Climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Kenya

Product Details

Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing volcano in the World and the tallest mountain in Africa. At an altitude of 5,895 metres it presents a formidable challenge to all who attempt to climb it. Many tourists fail as they try to save money by opting for a four- or five-day climb, the success rate for which is approximately 40%. We take our time and as such over 95% of our climbers reach the top. Our trek lasts for seven days and follows the stunning Machame Route to the summit, Uhuru Peak. We use professional porters and guides, excellent equipment and guarantee a range of cuisine that would challenge many restaurants. Our safety systems are tried and tested and you will be lead at all time by trained professionals. You will not be disappointed as you sit on the highest point in Africa watching the sunrise. You don’t need to be superhuman - average fitness and determination is all it takes.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Huts (3,000m)
A 40-minute drive from the Hotel delivers us to Machame Gate. We have a busy half-hour while your leader registers the group at the gate and the porters argue about who gets to carry the really heavy bags. Our start is slow and gentle and for the next eight hours we trek slowly up the muddy track through the rainforest. It’s a long day but by the end we emerge into a clearing and the welcome sight of our tents, hot tea, popcorn and dinner. Already you will feel a sense of achievement and spirits are high as you settle down for your first night's sleep on the mountain.

DAY 2: Machame Huts to Shira Plateau (3,840m)
Following a cooked breakfast we start the climb through the remaining rainforest towards the giant moorland zone. Our trek today is much shorter and the environment changes rapidly as we ascend out of the rainforest. We have a four- to five- hour trek, during which we gain approximately 800 metres in altitude. Lunch is taken on a stunning outcrop of rock before completing the last stretch to Shira Camp and a stunning view over the Shira Plateau. Weather permitting you should also get your first close views of Kibo - the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro.

DAY 3: Shira Plateau rest and acclimatisation day
We use today as a rest day and spend additional time acclimatising at altitude. The secret is to 'work high and sleep low' so we normally complete a short two-hour walk after breakfast to gain a little extra altitude before returning to camp for lunch. The rest of the day is spent sleeping and relaxing and you have plenty of time to take photographs, listen to music, chat or just enjoy looking down on the clouds and Africa.

DAY 4: Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
After breakfast we set off early as today is a long trek. We climb gradually through alpine desert to an altitude of 4,500 metres before dropping back down towards Barranco Camp. Whilst long, the environment is extraordinary and few would disagree that Barranco, nestled at the foot of Kibo, is a wonderful campsite. Our sleeping altitude is not much higher than the previous night at Shira, but this is a great day for acclimatisation having spent time at 4,500 metres. By now you will know the routine, rest, relax, food and sleep.

DAY 5: Barranco Hut to Karranga Valley (4,200m)
After breakfast, our first obstacle is to breach the Barranco Wall, a 600-foot rock face. No technical climbing experience is required and whilst steep, it is still classed as a trek. Once over the wall, the climb becomes easier and extremely beautiful with fantastic views of the crags and crevasses of the jagged peaks on your left. We then descend to the Karanga Valley. This is our last water point until we start our descent so we take advantage of a short day’s walk and spend the afternoon at this lovely camp looking straight down into the Karanga Valley.

DAY 6: Karranga Valley to Barafu Camp (4,700m)
The air is starting to get quite thin at this stage and you will be running short of breath as you climb out of the Karanga Valley. It is a slow tough hike up to Barafu which means 'ice' in Swahili. It can be extremely cold at this altitude and with an early start ahead of us we dive into sleeping bags early to grab some sleep. At 11pm, just as you are getting comfy your expedition leader will knock on your tent, hand you a cup of tea and at midnight we start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak – the Summit.

DAY 7: Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Hut
Dress warmly, because we start climbing around midnight, on the steepest and most demanding part of the mountain. Light is provided by our head torches, the moon on a clear night and at dawn, as we reach Stellar Point, the sun climbs into view.

At dawn, from the Crater rim, rugged Mawenzi is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle still in darkness beneath us and the crater's ice-walls looming ahead. If you feel strong enough, we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and the world's highest solitary peak (19,340ft).

This is the toughest day that most trekkers have ever experienced. We will have ascended 3,600 feet and descended 7,200 feet in a period of 12-15 hours. Whilst tiring you will have just achieved something extraordinary and for most, this is a chance to talk and share the experience with their climbing team. More importantly, Mweka camp provides us with an opportunity to enjoy an uninterrupted sleep and sink a beer.

DAY 8: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate to Moshi
In the morning we walk down to Mweka Gate through the rainforest. After a welcome lunch it's time to say 'kwaheri' to the porters after paying them a well-earned tip. Many companies suggest that this is discretionary, we do not and as such will suggest prior to the climb an appropriate sum. We then get a lift back to the hotel. This all takes six to seven hours. Over dinner we recognise everyone’s achievement at a presentation ceremony where all climbers successful in their attempt to reach the summit receive a certificate from their expedition leader.

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Our users say...

""Wow! Such a huge sense of achievement! When things get bad it will be nothing compared to the pain and exhaustion that we put ourselves through on that climb. To reach the summit was so emotional but an amazing once-in-a-lifetime feeling - completely awe-inspiring to see what I can achieve!" - Holly Spanner

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