roof of africa
KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is a major climbing destination. The Roof of Africa at 5895m is not only Africa’s highest peak but also the world’s largest free standing mountain. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano comprised of three volcanic cones upon which incredibly diverse ecosystems from savannah to glaciers and snow exist.
There are a number of routes to Kilimanjaro’s summit and while climbing the mountain does not require technical skill or equipment, one third of climbers fail to summit. The main cause is altitude-related problems. Enjoyment of the climb and summit success depends on acclimatization. While most climbs are listed from 5 to 9 days, we strongly recommend a minimum of 7 days on the mountain.
Our sample itinerary “Lemosho 8 days luxury climb – via Stella Point” is one of our favourite, it has the best combination of success rate, time and spectacular scenery en-route. Other routes that work well are Machame 7 days, Rongai 7 days (less trekked so you can keep away from crowds) or for experienced mountaineers Lemosho 9 days via the Western Breach – since you sleep in the summit crater your ascent is spectacular. To cater for varying budgets we offer 3 specifications of climb based on levels of comfort light-weight, luxury and VIP.
The back bone of all these treks is the porters whom carry all camping equipment, food and client luggage up and down the mountain. We are proud to say that our company only partners Kilimanjaro outfitters that are members of the Partner for Responsible Travel Program. This program is run by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project – an NGO that works on improving the working conditions of porters and promoting socially responsible Kilimanjaro climbs.
Our sample itinerary Lemosho 8 days luxury climb is one of our favourite, it has the best combination of success rate, time and spectacular scenery en-route.
KILIMANJARO HIGHLIGHTS
Meet and greet and transfer to Rivertrees Country Inn. A lovely lodge set in the leafy green on sweeping lawns. Excellent food and a great place to rest before the climb. Mountain climb briefing with your guide tonight to check that your gear is all right to go. Overnight Rivertrees Country Inn (dinner)
From Arusha we set out in vehicles to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off at a leisurely pace into afromontane forest. Lunch is taken on the trail and camp is reached mid-afternoon. Overnight Forest Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on the trail and you arrive in camp mid-afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp (breakfast , lunch, dinner).
After a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatisation with the option of an afternoon walks with your guides. Overnight Shira 2 Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
The route to Lava Tower takes you out of the heath zone in to the alpine desert zone. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. A half day where lunch is taken in camp. In the afternoon there is time to go for an acclimatisation walk before dinner. Overnight Lava Tower (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
After 2 half days you now have a relatively long day to Karanga camp. The selection of Karanga camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatisation and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above you. Overnight Karanga Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi volcano are the norm. Overnight Barafu Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp. Overnight Mweka Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid-day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower! Enjoy the view of Kilimanjaro from your lodge. Overnight Kia Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey home.
Includes Airport Transfers, hotels before and after climb, while climbing an experience guide trained in Wilderness First Responder medicine, all park fees and emergency evacuation to Nairobi.3 hot meals a day plus snacks and fresh pressed coffee, mess tent, backed chairs instead (not stools), client tent with a 3 inch foam mattress. A pillow and -18 Celcius rated sleeping bag with liner included. Private portable toilet.
Excludes International flights, personal and travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
If you don’t have enough time to summit you can also do shorter treks on Kilimanjaro or you could climb near-by Mt Meru over 3 days/2 nights
A couple of days on safari to see Tanzania’s extraordinary wildlife or a Zanzibar beach escape works very well after a climb. If marathon running is your thing then why not consider combining the famous Kilimanjaro Marathon, safari and climb! The marathon is run around Feb each year.
There are plenty of other places to go including Rwanda for gorilla trekking or Ethiopia for wonderful cultural experiences.
The destinations and itineraries on our website can all be tailored to suit your needs. We’d be happy to help you with any questions, please simply click on the contact us button below.
