Kilimanjaro – the ultimate bucket list challenge!

Kilimanjaro is the highest point of Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. In addition, it is one of the highest places that can be reached withouth technical skills or mountaineering equipment.

Every year, over 35,000 people set out to climb Kilimanjaro … only about 65% succeed in getting to the very top. There are a huge range of tour operators offering the Kilimanjaro experience and a confusing number of different routes and levels of trekking equipment and support so contact me to give you the best chance of making it to the summit!

Here are some facts and figures about Kilimanjaro:

• 60,000 years since the volcano last erupted
• Highest point is 5895 metres
• Kilimanjaro’s Kibo cone (its youngest) was formed 460,000 years ago
• Over 30,000 people climb Kilimanjaro each year (oldest being 89)
• Kilimanjaro National Park covers over 753 square kms
• Chose from 8 routes

Contact me to discuss the options and, working with the best of the best ethical Tanzanian tour companies, we will talk you through everything, from pre-trek training and what to expect on the mountain, to helping you prepare and get the most out of, your ultimate adventure challenge!

Three specifications of equipment are available with this operator and each climb can be tailor made.

Standard level has lightweight mess tent with stools, smaller client tent and foam pad, clients bring own sleeping bag, toilet tent.

Luxury level has a larger mess tent with backed chairs, larger client tent and 3″ foam mattress, pillo and -18c sleeping bag and liner, private portable toilet

VIP level is similar to luxury but with larger walk in client tent with a sleeping ‘cot’ so guests are raised off the ground.

ALL levels include experienced guides, porters and mountain crew and all carry oxygen, first aid supplies, stretcher and full safety equipment.

Lemosho 8 Day VIP via Stella Point

This is the complete Kilimanjaro experience in the highest specification available on the mountain. More acclimatisation time, more spectacular scenery and it ticks all the boxes for those wishing to see as many of the sights that makes Kilimanjaro famous.

Hike Distance – 37miles / 64 km
Vertical Gain – 15,441ft / 4706m
Drop – 16,070ft / 4898m
Trekking Time – 52 hours

An 8 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting on Lemosho Trail to the west, traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain, it joins the Machame Route above Shira Camp on day 4; then from Barafu Camp ascends to the summit via Stella Point. Descent is via the Mweka Route.

Highlights of this route include: * Afromontane forest * Shira plateau * Glacial valleys and alpine desert * Views of Mawenzi * Ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit * Glaciers and the roof of Africa! *

• Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide and the Climb Manager who will brief you thoroughly on what to expect while on the mountain and will also conduct a kit check to make sure you have everything you need for the trip.
• Day 2: Lemosho Forest. After breakfast depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you return to your vehicle for another 30 minutes or so until you arrive at the start of the Lemosho Trail. Today’s hiking is through verdant afromontane forest and is steep in places. A picnic lunch is usually taken on trail during the hike before reaching Forest Camp for the night.
• Day 3: Shira 1 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. A hot lunch is taken at Shira 1 Camp and the rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising to the new environment.
• Day 4: Moir Camp Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip and this morning we hike for around 4-5 hours to Moir Camp, where lunch is taken. The afternoon is spent acclimatising and for those with the energy a hike in the late afternoon up to a viewpoint is highly recommended to keep the blood flowing.
• Day 5: Barranco Camp From Moir we traverse across the slopes of Kibo. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert to Lava Tower (Alt: 15,092ft, 4600m) where lunch is taken before descending to Barranco Camp. This is a long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is in two days time at base camp a great acclimatisation day!
• Day 6: Karanga Camp From Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Today is a relatively short day’s hike and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising. In the evening a practice walk for the summit is taken to make sure you are completely comfortable with the kit you are going to summit in.
• Day 7: Barafu Camp 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; yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the rest of the evening.
• Day 8: Kilimanjaro summit / Mweka Camp Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are the name of game to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m) and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point (Alt: 18,865ft, 5750m) affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down however. The first stage is to get back to our base camp for a quick change of clothes and refuel before the long hike downhill to Mweka Camp. The downhill is hard on the knees and walking poles at this stage are highly recommended. You should reach Mweka Camp before dusk for your final night on the mountain.
• Day 9: After breakfast you descend once again through afromontane forest and around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel for a well deserved shower! Later that evening you will be visited by a tour company representative to congratulate you, to find out how the trip went and to answer any final questions you may have about your onward journey.
• Day 10: After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in good time for your return flight or onward travel arrangements.

This is just one example of a Kilimanjaro trek. The routes vary in length, cost and scenery but also difficulty and success rates. The most suitable for you will depend on factors such as time available, budget, previous experience, fitness levels and time of year.

We can also include flights and add on safari or beach time to your trip, as a fully protected package.

Contact me to start your Kilimanjaro adventure!