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MT.KILIMANJARO (5,895 m, 19,340 ft):
The majestic, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa dominates the landscape of the East African savannah. It beckons every trekker and mountaineer to rise to the challenge of scaling its lofty, towering summits that consist of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.
This stunningly majestic mountain captures the imagination of everyone who sees it.
Whilst reasonable fitness is required, the schedule, trails and accommodation are designed to allow visitors to acclimatize easily.
INFORMATION ON CLIMBING
SOUTH CIRCUIT
A superb traverse offering fine panoramas of the southern icefields and visiting some of the mountains most beautiful locations. The journey from Shira Hut to Horombo Hut or vice versa takes at least two days and is best broken at the Barranco Hut or at Karanga Valley. The section just east of the Great Barranco involves a short easy scramble.
NORTH CIRCUIT
A very remote and rather tedious walk over endless screes. Fine panoramas northwards to Mount Kenya. Allow 3 hours from the Shira Hut to the Moir Hut. The next section to the Kibo, Mawenzi or Horombo Huts is best done in two days. Very limited water en-route.
REUSCH CRATER AND ASH PIT
Easily reached from the East. Sulphur deposits and fumaroles are found inside this crater. To look into the Ash Pit it is best to go down into the crater. Descending into the Ash Pit involves scrambling over steep scree and poor rock.
NORTHERN AND EASTERN ICEFIELDS
Though far from the main routes there is some magnificent ice scenery is to be seen here - well worth the effort and time.
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Guides – Professional guides accompany the climbing safaris and provide excellent service including cooking of meals provided by professional chefs.
Health & Fitness – Any form of mountain climbing requires an acceptable level of fitness. Before attempting these climbing expeditions please consult your doctor and have a physical check-up. In case you are unfit, a one-month training programme prior to the climbing is recommended.
- Climbing Seasons – The best seasons for climbing are middle December to end of March and from middle of June to end of September.
- Equipment & Clothing – Provision of any personal climbing equipment is not included for in the rates, and may be hired directly by the client from the base hotel. Clothing ought to be warm, light and preferably weather proof.
- Self-service options- Self-catering packages are available – please contact us for details on these.
- Caution – Mountain climbing in any form is dangerous, and adequate safety precautions are necessary. If you are vulnerable to high altitude sickness, even after acclimatization, you are advised to opt for shorter, low altitude climbing trips.
We offer reliable, well-maintained and proven range of vehicles for hire, at competitive prices. Vehicles range from small saloon vehicles to buses and four wheels drives, on self drive and chauffer driven. Contact us for your needs!
ROUTES ON KILIMANJARO:
Selecting the right route is incredibly important in maximizing your chance of summit success. Quite apart from aesthetic considerations of scenery and traffic, the routes vary enormously in their degree of difficulty.
The Machame Route and The Lemosho-Western Breach Traverse.
African Walking Safaris offers you different ascent routes to choose from for your climb of Kilimanjaro.
The Machame Route has the well-deserved reputation of being a beautiful and varied path up the mountain. It is an unsurpassed world-class trekking route as well as a proven route to the top with a high success rate. Summit day is long, but since we do not need to acclimatize in order to sleep at very high altitudes, the trip is shorter: six nights and seven days on Kilimanjaro.
On the Lemosho–Western Breach Traverse we sleep in the crater of Kili itself! This is a longer trip involving eight nights and nine days on the mountain because of the acclimatization necessary for us to sleep at such a high altitude.
The early days of the Lemosho trip are spent in a remote and infrequently visited area. We traverse the wild Shira Plateau, starting from its western edge. Once on the mountain, we climb inside the crater of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak, and sleep at 18,700 feet. Summit day is short because our destination, Uhuru Point, is only a few hundred feet above our camp.
Both these climbs are equally worthy, satisfying objectives. We suggest that you choose your route on Kili with us based on the amount of time you wish to spend on the mountain. Machame offers longer days of hiking, but fewer days are required to reach the top. Lemosho offers shorter days and some more remote camping, but the challenges on your body will be greater at the higher altitudes at which we camp.
When you climb Kilimanjaro with African Walking Safaris you go with a company that respects the altitude and weather of this great mountain. Regardless of the route you choose, your expedition will be superbly organized. Experts attend to Environmental, cultural and safety details. We know high mountains and we know Tanzania.
Itinerary for Lemosho Route:
Day 1 – Depart home to Tanzania.
Day 2 – You will be met by our staff and transferred to your booked hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 – Team orientation at 8 a.m. Packing and trip preparation. Afternoon for hiking, a visit to the town of Arusha, or sleeping off jet lag. Team welcome dinner in Arusha.
Day 4 – Drive to Lemosho Glades (2,100 m 6,890 ft) Meet local staff and porters. Hike to Mt. Mkubwa Camp (Forest Camp) (2250 m; 7,382 ft.) for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – We cross the spectacular and remote Shira Ridge, then descend a short distance to Shira I Camp on the Shira Plateau (3500 m; 11,450 ft.) for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 – In the isolation of this rarely visited area, we take a rest and acclimatization day. There are numerous hiking destinations that can be explored from camp. Herds of eland, the largest of Africa’s antelopes, and other wildlife are sometimes encountered followed by dinner and overnight.
Day 7 – We continue our walk across the Shira Plateau to Shira II Camp (3850 m; 12,600 ft.). At this camp we join the Machame Route. The camp is near the Shira Hut, used by Tanzanian Park Service wardens as well dinner and overnight.
Day 8 – We ascend through the moorland and alpine desert zones to the Lava Tower camp at 4600 meters, or 15,090 feet for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 – Ascend to Arrow Glacier Camp (4800 m; 15,750 ft.) then have dinner and overnight.
Day 10 – We cross the Western Breach into the crater, camping at 5700 meters, or 18,700 feet explore the crater then have light dinner and overnight.
Day 11 – Summit day. In less than two hours from camp, a measured pace will get us to the highest spot in Africa, Uhuru Point (5894 m; 19,339 ft.). We descend the Barafu Route all the way to 10,000 feet at the top of the forest (Mweka Hut) for dinner and overnight.
Day 12 – We walk through the forest to the park gate, where our Vehicles are waiting to take us back to either Moshi/Arusha to catch hot shower, leisure at the booked hotel, then dinner and overnight
Itinerary for Machame Route – Most Scenic
Day 1 – International flight from your home to Tanzania
Day 2 – On arrival met by African walking Safaris representatives for transport to your booked hotel. Evening is free for an early quiet dinner somewhere in Arusha town or Moshi town.
Day 3 – Rest day in Arusha or Moshi and explore the towns and the natives.
Day 4 – We are off at 8 a.m. in Vehicles to the Machame Gate, our entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. A group of old friends, local men from the Chagga tribe, will be waiting for us. We will organize loads for our self-contained expedition and then begin our long walk through the cloud forest, a land of beauty and of perpetual mists that shroud the huge mountain above in mystery to Machame hut((9000ft/3100m) for dinner and overnight
Days 5-7 – You will find your group moving across the arid open spaces of the moorland and alpine desert zones. The classic views of the tremendous glaciers looming above and spilling off the rim of Kibo, our destination, will inspire and awe us. Each day we will choose a beautiful camp at an elevation between 12,000 and 13,000 feet. This mountain traverse stands with the finest in the world; as we do it, however, our motivation will be acclimatization. During the traverse we will spend three days and nights at relatively constant elevations. This is an excellent formula for helping our bodies make the adaptations necessary for an ascent to Uhuru Point, at 19,339 feet the highest point in Africa as well dinner and overnight at Shira camp
Day 8 – Our team of Chagga staff and porters are all still with us. Today a group of them will go down to the forest in order to establish our exit route off the mountain. A larger group, composed of the strongest men, will carry the water, tents, food and safety equipment to our high camp at 15,700 feet for dinner and overnight Barafu hut
Day 9 – Summit day. Up in the middle of the night. The climb through the starlit upper reaches of Kilimanjaro will seem endless. But as the bead of gold finally appears on the eastern horizon and you breathe the cold, dry air at 19,000 feet, you will know that you have succeeded in reaching the rooftop of Africa. A spectacular and very slow-paced walk (the air is thin!) around the crater rim to the very highest point of the continent produces an indescribable sense of accomplishment After summit descend down to Mweka hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 10 – The exhaustion of yesterday’s long summit day, and the thick air down in the forest may have you waking from the deepest sleep you can remember. Our walk back through the cloud forest may be yet another surprise. You will have forgotten the cool, soothing light and moisture in the forest after days spent at altitude. Our vehicles waiting for us at the park gate. Here we formally thank the Chaggas who have worked with us. They will be returning by private bus back to their families on the farms of Marangu. We are going in the opposite direction, towards the great safari parks of northern Tanzania. Showers, a great meal and a hotel await in Arusha/Moshi to us started.
Itinerary for Marangu Route(Coca Cola Route):
Day 1- On arrival you are met transfer to your booked hotel in Moshi/Arusha( Tanzania) and for Dinner and overnight .
Day 2 -Transfer to Marangu Gate where you begin to climb. Climb through lush rainforests teeming with bird and animal life including the Colobus monkey. You then proceed to Mandara Hut, where you stay overnight. A 3-4 hours walk to Mandara hut which is at 2743 meters.
Day 3– From Mandara, the trail crosses alpine meadows and thinly vegetated moorlands to Horombo Hut at 4167 meters, where you stay overnight. A 5-6 hours walk.
Day 4 – Continue your climb to Kibo Hut (5173 meters)at the foot of Kibo peak, further on to the saddle between the peak of Kibo and Mawenzi, and then across the high altitude desert for an overnight stay at Kibo Hut. A 5-6 hours walk.
Day 5 – The final challenge up steep, loose slopes starts at about 1am (0100 hours), reaching Gillman’s Point at dawn. The trek continues along the crater rim at Gillman’s Peak to Uhuru Peak ( 5895 meters) – ‘ The Peak of Africa’, giving magnificent views over the vast plains below, before you return to Horombo Hut for your dinner and overnight stay. A 6-7 hours walk.
Day 6 – Complete the descent via Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate and transfer to Moshi Town/Arusha Town for hot shower, leisure dinner and overnight at your booked hotel.
Itinerary for Umbwe Route:
Day 1 - On arrival met and, transfer to your booked hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
Day 2 - Breakfast, leave for Umbwe route. We will pass through
the banana and coffee plantations and Umbwe parish(4,600ft) on the way to Umbwe. Dinner and overnight at Bivouac I (9,300ft) or Bivouac II (12,600ft) campsite.
Day 3 - Breakfast, leave the camp for Baranco camp(3,900m). On the way we pass through heather and open moorlands, then dinner and overnight.
Day 4 - From Baranco camp, we can go west to Shira Plateau or up to Lava Tower hut and the summit via the Great Western Breach and Arrow Glacier camp
Alternatively, we can go eastwards to Barafu hut then dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - Wake up at midnight and have hot tea plus candies then ascend up slowing to summit via Kibo crater floor and on to Uhuru Peak(5,895m). Thereafter, descend down to Mweka camp via Barafu hut(4,600m) for Dinner and an overnight at Mweka camp(3,000).
Day 6 - After morning breakfast, descend to Mweka gate where our vehicles will be waiting you, say bye to the porters then transfer to your booked hotel in Moshi or Arusha for hot shower, leisure, dinner and overnight.
Rongai Route.
The Rongai approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side, from the village of Rongai just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border, and from the nearby village of Loitokitok. This route, also known as the Loitokitok or Outward Bound Route, offers one of the gentlest ascents of the mountain. It is also one of the most scenic and remote routes up the mountain. As it is on the other side from Moshi and the popular routes, it is less travelled and you keep the sense of being alone on the mountain.
The route involves camping for two nights and spends a night at School Hut 15 740 feet (4 770m), also known as the Outward Bound Hut, before heading for the summit. Added to this is the possibility of wildlife viewing as you pass from the surrounding farmlands to the Rongai forest and Kikelewa moorlands. The views of the Amboseili plains as well as the views from the summit are fantastic.
Day 1 - Upon arrival you will be met by a African Walking Safaris representative (please look for a board with your name on it), and transferred by your driver/guide to the Arusha/Moshi to your booked hotel where you will stay overnight.
You will be briefed overnight at dinner on your climb and expectations to prepare for!
Day 2 - After breakfast you will be driven to Rongai and the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, where you will register, meet your guides and porters and commence the climb. Your first day takes you through the Rongai forest, home of the Colobus Monkey, to the encampment located on the moorland zone with impressive views of the Kenyan plains at an altitude of 8580 feet (2600 meters). After resting you will enjoy a relaxing dinner.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest Mountain in Africa and one of the highest volcanoes in the World. It rises to 15000 feet above the surrounding plains and savannah. In climbing it, you will pass from a tropical to an arctic climate in a few days. The surrounding rain forest ensures the fertility of the lush, lower-lying Shamba (country), where the Chagga people cultivate their coffee, maize and bananas.
Overnight: Camping in Rongai Forest on a full board basis.
Day 3 - Leaving the encampment we continue the gentle ascent from the forest past Second Cave 11385 feet (3450 meters) to the Kikelewa moorland at 11880 feet (3600 meters), where you reach the campsite, which is situated in the valley near the Kikelewa Caves, below the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
Overnight: Camping at Kikelewa Camp on a full board basis.
Day 4 - After a short but steep climb up a grassy slope with superb views, the vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, 14289 feet (4330 meters), spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, Kili's third volcano. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Overnight: Camping at Mawenzi Camp on a full board basis
Day 5 - From the Caves hike up to the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to reach the Outward Bound campsite where we spend the night, 15675 feet (4750 meters).
We will have an early evening meal and retire early to prepare for the summit attempt early tomorrow morning.
Overnight: Camping at Outward Bound Camp on a full board basis.
Day 6 - Shortly after midnight commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree up to Gilman's point located on the crater rim at an altitude of 18640 feet (5861 meters). Continue to ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa at an altitude of 19340 feet (5895 meters) to watch a spectacular sunrise from the Roof of Africa. After signing the register and taking the obligatory photos, proceed to Gillman's point and descend to Barafu hut and on to Mwenzi hut 9900 feet (3000 meters) where you can celebrate with a beer or soda. Enjoy your evening meal and prepare for the final decent.
Overnight: Camping at Mawenzi Camp on a full board basis.
Day 7 - After breakfast, continue the descent to the gate through the beautiful rain forests of the Marangu until you reach the Park Gate. This is where successful climbers will collect their well-earned certificates. You will be transferred back to Arusha/Moshi to overnight and celebrate your success at your booked hotel.
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