. We also have the following scheduled trips which all coincide with the full moon:

2010
21st Feb – 3rd March (28th Feb – full moon)
19th – 29th June 2010 (26th Jun – full moon)
19th – 29th July 2010 (26th Jul – full moon)
17th – 27th August 2010 (24th Aug – full moon)
16th – 26th September 2010 (23rd Sep – full moon)
16th – 26th October 2010 (23rd Oct – full moon)
14th – 24th November 2010 (21st Nov – full moon)

2011
12th – 22nd January 2010 (19th Jan – full moon)
11th – 21st February 2010 (18th Feb – full moon)

0845 0047 801