Activities • Mountain Climbing

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Here is our mountain climbing program. Please click the name of a route for more details about ...

• # 5 DAYS - Mount Kenya Climbing - Sirimon out Sirimon Route

  5 Days Mount Kenya climbing Sirimon out Sirimon Route

  

  Accommodation: As per Itinerary
  Group Size: 2 Pax and above; guaranteed departure

  DAY 1: Nairobi - Nanyuki

  We will pick you up from your Nairobi hotel in the morning and depart for Nanyuki town, arriving in good time for lunch. The afternoon will be spent acclimatising and organising any gear you may require for the trek. Dinner and overnight at a campsite.

  DAY 2: Nanyuki - Old Moses

  After breakfast, drive to the Sirimon Park Gate where you will begin your hike to Old Moses Hut for your first overnight on Mt. Kenya, lunch en-route. The hike takes about 3 hours, by passing tropical rain forest and bamboo vegetation sections. The altitude here is 3.300 m. Dinner and overnight at the hut.

  DAY 3: Old Moses - Shiptons

  After breakfast, hike to Shiptons which is at 4.200 m above sea level. You stop for a picnic lunch half way through the hike. Dinner and overnight at the hut. Walking time is 5 to 7 hours depending on your individual fitness level.

  DAY 4: Shiptons - Pt. Lenana - Old Moses

  A pre-down attempt of Pt. Lenana. This early start is intended to give you enough time to read Pt. Lenana when the sun is rising and in clear weather gives you a clear view of the majestic scenery. After photography and viewing descend to old Moses for overnight, meals enroute.

  DAY 5: Old Moses - Nairobi

  After breakfast, descend leisurely to the Sirimon park gate, and then catch your transport to Nairobi arriving in the evening.

   

  General trekking information and recommended mountain clothing:

  • Warm, windproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof Jacket and over trousers
  • Walking trousers, shirts and pullover
  • Warm underwear
  • Walking socks
  • Good comfortable walking heavy boots
  • Training shoes (for evening)
  • Gaiters, sun hat, warm hat or balaclava
  • Scarf, gloves, sun glasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • You can hire some of the equipment available at a reasonable cost

   

  Included in the price:

  • Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
  • Return transfer Nairobi -Nanyuki/Chogoria-Nairobi
  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Full board accommodation whilst on the trek. Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
  • Accommodation in camps/huts as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation at Nanyuki hotel on B/B
  • Two Man tent
  • All park entrance fees to include government taxes
  • Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
  • 4x4 transport on Sirimon route
  • Start and finish Nairobi
  • Treated water on the trek

  Excluded in the price:

  • All personal travel insurances
  • All personal expenses including; telephones, tips, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.
  • International and Domestic flights
  • All Airport Taxes and Visas
  • Accommodation in Nairobi before and after the trek - can be arranged on request
  • Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

   

• # 5 DAYS - Mount Kenya Climbing - Naro Moru out Naro Moru Route

  5 Days Mount Kenya climbing Naro Moru out Naro Moru Route

  

  Accommodation: As per Itinerary
  Group Size: 2 Pax and above; guaranteed departure

  DAY 1: Nairobi - Naro Moru

  Depart from Nairobi at 09:00 a.m. and proceed south towards the cool slopes of Mt. Kenya. Cross the Equator and arrive at Nanyuki town in good time for lunch. Ovenight at Nanyuki town lodge.

  DAY 2: Meteorological Station 3-4 hrs, 10 km, 400 m ascent

  Transfer to Naromoru Park Gate for registration and where the hike starts, 2.600 m From the gate, keep to the park track, which follows the crest of a board ridge between the Northern and Southern Naromoru valleys. The going is easy and is a pleasant walking through the forest. About two thirds of the way up after the bridge there are good views to the left north down into the Northern Naromoru valley. The trek ends at Met station 3.000 m where dinner and overnight rest will be (B, L, D)

  DAY 3: Met Station/Mackinders Camp 5-6 hrs, 10 km, 1.200 m ascent

  Head uphill on the track to pass the radio must on your right after about half an hour. The trek runs into a path and after another 30 minutes, you will reach the end of the forest belt and enter the moorland. This is the vertical bog conditions range from damp to glutinous depending on when it last rained. Continue through until the going improves and you reach a fork overlooking Teleki Valley to reach Mackinders Camp, 4.200 m. Dinner and overnight at Mackinders Camp (B, L, D)

  DAY 4: Mackinders Camp/Point Lenana/Met Station 8-10 hrs, 11 km, 785 m ascent

  The normal approach is to start at 2 a.m. in order to reach point Lenana taking about 4 hr walk by sunrise at 6:30 a.m. After sunrise, descend down to Mackinders Camp for breakfast, 2 hrs and walk further 4 hrs, way back to Met Station for dinner and overnight ( B, L, D)

  DAY 5: Met Station/Naromoru/Nairobi 3 hrs, 9 km, 400 m

  After morning breakfast, descend through the rainforest which is 9 km to Naromoru Park Gate at 2.600 m where you will connect with your transport back to Nairobi where the safari ends.

   

  General trekking information and recommended mountain clothing:

  • Warm, windproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof Jacket and over trousers
  • Walking trousers, shirts and pullover
  • Warm underwear
  • Walking socks
  • Good comfortable walking heavy boots
  • Training shoes (for evening)
  • Gaiters, sun hat, warm hat or balaclava
  • Scarf, gloves, sun glasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • You can hire some of the equipment available at a reasonable cost

   

  Included in the price:

  • Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
  • Return transfer Nairobi -Nanyuki/Chogoria-Nairobi
  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Full board accommodation whilst on the trek. Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
  • Accommodation in camps/huts as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation at Nanyuki hotel on B/B
  • Two Man tent
  • All park entrance fees to include government taxes
  • Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
  • 4x4 transport on Sirimon route
  • Start and finish Nairobi
  • Treated water on the trek

  Excluded in the price:

  • All personal travel insurances
  • All personal expenses including; telephones, tips, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.
  • International and Domestic flights
  • All Airport Taxes and Visas
  • Accommodation in Nairobi before and after the trek - can be arranged on request
  • Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

   

• # 5 DAYS - Mount Kenya Climbing - Chogoria out Chogoria Route

  5 Days Mount Kenya climbing Chogoria out Chogoria Route

  

  Accommodation: As per Itinerary
  Group Size: 2 Pax and above; guaranteed departure
  Approximate Trekking Distance: 91 km

  DAY 1: Nairobi - Chogoria

  Leave Nairobi at 8 am to Chogoria town for lunch and afternoon leisure walk in the town to acclimatize. Dinner and overnight at Chogoria Transit Motel.

  DAY 2: Chogoria - Mount Meru Bandas

  This is a long day along dirt road through the forest although the condition under foot is not strenuous. You may opt to use a 4x4 to reach the bandas as sometimes the road is impassable, 2.950 m. Dinner and overnight at Mt. Meru Bandas.

  DAY 3: Chogoria Bandas - Mintos Hut

  6-7 hrs, 21 km, 1.280 m ascent. After breakfast follow the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head from where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley to reach Mintos Hut, 4.200 m. Dinner and overnight at Mintos Hut.

  DAY 4: Mintos - Point Lenana - Met Station

  11-12 hrs, 28 km, 785 m, ascent 1.985 m descent. Leave shortly after midnight at 2 a.m. towards the main peaks and divide after an hour, above a flat green area at the head of the valley known as temple fields, arriving at point Lenana at 6:30 a.m. After taking photos, descend to Mackinders for breakfast and continue down to Met Station at 3.000 m for dinner and overnight.

  DAY 5: Met Station - Naromoru - Nairobi

  3 hrs, 9 km, 400 m descent. After breakfast, descend through the rainforest which is 9 km to Naromoru Park Gate at 2.600 m where you will connect with your transport back to Nairobi.

   

  General trekking information and recommended mountain clothing:

  • Warm, windproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof Jacket and over trousers
  • Walking trousers, shirts and pullover
  • Warm underwear
  • Walking socks
  • Good comfortable walking heavy boots
  • Training shoes (for evening)
  • Gaiters, sun hat, warm hat or balaclava
  • Scarf, gloves, sun glasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • You can hire some of the equipment available at a reasonable cost

   

  Included in the price:

  • Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
  • Return transfer Nairobi -Nanyuki/Chogoria-Nairobi
  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Full board accommodation whilst on the trek. Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
  • Accommodation in camps/huts as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation at Nanyuki hotel on B/B
  • Two Man tent
  • All park entrance fees to include government taxes
  • Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
  • 4x4 transport on Sirimon route
  • Start and finish Nairobi
  • Treated water on the trek

  Excluded in the price:

  • All personal travel insurances
  • All personal expenses including; telephones, tips, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.
  • International and Domestic flights
  • All Airport Taxes and Visas
  • Accommodation in Nairobi before and after the trek - can be arranged on request
  • Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

   

• # 6 DAYS - Mount Kenya Climbing - Sirimon out Chogoria Route

  6 Days Mount Kenya climbing Sirimon out Chogoria Route

  

  Accommodation: As per Itinerary
  Group Size: 2 Pax and above; guaranteed departure
  Approximate Trekking Distance: 91 km

  DAY 1: Nairobi - Nanyuki

  Transfer from Nairobi at 09:00 a.m. to Nanyuki town. Visit the Mau Mau caves to learn about Kenya freedom fighters. Dinner and overnight at Simbas Lodge.

  DAY 2: Sirimon gate to Judmaier camp

  After Breakfast drive to Sirimon Park gate and trek for 3-4 hours to Old Moses Camp (Judmeier) through a beautiful forest with East African Pencil Cedar trees, Poducarpus trees and the giant Hygenia trees. From Judmeier camp you can see the summits of Batian and Nelion peaks. 9 km

  DAY 3: Old Moses (Judmaier) camp to Shiptons camp

  This is about a 6-8 hour hike crossing Liki and Mackinders valleys, there is a great view of Tereri and Sendeo peaks. And also a great view of Nanyuki town and beautiful terrain. Shiptons camp has also an excellent setting with the north faces of Nelion peak and Batian peak. 13 km

  DAY 4: Shiptons camp to Point Lenana and then descend to Mintos Camp (Halls Tarns camp)

  Sunrise Mt. Kenya The most rewarding scenery This hike is about 4,5 hours hike through some of the most spectacular sceneries like Gorges valley the Halls Tarns and the Lake Elies at a far distance. Overnight at Mintos Campsite.

  DAY 5: Mintos (Halls tarns camp) to Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge (Bandas)

  This hike is anywhere between 4-6 hours. This area has spectacular views down into the Gorges valley with Lake Michaelson and Vivienne falls, and across on the other side you can see Ithanguni peak, Rotundu peaks and the Giant Flat - top Kilingo hill table. 18 km

  DAY 6: Chogoria gate - Chogoria

  About 6-8 hours, on dirt roads through a thick bamboo forest and tropical forest. The forest is really beautiful with chances of seeing wildlife and Columbus monkeys. Transfer to Nairobi arriving late afternoon. 32 km or walk half way to take 4x4

   

  General trekking information and recommended mountain clothing:

  • Warm, windproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof Jacket and over trousers
  • Walking trousers, shirts and pullover
  • Warm underwear
  • Walking socks
  • Good comfortable walking heavy boots
  • Training shoes (for evening)
  • Gaiters, sun hat, warm hat or balaclava
  • Scarf, gloves, sun glasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • You can hire some of the equipment available at a reasonable cost

   

  Included in the price:

  • Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
  • Return transfer Nairobi -Nanyuki/Chogoria-Nairobi
  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Full board accommodation whilst on the trek. Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
  • Accommodation in camps/huts as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation at Nanyuki hotel on B/B
  • Two Man tent
  • All park entrance fees to include government taxes
  • Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
  • 4x4 transport on Sirimon route
  • Start and finish Nairobi
  • Treated water on the trek

  Excluded in the price:

  • All personal travel insurances
  • All personal expenses including; telephones, tips, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.
  • International and Domestic flights
  • All Airport Taxes and Visas
  • Accommodation in Nairobi before and after the trek - can be arranged on request
  • Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

   

• # 7 DAYS - Mount Kilimanjaro climbing - Rongai Route

  7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro climbing - Rongai Route

  

  Accommodation: As per Itinerary
  Group Size: 2 Pax and above; guaranteed departure

  DAY 1: Arrival and transfer

  Pick up from the Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to budget hotel in Arusha.

  DAY 2: Arusha - Rongai Gate (1.950 m) - 1st Caves camp (2.600 m)

  Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing briefing: Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike. The first nights camp is at First Cave, at about 2.600 m. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

  DAY 3: 1st Cave (2.600 m) - Kikelewa Cave (3.600 m)

  Hiking time: 6-7 hours. The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3.450 m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3.600 m. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you are on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp.

  DAY 4: Kikelewa Cave (3.600m) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4.330 m)

  Hiking time: 3-4 hours. A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

  DAY 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4.330 m) - Kibo hut (4.700 m)

  Hiking time: 3-4 hours. Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.

  DAY 6: Kibo hut (4.700 m) - Uhuru Peak (5.895 m) - Horombo hut (3.720 m)

  You will rise around 11:30 p.m. and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5.150 m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillmans point (5.681 m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5.895 m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photos, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight.

  DAY 7: Horombo hut (3.720 m) - Marangu Gate (1.980 m)

  Hiking time: 3-4 hours. After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate.

   

  Trek price includes:

  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Rongai Route trek as per the itinerary
  • Full board accommodation in tents whilst on the trek.
  • 2 nights hotel accommodations in Arusha before and after the trek and in huts on the mountain as per the itinerary
  • All park entrance fees to include government taxes
  • Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook/s
  • All services begin and end at Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary
  • Treated water on the trek
  • Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport or Nairobi Return Shutle transfers

  Trek price excludes:

  • All personal travel insurances
  • All personal expenses including; telephones, tips, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc
  • Sleeping bags and climbing gears
  • Medical evacuation, USD 30 per person value
  • International flights and Airport taxes
  • Visas
  • Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

   

• # 7 DAYS - Mount Kilimanjaro climbing - Marangu Route

  7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro climbing - Marangu Route

  

  Accommodation: As per Itinerary
  Group Size: Daily guaranteed departure

  DAY 1: Arrival and transfer

  Pick up from the Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to budget hotel in Arusha.

  DAY 2: Transfer Base of Kilimanjaro

  Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing briefing: meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike, hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 12km | Habitat: Montane forest
  The drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro animals are found. An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate.

  DAY 3: Mandara hut (2.700 m) - Horombo hut (3.720 m)

  Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15km | Habitat: Moorland
  From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro most spectacular plants - the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5 m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest, an evening meal and overnight.

  DAY 4: Horombo hut (3.720 m) - Acclimatisation day

  Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night rest, B,L,D.

  DAY 5: Horombo hut (3.720 m) - Kibo hut (4.700 m)

  Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km | Habitat: Alpine desert
  After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the Saddle (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded.

  The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour and it also passes the last watering point at 4.130 m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office.

  There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1.195 m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 7 p.m. and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

  DAY 6: Summit Attemp, Kibo hut (4.700 m) - Uhuru Peak (5.895 m) - Horombo hut (3.720 m)

  Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6km ascent - 21km descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
  You will rise around 11:30 p.m. and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5.150 m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillmans point (5.681 m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.

  From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5.895 m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.

  Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

  DAY 7: Horombo hut (3.720 m) - Marangu Gate (1.980 m)

  Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km
  After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillmans Point (5.685 m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5.895 m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations! Overnight at SG Resort.

   

  Trek price includes:

  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Marangu Route trek as per the itinerary
  • Full board accommodation in tents whilst on the trek.
  • 2 nights hotel accommodations in Arusha before and after the trek and in huts on the mountain as per the itinerary
  • All park entrance fees to include government taxes
  • Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook/s
  • Treated water on the trek
  • All services begin and end at Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary
  • Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport or Nairobi Return Shutle transfers

  Trek price excludes:

  • All personal travel insurances
  • All personal expenses including; telephones, tips, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc
  • Sleeping bags and climbing gears
  • Medical evacuation, USD 30 per person value
  • International flights and Airport taxes
  • Visas
  • Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

   

• # 7 DAYS - Mount Kilimanjaro climbing - Machame Route

  7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro climbing - Machame Route

  

  Accommodation: As per Itinerary
  Group Size: 2 Pax and above; guaranteed departure

  DAY 1: Arrival - Arusha

  On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to Ilboru Safari Lodge or Jacaranda Hotel for an overnight rest on bed and breakfast in readiness for the next day hit to Kilimanjaro.

  DAY 2: Machame Gate (1.490 m) - Machame camp (2.980 m)

  Hiking time: 7 hours | Distance: About 18kms | Habitat: Montane forest
  Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45 min. drive from Moshi (910 m) to the Machame village (1.490 m). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. You will receive a lunch pack and you can also buy mineral water in the village. Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.

  Your porters (arriving at the camp site long before you) will have erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite, B,L,D.

  DAY 3: Machame camp (2.980 m) - Shira camp (3.840 m

  Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 9 km | Habitat: Moorland
  You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3.840 m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing, B,L,D.

  DAY 4: Shira (3.840 m) - Lava Tower (4.630 m) - Barranco camp (3.950 m)

  Hiking time: 7 hours | Distance: About 15 km | Habitat: Semi desert
  The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4.630 m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4.630 m). Definitely, the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch you descent again by almost 680 m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4.600 m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset.

  DAY 5: Barranco camp (3.950 m) - Barafu camp (4.550 m)

  Hiking time: 7 hours | Distance: About 13 km | Habitat: Alpine desert
  After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut.

  The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for ice and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1.345 m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 7 p.m. and try to get some precious rest and sleep, B,L,D.

  DAY 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Barafu camp (4.550 m) - Uhuru Peak (5.895 m) - Mweka (3.100 m)

  Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak | 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka | Distance: About 7 km ascent - 23 km descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
  You will rise around 11:30 p.m. and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walk to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5.685 m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3.100 m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared, B,L,D.

  DAY 7: Mweka camp (3.100 m) - Mweka Gate (1.980 m)

  Hiking time: 3 hours | Distance: About 15 km | Habitat: Forest
  After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5.685 m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5.895 m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! You now drive back to Arusha for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at Ilboru Safari Lodge or Jacaranda Hotel, B,L,D.

   

  Trek price includes:

  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Machame Route trek as per the itinerary
  • Full board accommodation in tents whilst on the trek.
  • 2 nights hotel accommodations in Arusha before and after the trek and in huts on the mountain as per the itinerary
  • All park entrance fees to include government taxes
  • Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook/s
  • All services begin and end at Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary
  • Treated water on the trek
  • Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport or Nairobi Return Shutle transfers

  Trek price excludes:

  • All personal travel insurances
  • All personal expenses including; telephones, tips, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc
  • Sleeping bags and climbing gears
  • Medical evacuation, USD 30 per person value
  • International flights and Airport taxes
  • Visas
  • Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary