Kilimanjaro Package
Mount Kilimanjaro
10 Days, 9 Nights
From 3900
Overview
On our adventure camping safaris you will be immersed in the East African wilderness. You will travel on rough adventurous roads, pass tiny rural settlements and see fascinating landscapes and abundant wildlife.
All your senses will be involved; from smelling early morning coffee, experiencing the thrill of a kill to the chill of a morning game drives. Falling asleep to the hooting of an owl or waking up with the roaring of a lion is what you will experience. The safari experience is all the more intense as you are ‘right in the middle’ of it all. The nearness to the nature, especially at night with its nocturnal sounds, compensates for the luxury of a lodge.
Our camping safaris in Tanzania offer all of this and are therefore perfect for nature lovers and those who are looking for a break from civilization and its comforts. Camping is to experience East Africa’s nature, animals and cultures in an affordable way.
Overview
Tour Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
Accommodation
Trip Summary
- Start: Arusha, Tanzania
- End: Arusha, Tanzania
- Destinations: Materuni, Arusha Park, Serengeti, Olduvai, Manyara, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara
- Theme: Wildlife Safari & Hiking
- Age Requirement: 4 Years minimum
- Physical level: Medium
- Max group size: Unlimited
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2
Start: Machame Gate (1,790 m)
Finish: Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Altitude: ↑ 1,220 m
Walking time: 5-7h
Day 3
Start: Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Finish: New Shira Camp (3,845 m)
Altitude: ↑ 835 m
Walking time: 4-6h
Day 4
Start: New Shira Camp (3,845 m)
Finish: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Altitude: ↑ 795 m ↓ 680 m
Walking time: 6-7h
Day 5
Start: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Finish: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Altitude: ↑ 680 m ↓ 50 m
Walking time: 5-7h
Day 6
Start: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Finish:
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
Altitude: ↑ 1,255 m ↓ 2,815 m
Walking time: 10-14h
Day 7
Start: Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
Finish: Mweka Gate (1,630 m)
Altitude: ↓ 1,450 m
Walking time: 2-3h
Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to the the hotel or lodge in Arusha. The day can be spent relaxing at the lodge pool or exploring the town of Arusha (taxi required). You will have your briefing in preparation for your upcoming trek in the early evening, followed by dinner and your overnight stay.
Dinner
Day 2 Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m)
After breakfast you will be taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide takes care of the registration forms, you can take the time to take in the surrounding area, read the information boards and watch the mountain crew prepare for the climb. Embarking on your trekking adventure, you will soon be immersed in the cool rainforest with lush green mosh and lichen carpeting the ground and tall trees and ferns sheltering you from the sun. In the branches you might spot the black and white colobus monkeys watching you curiously as you walk past. In about 5 to 6 hours, you will reach the Machame Camp, situated 3,010 m above the tree line, where you will enjoy your evening meal and overnight stay in tents.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3 Machame Camp (3,010 m) – New Shira Camp (3,845 m)
You will continue with your ascent, leaving the rainforest behind and entering the moor and heathland. On your way to New Shira Camp (3,845 m), you will enjoy spectacular views of the mountain range. In the mid-afternoon you will finally reach your destination where you can enjoy a view of the sun glistening against the rock face and glacier of Kibo. Overnight at New Shira Camp.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4 New Shira Camp (3,845 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
A 700 m climb is on the agenda for today, with your final destination only slightly higher than the night before. This will allow your body to become accustomed to the altitude changes, as a height of over 4,500 m will be reached over the following days. Your trek begins with an ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The surrounding vegetation becomes more sporadic as the landscape changes to an alpine desert. The route stretches through the sweeping Barranco Valley, with its lobelia and giant senecio plants, and in approximately 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp, the most beautiful camp on the mountain.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5 Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Today you will climb the “Barranco Wall”, where a steady hold will be needed. Luckily a helping hand is never far behind and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. You will make your way across the ridge, whilst enjoying wonderful views of the Kibo’s south glacier. In the Karanga Valley you will stop for lunch, before embarking on another 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp (4,640 m). At the camp you will enjoy a well-deserved break, evening meal and an early night.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6 Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
At around midnight, you will be awoken with a hot tea and light snack before you start your climb to Uhuru Peak. Ascending in the dark, with only a headlight to shine the way, you will climb the screes of Kibo, reaching Stella Point in about 5 to 7 hours. Walking along the crater ridge you will finally reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) high above the clouds. On the “Roof of Africa” you will enjoy a 360° view over the surrounding landscape before starting your descent along the same route. Just before midday you will arrive at Barufu Camp, where you will have a warm meal and relax before continuing another 1 to 2 hours to Mweka Camp (3,080 m). Here you will have your evening meal and sleep with the sights of Mount Kilimanjaro still fresh in your mind.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 7 Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Arusha
The last day of your journey has arrived and after breakfast, accompanied by a traditional farewell ceremony, you will gently descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Your driver will be waiting for you to take you back to the Meru View Lodge, where you can relax at the pool and celebrate your achievement.
Breakfast; Dinner
Day 8 Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can extend your in Tanzania and go on a safari or relax at the Indian Ocean
How are emergencies handled during the Kilimanjaro climb?
In the event of an emergency during the Kilimanjaro climb, the mountain rescue services in Tanzania are not comparable to those found in the European Alps. If you cannot walk, you will either be carried or transported on a wheeled stretcher, which is an unpleasant experience. It is important to only push yourself as far as your body allows to prevent emergencies. Helicopters are not often deployed due to altitude limitations. It is recommended to have adequate health insurance coverage for medical expenses, including rescue and repatriation costs.
Is vaccination required for Tanzania?
The Tanzanian health department does not require vaccinations for entry. However, visitors are advised to receive a yellow fever vaccination as Tanzania is a yellow fever region. Additionally, it is recommended to have all other shots such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, and Hepatitis A & B up to date. Malaria is present in Tanzania, but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. It is advisable to consult with your doctor or travel clinic for taking any precautionary medication.
What are Tanzania’s visa requirements?
For most travelers, it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival. It is still every visitor’s obligation to check the latest visa regulations with their respective embassies. Every traveler is responsible for carrying the required travel documents.
What kind of clothes and gear are recommended for Kilimanjaro?
There are specific items that should be packed for a Kilimanjaro climb, and a detailed packing list is provided once the booking is confirmed. For convenience, essential clothing items and gear are available for rent.
Is tipping required for the mountain crew?
Tipping the mountain crew is a common practice, and gratuities are a large portion of the crew’s income, so they are highly appreciated. Recommended tipping amounts per group, not per person, are provided by the tour provider.
Should I bring extra money?
It is recommended to bring extra money for tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses. If bringing USD, it is essential to ensure that the bills have been printed after 2004 as earlier printed ones will not be accepted.
How can I cope with altitude sickness during the climb?
Almost everyone climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by altitude sickness in some way. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. It is essential to replace lost body fluids by drinking enough water and taking magnesium to prevent muscle cramps. Mild symptoms allow continuing the hike, but severe altitude sickness is a serious matter and can be life-threatening. It is vital to bear in mind that a medical descent may be required.
What meals will be provided during the climb?
Meals are included in the itinerary. For breakfast, there is a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Lunch is provided in a lunch box containing sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken, etc. Dinner consists of soup and bread followed by meat or poultry with starch (i.e., chips, mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice) and vegetables, topped off with dessert in the form of fresh fruit, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, and milk. Special dietary requirements or food allergies can be catered with advanced notification.
What are the ablution facilities like?
Basic long drops (simple latrines) are available, and climbers are provided with a bowl of warm water for daily wash.
How big is the group?
This is a private tour, and there won’t be any other climbers joining the group. The group will only consist of the people who chose to travel together and their mountain crew.
Is there an age limitation for this climb?
Yes, there is an age limitation for this climb. Climbers must be at least 18 years old to participate. This is to ensure that climbers have the necessary physical and mental maturity to undertake the climb safely and responsibly.
Can I bring my own climbing gear?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own climbing gear. However, it must meet our safety requirements and pass a safety inspection before use. If you are unsure whether your gear meets our safety standards, we recommend renting equipment from our facility.
Do I need prior climbing experience?
Prior climbing experience is not required, but it is recommended. Our climb is designed to be accessible to climbers of all skill levels, but it can be physically demanding. We recommend that you are in good physical shape and have some familiarity with climbing techniques.
Is there a weight limit for climbers?
Yes, there is a weight limit for climbers. Climbers must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds to participate. This is to ensure that our safety equipment can support your weight and that you can physically handle the demands of the climb.
What happens in case of inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, we may need to postpone or cancel the climb for safety reasons. We will do our best to notify you as soon as possible if this occurs and work with you to reschedule your climb for a later date.
Is there a refund policy?
We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled climb time. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled climb time will not be refunded. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will work with you to reschedule your climb for a later date if possible.
Inclusions
Price Includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
- Portable toilet and toilet tent
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfers
Price Excludes
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance