Tour Overview
The Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb is considered a strenuous and physically demanding trip (reaching altitudes exceeding 19,000 ft above sea level.) It is imperative that you are fully prepared (both physically and mentally) for this trip and you must ensure you have all the appropriate equipment and clothing, which can greatly affect the overall enjoyment of your tour.
You will experience equatorial to arctic conditions. The range begins with the warm dry plains with an average temperature of 30C (86F) and ascends through a wide belt of wet tropical forest, through zones with generally decreasing temperature and rainfall, to the summit where there is permanent ice and below freezing conditions. The altitude and seasons determine weather conditions. The fact that for most months of the year there are so few rainy days makes it possible to climb in relatively good conditions all year round. The rainy season is from March to June, with short rains in October and November
Day 1: Arusha, Tanzania
Upon arrival in Arusha you will be met by our representative and taken to Protea Aishi in Kilimanjaro.
Situated at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, Aishi is located a few kilometers from the Machame Gate where climbers commence their ascent of this most majestic mountain by way of the picturesque Machame Trail. Just 3 degrees south of the equator, the two world famous peaks of Kibo (5895m) and Mawenzi (5194m) are permanently snow-capped.
All en-suite bedrooms have just been completely refurbished and a restaurant and bar is available at the hotel.
Protea Aishi or Arusha Hotel or similar
Day 2: Arusha- Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
After an early breakfast you will be driven to Kilimanjaro. The actual hike begins at the park gate (6,000'). Today you will hike 5.5 miles up to Mandara Hut (8,860'), near the upper edge of the forest line. The hike takes about 4-6 hours. The path is interesting, starting off through rain forest vegetation, then opening up to giant heather. If time and weather permit, a short walk from Mandara to Maundi Crater is worth it. Accommodations here, as well as at Horombo, are in wooden A-frame huts that sleep 4 to 8.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mandara Hut
Day 3: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
Today the destination is Horombo Hut at 12,200’. It is approximately 5-6 hours to cover the 10-mile journey, and here, you will often get your first views of the Kibo summit. The trail is strenuous and slippery and takes your clear of the forests, and out onto the moorland, it continues past and beneath the rocky southern face of Mawenzi, one of the three volcanoes that make up Kilimanjaro. Rainfall in this region is frequent.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Horombo Hut
Day 4: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
Today is an extra day to acclimatize, and it is best spent taking a day hike up toward the Maundi Hut by the upper trail to a viewpoint at 14,100 feet (4 hours round-trip). If you are feeling very fatigued, it can be spent resting or exploring the nearby region. Birdlife is abundant at Horombo. The rains come upon us almost every afternoon. So plan your day hike to be back inside the lodge with a cup of tea and good book by 4 p.m. Most climbers begin to feel the altitude at this level. After the rain clears, Horombo typically has beautiful sunsets and a night sky full of stars.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Horombo Hut
Day 5: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
Another long hike, this time up to Kibo Hut at almost 15,500’. Although somewhat shorter in distance, this usually takes 7 hours because it is steeper and the altitude slows everyone down. The route passes directly up onto the Saddle, a wide, flat area with the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi looming overhead. Views from here can be fantastic. The last part of the trail passes across the arid plateau before ascending to Kibo Hut. Kibo Hut is a stone hut with rooms that sleep 10-15 people in bunk beds. You will have a light dinner, and turn in early for any sleep if possible. The guides give a little pre-climb talk after dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kibo Hut
Day 6: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
We are awakened about midnight, and have tea and cookies. The guides try to get everyone ready to climb as quickly as possible, leaving between 1:00-1:30 a.m. Starting off, the trail swings back and forth up a steep slope and the climate is bitterly cold. The summit climb is an event you will not forget, with the night sky full of stars and only your breathing to help focus your mind. Most climbers arrive at Gillman's Point, elevation 18,635 feet, in time to enjoy sunrise around 6:30 a.m. The views from the top looking down on the plains of Africa make it all worthwhile. Some climbers decide that they have reached their goal and head down from here.
For the strong, the true summit is Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet)-an additional 3 hours away round-trip. The descent from Gillman's Point is fairly rapid, taking about 2 hours. Most climbers take a short rest at Kibo Hut before descending to Horombo Hut for the night, arriving in the late afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Horombo Hut
Day 7: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park- Depart
A long 14-mile hike back to the Marangu gate and park's headquarters. After finishing your climb you will be taken to Kia Lodge where you will have the use of a room to freshen up before being taken to the airport to connect with your onwards flight.
Breakfast, Lunch
Dayroom at Kia Lodge
Prices
2010 Pricing:
$3,195 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together.
$2,695 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.
$355 single room supplement (hotel stay)
$4,695 solo traveler
Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of September, 2009. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.
Inclusions:
· Airport meet, assist and airport transfers
· Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
· Services of trained English-speaking guides, a cook and porters
· Meals for the duration of the climb, top quality food specially considered for maximum nutrition needs with a dedicated cook (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
· Kilimanjaro Climb fees– including park fees, hut fees and rescue fees
· Safety communication equipment
· Safety equipment Hyperbaric (aka Portable Altitude Chamber) for the duration of the climb
· Portage of 2 bags (maximum 20 kgs) per person
· Three liters of bottled water per day during the climb
· Government taxes and levies
Exclusions:
· International air fare
· Gratuities for climb crew, transfer driver/guide, hotel staff, etc.
· Communication charges or other personal items
· Meals or transfers other than those included on the cost of the climb
· Beverages, laundry, personal gear or clothing on the mountain
· Any charges resulting from an early descent such as additional hotels, transfers etc. (If a client returns before the completion of the climb)
· International airport departure taxes
· Travel and medical insurance
· Optional activities
· Entry visa fees
· Holiday surcharges
Notes:
-- The routes are not strenuous technical climbs, and no mountain-climbing experience is necessary. But there's no avoiding the steep ascents and high altitudes that make robust physical fitness (and a minimum age of 16 years) a prerequisite for this trip. You'll want to consult your physician before undertaking this unforgettable adventure.
These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.
Group Discounts
The more people you bring on your next iExplore adventure, the more you save. Learn how with iExplore Group Discounts.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Additional Health Information
Only travelers in excellent physical condition should attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. As a guideline, you should be able to run or jog for half an hour or more without feeling short of breath.
Each prospective climber should consult a doctor about high-altitude travel. After a brief period of acclimatization, most people do not suffer from altitude sickness; but elderly travelers or those with high blood pressure or heart conditions need to exercise extreme caution at high altitudes (see section of information on acclimatization for travelers for areas of high altitude.)
The best advice to climbers is not to hurry and to proceed at a steady, comfortable pace that will facilitate your acclimatization to the altitude. Having the right mental state is also important. Do not push yourself to go on if your body is exhausted. Take it slowly, and do not force your body to exert itself.
Although the park has a reliable, equipped rescue team on the Machame route (guides are also trained in rescue procedures,) please keep in mind that professional medical attention is NOT readily available in the remote areas visited during a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Additional Information on Weather
Although Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of year, January, February and September are considered the best months. July, August, November, and December are also good months.
During the rainy period of March to May, clouds tend to pile up and over the summit, dropping snow on top and rain at the base. Visibility can be limited by cloud cover even when no rain falls. The temperature at this time of year is relatively warm.
The dry season, beginning in late June and extending through July, can be very cold at night; but is usually clear. August and September are also cool and may have completely clear days -- however, it is not unusual for a dripping cloud belt to girdle the mountain above the forest and moorland.
The summit can be totally clear, but the successful climber may look down on a vast sea of clouds with distant mountain peaks poking through like islands.
The shorter rainy period of October to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain, dropping rain as they go. Typically, the clouds disappear in the evening; so the nights and mornings are clear with excellent visibility.
January and February are usually dry, warm, and clear with brief showers that make for good climbing conditions.
Additional information on clothing and accessories
Here is a suggested list of clothing and accessories for a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro:
· Insulated, waterproof hiking boots with rigid uppers and thick soles (well broken in)
· 3 pair of warm socks
· 3 pair of lightweight socks (to wear under warm socks)
· 1 or 2 pair of lightweight walking or running shoes for walking around camp
· 1 warm hat (or balaclava) with brim to keep the sun off face and neck and a sun hat (you will need both types)
· 1 pair of insulated hiking or ski gloves
· 1 down-filled, hooded parka or Gore-Tex anorak
· 2 sets of thermal underwear (preferably a lightweight pair to wear next to the skin and a heavier second pair for extra warmth)
· 1 pair of warm, windproof slacks
· 1 pair of lightweight slacks
· 1 pair of shorts
· 2 woolen or flannel shirts with long sleeves
· 1 or 2 warm sweaters (fleece-type)
· 2 lighter-weight shirts (or tee shirts)
· 3 or 4 sets of underwear
· Lightweight rain gear with hood (rain can occur at any time on the lower slopes)
· Lightweight personal water container
· A water purification kit and/or iodine pills
· A lightweight daypack for carrying your own water, lunch, camera, film, etc. (a pack that has a hydration system with an insulated water bladder is suggested)
· A medium-size, sturdy duffel bag to contain all your gear and clothing (porters will carry this for you, but they will NOT carry framed backpacks)
· Well-insulated sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of 20-degrees Fahrenheit (sleeping bag should fit in your duffel bag)
· Camping pillow (if desired)
· Emergency foil blanket (optional)
· Flashlight (with extra batteries) - a head lamp will be especially useful for the last part of the climb, which is done at night
· 1 or 2 walking sticks
· Pair of mud gaiters
· Dark sunglasses with high UV ray protection or snow goggles (polarizing glasses are not sufficient to prevent snow blindness)
· Sunscreen with high SPF
· Lip balm containing a sun block
· Small hand towel, soap, and 2 rolls of toilet paper
· Tissue and "wash and dry" wipes
· UV filter for your camera (which is necessary for high-altitude photography)
· High-energy snacks (such as muesli bars, chocolate, or instant hot drinks)
· A small reference book on plants (if you are interested in botany), as guides are not especially knowledgeable about this aspect of the climb
In addition, it is suggested that you assemble a basic medical kit. Your doctor can advise you on specific items to include. The following items may be useful:
· A good supply of aspirin (for altitude headaches)
· Altitude medication -- as prescribed by your doctor
· An antibiotic to use if needed (such as Septra DS) as prescribed by your doctor
· Anti-biotic cream (for cuts and scrapes)
· Band-aids and bandages
· Moleskin
· Scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer
· Cold/flu tablets and throat lozenges
· Medicine for stomach ailments and re-hydration salts
Clothing of various weights is suggested, because you will want to dress in layers (removing layers as you heat up from walking, adding layers as you cool down from resting.) During the first two days, climbers may find it comfortable to wear shorts and tee shirts. However, temperatures will change at higher altitudes. By the third day of your climb (Shira Camp to Barranco,) it can be very windy and the temperature can fall to freezing at night.
A limited selection of equipment is available for rental at the base of the mountain; however, we cannot guarantee the quality or condition of any items rented locally. It is, therefore, suggested that climbers bring all of their own equipment.
Additional Baggage Information
During a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, travelers should plan to travel with only what is required for the climb. (Excess luggage can be left behind in Arusha and claimed after the climb.)
As previously mentioned, porters will carry only duffel-type bags during the climb (no framed backpacks or suitcases.) You need only carry a daypack with the personal items you will require during the day (your personal supply of water, your lunch, your camera and film, and any clothes you may want to put on or discard). Your passport, money, and permit papers should be kept with you at all times during the climb and also carried in your daypack.
Please be advised that luggage carried by porters is available to travelers only while in camp and is NOT accessible during the day.
Additional Information on Laundry
Laundry service is NOT available during a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro and it is necessary to take a sufficient amount of clean clothing for the duration of the climb.
Additional Information on Food and Drink
On most days of the climb, camp breakfasts are served at approximately 6:00 AM. Breakfast is usually a hearty meal consisting of porridge, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and toast with jam. Lunches generally consist of sandwiches and fruit; occasionally soup may be served as well. Tea and biscuits or cake are served on arrival in camp at the end of the day's climb. Dinner, which is served in the early evening, usually consists of soup, meat, potatoes, a vegetable, and fruit.
At all stages of the climb, it is important to drink as much liquid (water and tea) as possible to help your body acclimatize.
Additional Information on Gratuities
Many travelers view tipping as a difficult subject, though this need not be the case. The first thing to remember is that tipping is not compulsory, nor is there any fixed amounts. The bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to ask yourself how much the individual did to make your travels more enjoyable. It is with this in mind that we offer the following information.
On a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, many travelers choose to tip their guides and porters and the following amounts are suggested:
· Head Guide: US-$50 - $100 for the entire trip
· Assistant Guide: US-$40-60 for the entire trip
· Porters (per porter): US-$15-US-$20 for the entire trip
PLEASE NOTE that your gratuity should be presented at the end of the climb and should be given to the head guide, who will distribute it amongst those who have assisted you during the climb.
Description of the Climb
The awesome site of the Kilimanjaro Mountain is breathtaking. With its glittering peaks rising from the high Tanzanian plateau, this immense dormant volcano seems to watch over the fauna of East Africa. "Kili" is actually made up of three different craters; the little Shira in the west, Mawenzi, in the east, and in the centre, the enormous cone of Kibo, whose summit, Uhuru Peak, set in a spectacular background of hanging glaciers, is the climber’s goal. The less frequented Machame route includes six days of actual climbing, allowing additional time for altitude acclimatization. Climbers ascend and descend by a different route, encountering more wild and varied scenery along the way. Additionally, climbing the route does not present any particular technical difficulty.
Accommodation is in huts. As mentioned previously in the section on additional information on clothing and accessories, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, although a sleeping pad will be provided. Toilet facilities are not available in all campsites; you are advised not to use sites near your camp or streams as a waste disposal area.
Avoiding Altitude Sickness
Sensible precautionary measures include:
· Sticking to a schedule of mild activity;
· Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids (one to five liters per day are recommended);
· Not smoking; and avoiding sedatives (such as sleeping pills or tranquillizers), which tend to depress respiration and limit oxygen intake.
You might also consult your personal physician about taking the prescription drug Diamox (acetazolamide), a mild diuretic that stimulates oxygen intake. (It is used by the Himalayan Rescue Association.)
WE strongly advise all travelers to high altitudes to consult with their doctor prior to travel.
Please Note: All the information contained in these pages is intended for guidance only and is believed to be correct at the time of printing. As circumstances may change at any time you are strongly recommended to check with us or the appropriate authority prior to travel for up-to date information, especially health and insurance requirements. All prices quoted are subject to change without notice.
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