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Adventure Travel - Trekking, Birding, Wildlife, Cultural, Camping, Overland Safaris and Adventures
 

Tips for Kilimanjaro Climbers

Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, best spent on the Shira Plateau, where you could walk to the Shira Needles. Strong groups could omit camping at Karanga River. The Mweka Route is used for the descent.

Accommodation on the mountain is in tents which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.

We will pick you up at the airport and taking you to Springlands Hotel where you can relax by the pool or go for an evening monkey-viewing forest walk. You then go up your chosen route. We do not charge you extra if you are on your own! You will have a guide, a cook and porters to carry as much of your equipment as you want. We organise year round trips on any route. On the last day you return to the hotel for a clean up, final meal and overnight, this is a good time to have a sauna or maybe a massage. Everything is included in our prices except for drinks, tips and the hotel is on a B&B basis. For high seasons (Christmas - New Year and July - August) please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Now take a look at the routes available up the mountain ranging from the least demanding Marangu to the rugged and spectacular Umbwe or long and wild Lemosho. The Machame Route is a popular one as it combines the beautiful and varied scenery with plenty of opportunities to acclimatise.

If you are not accustomed to camping and mountain walking you could consider the Marangu Route as the most suitable. This follows easy angled paths through magnificent rain forests to the Mandara Hut. Shortly beyond it passes Maundi Crater, a fine view point located at the edge of the forest belt. Above you enter the moorlands with their fine giant heathers stands, groundsels, lobelia and other exotic tropical high altitude plants. The next hut is the Horombo Hut, soon after this hut you reach the Saddle, a high altitude desert separating the rugged Mawenzi summit from Kibo. The final ascent starts from the Kibo Hut and involves steep paths on loose scree. There is fresh running water at all the huts apart from Kibo where it will be carried by your porters. You will be accommodated generally in 4 person clean huts with mattresses.

The other routes are all more demanding as regards steepness and in places involve some scrambling. Accommodation is in tents and there is no running water at the campsites though warm water for washing is provided. The scenery more than compensates for these difficulties. Whichever route you choose it is essential to allow enough time for acclimatisation to the altitude.

Although Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year it is worth avoiding the two rainy seasons (late March to mid-June and October to the beginning of December) when the route becomes slippery. Probably the best time to visit is January to February and September to October when there is usually no cloud.

Mount Kilimanjaro (19340’) (5895m) lies just 3 degrees south of the equator and is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. It rises some (15000’) (4572m) above the surrounding plains and savannahs. The Kilimanjaro National Park covers some 1864 sq. Km (720 sq. miles) The base of this immense mountain has diameter of 80 Km (48 Miles) and the outstanding features are its three major volcanic centers: Shira (4160m) in the west. Mawenzi (5280 m) to the east and the permanently snow-capped Kibo in the middle.

In climbing, the terrain passes from a tropical to an artic clime in just a few days. The encircling rain forest ensures the fertility of the lower lying shambas and is rich in birdlife. Above the rain forest lies the Alpine Meadow, a beautiful moorland, offering many splendid views. Exotic plants such as the giant Lobelia and the fork-like Groundsel are to be seen. The latter blooming once every 50 – 70 years. Leaving the Alpine Meadow we reach the Alpine Desert and eventually the ‘’snows of Kilimanjaro’’.  

Kilimanjaro by Machame Route

A steep and fine route providing superb views on the traverse below the Southern Icefields. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, spent either at Shira, where you could walk to the Shira Needles, or camping in the Karanga Valley. The final ascent is made very early in the morning from the Barafu Hut. The Mweka Route is used for the descent.  Accommodation on the mountain is in tents; you will need a sleeping bag and sleeping mat. The porters will pitch the tents for you. This is a strenuous walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. Ski sticks or ice-axe are useful when ascending the scree to the summit.

Option 1

Day 1

Arrive Moshi and make your own way to Springlands Hotel. Check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight. 

Day 2   (About 6 hours walking)

The Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 50 Minutes. The Journey Passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once we reach the park gate, climbers are requested to make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging their packs containing the food, water, firewood and other equipment. Make sure you have all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. The guides will be pleased to assist with any additional information. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail to the first uniport hut which is located at an altitude of (3048 m) we continue a short distance until we reach the Machame hut. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy our dinner and overnight. We have now reached an altitude of (3100 m) 

Day 3   (About 5 hours walking)

After breakfast we leave the Glades of the Rain Forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge at (3658 m) time for a rest, dinner and overnight at the Shira Hut camp site.

Day 4   (About 4 hours walking)

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the East passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue our direction changes to South East towards the Lava Tower, called ‘The Sharks Tooth) shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which brings us up to the arrow glacier. We have now reached an altitude of (4876 m). we now continue down to the Barranco hut at an altitude of (3950 m) here we rest, enjoy dinner and camp overnight.

Day 5 (About 8 hours walking)

After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall passing through the Karanga valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka trail. We continue to the Barafu hut which is located at an altitude of (4600 m) here we make camp.

Rest enjoy dinner and overnight. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 6 (about 11 hours walking, the hardest day)

An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.

Day 7

After breakfast we continue the descent (3-4 hours) down to the Mweka Park gate and then drive back to Moshi. Overnight at hotel

Day 8

Depart Moshi for after breakfast onward journey

Option 2 with additional day

Day 1

Arrive at the Sringlands Hotel, (B&B).

Day 2

Drive to the Machame Park Gate at 1800m, from where steepening trails lead through natural rain forest to a campsite in a clearing on a ridge, (3000m, 5h.).

Day 3

The path continues up a moor land ridge through giant heathers. It gradually becomes rocky before levelling out on the Shira Plateau. (3840m, 4-5h.).

Day 4

A rocky path leads east up towards the Lava Tower, dramatic views of the Breach Wall precipices. Shortly beyond this it descends to Barranco campsite (3950m, 4-5h.).

Day 5

Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3h, 4000m.), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.

Day 6

The trail ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Hut, an airy location with little vegetation (3h, 4600m.),

Day 7

Start just after midnight for the ascent of the screes leading to Stella Point (6h, 5725m.). From here a further 40mins. leads to Uhuru Peak. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut at 3100m, (11-14h total walking time).

Day 8

A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park Gate. Drive back to the Springlands Hotel (B&B).

Day 9

Leave hotel after breakfast.

Important Points of Interest on Mount Kilimanjaro (Approximate Altitudes in Meters)

Make the ascent in a pace that suits you do not rush and rest frequently.

Make Sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 liters of liquid a day, preferably water. The water on the mountain is safe to drink. Take a sip every now and then. You will lose a large amount of fluid through the lungs and by sweating.

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing check list

Documents

• Passport

• Yellow fever certificate

• Entrance visa

• Medical insurance
  
  Clothing

• Jersey

• Waterproof jacket

• Water proof pants

• Shorts

• T-shirts

• Jeans

• Warm jacket

• Thermal underwear

• Balaclava

• Gloves

• Sunglasses

• Woolen socks

• Hiking boots

• Light shoes

• Cap/hat

• Towel

• Underwear

• Socks
  
  Equipment

• Sleeping bag

• Day pack

• Water bottle

• Toilet paper

• Torch and batteries

• Pocket knife
  
  Food

• Energy drinks

• Chocolate

• Sweets

• Fruit

• Nuts

• Energy snacks
  
  Photographic

• Camera

• Spare batteries

• Film

• Different lenses

• Video camera

• Binoculars

• Video tapes
  
  First aid/medical

• Asprin

• Assorted plasters

• Sun protection cream

• Anti malaria tablets

• Insect repellent

• Lip salve

• Water purification tablets

• Antiseptic cream

• Bandages

• Adhesive tape

• Throat lozenges
  
  Personal items

• Toothbrush & paste

• Matches

• Candles

• Soap

• Address book

• Travelers cheques

• Travel insurance
  
  Miscellaneous

• Walking stick

• Notebook

• Pens

• Plastic bags

• Pencils

• Cash dollars ( smaller bills )

• Alcohol
  
  
  TIPPING GUIDELINES:
  Chief Guide: US$15 - 20 Per Day
  Assistant Guide: US$8 - 12  Per Day
  Cook: US$ 6 - 8  Per Day
  Porters: 5 - 6  Per Day
  
  
  PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ONLY GUIDELINES AND TIPS CAN BE GIVEN ACCORDING TO SERVICES GIVEN TO CLIENTS.
  
  "TIPS ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED AT THE END OF THE TRIP!!"

Note: When we have only 2 people we send 1 Guide, 4 Porters and a cook.
 

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice