KILIMANJARO CLIMBS
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MOUNT KILIMANJARO Seeing Mt Kilimanjaro for the first time, it's an uninquisitive spirit who doesn't wonder, 'What must it be like to stand on the "Roof of Africa" and look down from the snowy summit, to the vast plains, some 5,895m below?' Kilimanjaro is an awesome spectacle, but climbing it is achievable by anyone who is determined and reasonably fit. There are several routes to the summit, of which we recommend four. Rongai and Marangu are the easiest, while Machame and Shira provide more difficult ascents. |
IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER
Our Kilimanjaro/Meru climbs all include: the first and last night's accommodation in Arusha plus transfers to and from the park gates, a mix of huts or tents on the mountain, all food, experienced and highly trained mountain guide and porters. One of the members of staff will also double as the cook.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a mix of mountain huts and high-altitude tents, depending
on the route. Please note that, owing to their unique location, many of the
places we use are spartan and communal. One must be prepared to 'rough it'
and simply enjoy the experience, views and location. For further details about
accommodation, please contact us for detailed fact sheets.
Equipment
A certain amount of equipment can be hired from the park or the hotels before
departure, including: sleeping bags, walking sticks, rucksacks, warm clothing,
rain wear and water-bottles etc. However, we recommend that you bring your
own shoes. One light pair for walking and use around the huts and one pair
of boots for mud, rain, snow and ice. Other useful items include: sweater,
wind/rain proof jacket, thermal underwear, hat/balaclava, gloves, thermal
socks, scarf, sunglasses, sun-block cream, toilet paper, basic first aid kit,
personal medicines, sweets, nuts, fruit, money (to purchase drinks at Mandara
Hut) and a torch with spare batteries. If sleeping in any of the huts other
than those on the Marangu Route (which have bunks and mattresses), it is essential
to hire/bring a good ground cloth or foam mat.
Rescue team and medical facilities
The park has a reliable, well-equipped rescue team on the Marangu route. In
case of emergency whilst on another route, the park headquarters is in radio
contact with the guides. For medical emergencies, there is the Kilimanjaro
Christian Medical Centre and a large hospital in the Moshi area.
| Fitness People attempting to reach the summit should be in good physical condition - able to jog for an hour or more without feeling short of breath, or manage a walk of several hours. No one with a sore throat, cold or breathing problems should go above 3,000m. People with heart or lung problems should not attempt the mountain, without consulting their doctor. Being in the right mental state is important. |
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Altitude
As you ascend, the oxygen in the air decreases. Low oxygen in the blood causes
shortness of breath, increased ventilation and raised heartbeat. Thinking
may be slowed and co-ordination difficult. The routes that we offer ascend
gradually, making acclimatisation easier and hopefully increasing one's chance
of reaching the summit.
Fluids
Everyone should drink 4-5 litres of fluid each day. Water is best, but fruit
juices are a good supplement. Carry your own water-bottle at all times, as
dehydration is a real problem on the mountain. The air is very dry above 4,000m,
so panting should be avoided and breathing ought to be through the nose. Controlled
sweating is managed by wearing removable clothing and walking at a gentle
pace. Sip fluids frequently.
Food
Appetites are usually good until around 4,000m. After that, few people feel
like eating. Light carbohydrate food, like bread, cereals and rice are highly
recommended. These help increase oxygen in the blood, as well as providing
the body with the necessary 4,000 calories per day. Citrus fruits and bananas
are good to eat, as they reduce the alkaline condition of the blood, caused
by the climb. Nuts, fruits and sweets are also useful, but avoid fats, rich
food, alcohol and tobacco.
Clothing and your body
Many people become overheated when climbing, so it is best to dress in several
layers - for instance, thermal vest, undershirt, overshirt, sweater and jacket.
Sweating causes loss of bodily fluid, and at the same time soaks clothes.
These rapidly become cold in the wind or shade. It's therefore recommended
that layers be removed as the body heats up. But be sure to put them back
on when you stop to rest, enter a shadow or trek after sunset. If you get
wet, change into dry clothes immediately. Winds around the saddle and summit
can cause severe heat loss by evaporation, so a windproof jacket is required.
Hats are also recommended, as they prevent heat loss from the scalp. A balaclava
that covers hair, ears, forehead and chin is very useful at high altitudes.
Good gloves, sunglasses and sun block are essential. Tight clothing (particularly
shoes) impedes circulation and causes chaffing or irritation, so wear loose,
comfortable things and well-broken-in boots.
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Mountain sickness Accidents |
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THE MARANGU ROUTE The easiest and most popular
route to the summit, this is classified as a moderate trek rather than
a climb. It is suitable for those adventurers who are not particularly
experienced in the mountains. |
Climb Routing |
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Itinerary at a glance | |||
| Day | Destination | Accommodation | Board | |
| 01 | Lake Duluti | Mountain Village | Trsf, HB | |
| 02 | Ascent to 2,765m | Mandara Hut | FB | |
| 03 | Ascent to 3,790m | Horombo Hut | FB | |
| 04 | Ascent to 4,750m | Kibo Hut | FB | |
| 05 | Summit 5,896m and descend | Horombo Hut | FB | |
| 06 | Lake Duluti | Mountain Village | FB | |
| 07 | Depart | Trsf | ||
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Prices:
Price for 2 clients
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$1,180 per person |
|
High
season single supplement
|
$90 |
|
Low
season single supplement (1st April- 31st May)
|
$0 |
|
THE
RONGAI ROUTE This is our favourite route for those aspiring to conquer the summit. The trek approaches the mountain from the north and is more scenic and far less developed than other routes. Classified as a moderate climb, a good level of fitness is all that is required. Accommodation is in high-altitude tents. |
Climb
Routing 01 Transfer from Arusha to Nakara Lodge. Evening briefing and equipment check. 02 Depart for the mountain. Walk through maize and potato fields, followed by pine forests. 3-4 hours' walking. 03 A steady walk with spectacular views of the eastern icefields and Kibo. 6-7 hours' walking. 04 Short steep morning climb. Afternoon to acclimatise with time to explore local surroundings. 3-4 hours' walking. 05 Cross the lunar desert. Rest of the day to acclimatise and early to bed. 5-6 hours' walking. 06 Depart during the early hours for the final ascent to Gilman's Point to watch the sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak. 11-15 hours' walking. 07 Steady descent through moorland and forest to the base of the mountain. 5-6 hours' walking. Transfer to Mountain Village. 08 Morning transfer for onward arrangements. |
| Itinerary at a glance | |||
| Day | Destination | Accommodation | Board |
| 01 | Mt Kilimanjaro foothills | Nakara Lodge | Trsf, HB |
| 02 | Ascent to 2,600m | Forest Edge Camp | FB |
| 03 | Ascent to 3,600m | Kikelewa Cave Camp | FB |
| 04 | Ascent to 4,330m | Mwenzi Tarn Camp | FB |
| 05 | Ascent to 4,750m | School Camp | FB |
| 06 | Summit 5,896m and descend | Horombo Camp | FB |
| 07 | Lake Duluti | Mountain Village | FB |
| 08 | Depart | Trsf | |
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Prices:
Price for 2 clients
|
$1540 per person |
|
High
season single supplement
|
$90 |
|
Low
season single supplement (1st April- 31st May)
|
- |
 |
 |
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THE MACHAME ROUTE More difficult than the Marangu Route and suitable for experienced climbers. Approach is from the southwest, with fascinating rainforests and spectacular views over Mount Meru. Unforgettable. |
Climb
Routing 01 Transfer from Arusha to Mountain Village. Evening briefing and equipment check. 02 Drive to the mountain. Trek through banana and coffee farms, before crossing the beautiful rainforest and heathland. 4-5 hours' walking. 03 Steep morning climb, with some of the most magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and Kibo Peak. 4-6 hours' walking. 04 Trek across the lava ridges of the glacier. 5-7 hours' walking. 05 Steep morning climb with superb views of the icefields. 6-8 hours' walking. 06 Depart during the early hours for Stella Point, before the final trek to Gilman's and Uhuru Point. 11-15 hours' walking. 07 Easy-paced trek down to the gate. 4-6 hours' walking. Transfer to Mountain Village. 08 Morning transfer for onward arrangements. |
| Itinerary at a glance | |||
| Day | Destination | Accommodation | Board |
| 01 | Lake Duluti | Mountain Village | Trsf, HB |
| 02 | Ascent to 3,000m | Machame Camp | FB |
| 03 | Ascent to 3,720m | Shira CaveFB | |
| 04 | Ascent to 3,900m | Great Barranco Valley Camp | FB |
| 05 | Ascent to 4,600m | Barafu Camp | FB |
| 06 | Summit at 5,896m and descend | Mweka Forest Camp | FB |
| 07 | Lake Duluti | Mountain Village | FB |
| 08 | Depart | Trsf | |
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Prices:
Price for 2 clients
|
$1560 per person |
|
High
season single supplement
|
$90 |
|
Low
season single supplement (1st April- 31st May)
|
$0 |
|
THE SHIRA ROUTE One of the more difficult routes, we only recommended this trail to those with suitable climbing experience. The trek begins on the beautiful plains and moorland to the west, where one can explore the extraordinary rock formations, then cross the southern icefields of Kibo. |
Climb
Routing 01 Transfer from Arusha to Mountain Village. Evening briefing and equipment check. 02 Drive to Londorossi Park Gate. Walk through plantations, farmlands and plains, with the chance to see buffalo and other antelope. 6-8 hours' walking. 03 Trek across heathland, grassy moorland and the plateau's rock formations. 4-5 hours' walking. 04 Traverse the northern icefields on a steady ascend to Moir. 4-8 hours' walking. 05 Trek across the lava ridges with incredible views of the towering glacier. 5-7 hours' walking. 06 Steep morning climb on the southeastern flank of Kibo. 6-8 hours' walking. 07 Depart during the early hours for Stella Point, before the final trek to Gilman's and Uhuru Point. 11-15 hours' walking. 08 A gentle descent through lush forest to the base of the park. 4-6 hours' walking. Transfer to Mountain Village. 09 Morning transfer for onward arrangements. |
| Itinerary at a glance | |||
| Day | Destination | Accommodation | Board |
| 01 | Lake Duluti | Mountain Village | Trsf, HB |
| 02 | Ascent to 3,500m | Shira 1 | FB |
| 03 | Ascent to 3,840m | Shira Hut | FB |
| 04 | Ascent to 4,200m | Moir Hut | FB |
| 05 | Ascent to 3,900m | Great Barranco Valley Camp | FB |
| 06 | Ascent to 4,600m | Barafu Camp | FB |
| 07 | Summit at 5,896m and descend | Mweka Forest Camp | FB |
| 08 | Lake Duluti | Mountain Village | FB |
| 09 | Depart | Trsf | |
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Prices:
Price for 2 clients
|
$1830 per person |
|
High
season single supplement
|
$90 |
|
Low
season single supplement (1st April- 31st May)
|
$0 |
