You will be met at Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred 1-hour to Moshi - the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Towering over the plains of East Africa, Mount Kilmanjaro is a triple volcano and the highest mountain in Africa. The oldest volcano is Shira, a collapsed caldera, whilst Mawenzi is middle aged & the young Kibo is still dormant. The highest point, Uhuru peak, is on Kibo at 19,340 feet (5,895 m). Mount Kilimanjaro National Park includes moors and highlands, the Shira Plateau, and the two peaks of Kibo (the summit) and Mawenzi. The area below the national park includes rain forests and a game reserve.
Check in to your hotel and meet our representative for a briefing, as you start acclimatising for your ascent via the Machame (or "Whiskey") Route. This very scenic route is the most popular ascent, starting on the southwest side of the mountain, traversing around the southern slopes of Kibo and descending on the south-eastern side. You will sleep in mountain tents throughout the climb.
All our mountain crew have Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First Aid certificates, along with over 7 years of climbing experience. Each person will be provided with a porter, who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage.
PREPARATION: Climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a demanding ascent, requiring the ability to walk up to 10-hours per day with a backpack (12 kg max) over angled terrain. Although all your supplies and camping equipment are portered up for you, this ascent should only be undertaken by climbers who are suitably fit and well prepared.
Temperatures on the mountain fall to below -15 degrees centigrade overnight, so many layers of warm clothing are essential. You need to bring your own day pack, sleeping bag, hiking boots, walking stick, water bottle with purification tablets/filtration system, warm jacket, rain jacket, waterproof trousers, head lamp or flashlight with batteries, gloves, balaclava, scarf, thermal underwear, woollen socks, sweater, shorts, T-shirts, jeans, light shoes, sunhat/cap, sunglasses, pocket knife, underwear and toilet paper. We suggest you wear (or carry as hand luggage) your boots, rain gear & camera, as these are crucial for your climb and you don’t want to risk losing them when you fly internationally. Malaria tablets are essential and energy drinks, chocolate, sweets, fruit, nuts and energy snacks are suggested.
Be aware that altitude sickness is the biggest issue facing climbers and as a result not everyone reaches the summit. There will be one guide per 2 or 3 climbers, so if you get ill and have to descend, a guide will be with you. Food served on the mountain is plain and wholesome including lots of carbohydrates, stews, soups, vegetables and fresh fruit. Vegetarians can be catered for but we must be notified in advance.
Several deaths occur on the mountain each year and the ascent is at your own risk. If you abandon the climb for any reason and return from the mountain early, you will need to pay locally for any extra transport, accommodation & meals required, as no climbing fees can be refunded. Mountain rescue fee is included which covers your evacuation from the mountain to the park gate only, but medical treatment and transfers to a local hospital are not included.
BEST TIME TO CLIMB: The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season (June to October or January to March - although the latter is colder with more snow on the summit). It is recommended that you summit as close to full moon as possible.
KIT LIST:
Small backpack for daily necessities
Large sports bag (15 kg), which will be carried by your porter
Sleeping bag designed for at least -15 C. A sleeping pad will be provided in camp
Rain poncho, including waterproof covering for your backpack
Good hiking boots (water repellant).
Trainers for first days of the climb & to wear in camp
Hiking pants for first days of climb (2 pairs)
Waterproof trousers
Warm ski pants designed for at least -15 C.
T-shirts & long sleeve tops (4-5 pieces)
Fleece or soft shell jacket
Windproof jacket
Insulated jacket designed for at least -15 C, esential for the final ascent
Thermal underwear
Light trekking gloves
Gloves/mittens designed for -15 C
Hiking socks (5 pairs)
Gaiters for protection against dust & snow
Hat to protect face & neck against equatorial sun
Beanie/fleece hat
Balaclava for wind protection during final ascent
Alpine sunglasses or goggles (don’t take cheap sunglasses)
Headlamp & extra batteries
Trekking poles
Water flasks (2 litres in total) or water bladder in backpack
SPF 40-50 sunblock
Lip balm
Towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste
Any personal medication
Snacks, energy bars, chocolate & nuts