Kilimanjaro

overview:

Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, known as the “rooftop of Africa,” towers over the continent as the highest point in Africa. The Machame Route is the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It is known for its incredible views and the variety of habitats that are experienced along the trek. If you choose the Machame Route, you can expect to be challenged by its long, steep trails leading to the summit. The route is best for those who have some hiking experience and are physically fit.

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Kilimanjaro Inquiry - Intro

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Arrival

DAY 1

You will fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha, Tanzania. After passing through immigration and picking up your bags our Above Safaris staff will meet and escort you to your hotel in Arusha. Your head guide will meet you at the hotel to give you a briefing and ensure you have all the necessary equipment. You'll also have the chance to relax at the hotel before dinner and overnight.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

DAY 2

In the morning after breakfast, you'll travel from Arusha to Kilimanjaro's Machame Gate (about 1.5 hours) where your trek will begin. On day 1 of the trek you will cover 7mi/11km of trail over the course of 5-7 hours. You'll leave the gate and head through the rain forest with giant ferns and moss covered trees up a winding trail to your first camp. You'll reach Machame Camp in time for dinner and will have the chance to relax and overnight before continuing the trek the next day.

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

DAY 3

After breakfast you'll head out on day 2 of the trek which has you covering 3mi/5km of trail in 4-6 hours. You will start out on a steep and twisting path into sparser terrain. At the en route lunch stop, you are treated to fantastic views of the eroded peaks of Shira. At the top of the Shira ridge, the highest point of the day is reached (12600ft/3840m), before you make a slight descent to Shira Camp. Shira Cave Campsite offers fantastic views in every direction. At the camp, dinner will be waiting and you'll have a chance to relax and overnight.

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

DAY 4

After breakfast at Shira Camp, you start the day walking directly towards Kibo peak up a broad rocky ridge. The barren looking Shira plateau stretches out to your left and the snow-capped summit looks noticeably closer. Vegetation disappears as you climb over 13000ft/4000m into the desert zone. The highest point of the day is reached at Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth," a 165ft/50m high mound of solidified lava sticking up from the rolling ridges around the summit cone. From the tower you make a gentle descent to the Barranco Hut Campsite. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Hut.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

DAY 5

After breakfast, you'll start the morning with a fun and challenging climb up the Barranco Wall. This steep, but rewarding climb will be the most technical of your trek. Once you reach the top, take a moment to enjoy the view and congratulate yourself on a job well done before heading to Karanga Campsite. Dinner will be served at camp and you'll have a chance to rest and acclimatize.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

DAY 6

After breakfast, you'll leave Karanga Campsite and head out of the valleys and up a steep boulder-strewn path to Barafu Ridge. You'll arrive at Barafu Camp in the afternoon, giving your body time to rest for the final push later tonight. An early dinner is prepared at 5pm, after which you can get some sleep before your wakeup call at 11pm.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

DAY 7

The summit climb starts at midnight, under a ceiling of stars. The first goal is Stella Point at 19000ft/5794m, about a 6 hour hike. The pace will be slow and measured, with short breaks to help with acclimatization. As the sun rises over an endless sea of clouds, you begin the final hour ascent around the gently sloped crater rim towards Uhuru Peak. Upon reaching the highest point of Mt. Kilimanjaro, at 19340ft/5,895m, you can finally say that you are on the “Rooftop of Africa.” After reaching the summit you'll have a 2- to 3-hour descent to Barafu Camp. There you'll be rewarded with a short nap and a hearty lunch, before you continue your descent to Mweka Hut Campsite, approximately 3 hours.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

DAY 8

On your final morning on the mountain, after breakfast, you'll start to descend through the mountain's rainforest. Discretionary tipping of your guide, cook, and porters is customary at this time. When you reach Mweka Gate you'll receive your Summit Certificate. After some celebrations at the gate, our team will transport you back to your hotel in Arusha where you'll have a chance to shower, relax, and have a hearty meal before getting some much needed rest.

Departure

DAY 9

In the morning after breakfast you'll have a chance to relax at the hotel or to explore Arusha until it's time to head to the airport for your flight home.

When is the best time of year to trek kilimanjaro?

+ Time Frame

January to March and July to October are the best times to trek Kilimanjaro because the weather tends to be the best at those times of year. However, it’s not impossible to trek during the other months it just tends to be wetter because of rainy seasons. We highly recommend avoiding a trek in April, the rainiest month of the year.

+ Trekking Ready

When you book your tour, we’ll provide you with a Trip Planner which will help you to get prepared for your trek including a training plan. While most fit and healthy adults can climb Kilimanjaro with the right preparation, we recommend that climbers train for the trek, focusing on getting used to climbing in high altitudes – it’s the best way to ensure you make it to the summit.

How should I prepare for Kilimanjaro?

+ Variety of Routes

Yes, we lead trips up all of Kilimanjaro’s routes. If you are looking for an alternate route (e.g. Marangu, Lemosho, Rongai) let us know when you submit your inquiry form.

Does Above Safaris offer any of the other routes up Kilimanjaro?

+ Trek Differently

Above Safaris provides expert guides and skilled crews to get you to the summit. Our focus on local hiring means you learn from the most experienced guides, all the while creating good jobs in Tanzania.

Why choose Above Safaris for your Kilimanjaro trek?

+ Responsibility

Above Safaris hires local porters and mountain guides and providing opportunities for them to grow their careers—creating good jobs in Tanzania and paying fair wages.

how do we promote responsible and sustainable travel through our Kilimanjaro treks?

+ The Experience

Seven day safari that includes visits to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

+ Guides and Transportation

Professional english-speaking safari guides; all transportation during the trip including airport transfers.

+ Accommodations and Meals

Hand-selected accommodations that fit your budget; three meals per day, most non-alcoholic beverages, and water during days on safari.

+ Taxes and Fees

All park fees, tarrifs, and taxes.

What does the price of the trip include?

Who will be my guide?

+ Local Hiring Process

Above Safaris hires local guides, creating good local job and providing stable incomes. Your local guide will have a personal relationship with Tanzania, and endless expertise on the land and people.

+ Preparing for Your Trip

Before your trip you’ll receive a tailored Trip Planner which will provide useful information for your trip. From packing lists to cultural awareness, tipping etiquette to introductory Swahili language tips for your trip, we’ll make sure you’re ready for your adventure. Additionally, your dedicated travel expert is only an email away.

What do I need to
know about my trip?

How do i reserve my trip?

+ Our Step by Step Process

Above Safaris works with you every step of the way to craft your perfect adventure. Learn more about our step by step process.

+ Booking and Deposit

A deposit of 25% of the total trip cost must be submitted to secure your spot by December 1st, 2019. Securing your spot on the yoga retreat is on a first come first served basis. The maximum for each retreat is 30 people.

Payments can be made by bank transfer (must include any transfer fees added by your bank) or by secure credit/debit payment (a 2.9% fee applies to credit or debit payments). During the booking process we will provide instructions for wire transfers and credit/debit payments. Our standard terms and conditions apply.

+ Submitting Balance

The remaining 75% is due 45 days before the trip departs. You are free to submit the balance of the trip costs anytime up to the due date.

+ Responsible Travel

Above Safaris approaches responsible and sustainable travel differently. We bring you impact-driven travel without sacrificing any of the quality and expertise that you seek. Our commitment to responsibility, sustainability, and community innovation means we create a tailor-made adventure that is good for you and Tanzania

Why should I book my adventure with Above Safaris?

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