Tanzania Kilimanjaro: Climbing Africa’s summit
For different dates and last minute reservations, please contact our office.
                     |
The missionaries who in their dispatches to London first recorded seeing a snow capped mountain just south of the equator, were assumed to be hallucinating by the European geographers of that time.
They weren’t, and the incredibly beautiful image of the snow capped mountain rising high above African plains full with wild life, has been attracting climbers, nature lovers and adventurers from all over the world.
A challenging but achievable dream for non climbers, Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t need any technical climbing skills or gear and is rather described as a high altitude trek. However, do not underestimate how strenuous and physically demanding this climb can be. We will be deprived of half of the Oxygen we breath at sea level, and that is why a great physical shape and a strong desire are required for this adventure. A highly experienced guide will be there to support you and help you reach your maximum potential and then even push your limits.
Climbing Kilimanjaro means that you change to a different climate zone almost daily, with five distinct ecological zones; the lower slopes, forest, moorland, highland desert, and the summit! We start in a dense forest, with most often muddy forest floors, which is Kilimanjaro’s most fertile zone. Then vegetation becomes shorter and we pass by giant Groundsels and Lobelias and have the great blue sky shining above us. Above 4,000 meters, we will be climbing in the highland desert where seasons meet in one day: summer by day and winter by night. Finally and above 5,000 meters we will face semi- arctic conditions; subzero temperatures at night and blistering sun during the day.
Do not miss this opportunity of a life time. You are given a chance to go and explore one of nature’s great wonders for yourself!
Rahhalah will ensure that we do everything to increase the chance of realizing your dream. We are prepared to lead you to the Top of Africa. Our climbing arrangements will enable you to better cope with the challenges of the mountain.
- Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters high.
- Mount Kilimanjaro was declared a World’s Heritage site by UNESCO in 1989.
- This extinct volcano crowned by snow is the highest free standing mountain in the World.
- Oxygen saturation level on the summit is half of that on sea level.
- There are five different climatic zones on Kilimanjaro
Suzanne Al Houby
(A mountain climber)
Arrival and transfer to the hotel (D)
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will greet you and will drive back to Arusha where you will join a team briefing on the climb and individual gear check.
Arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. The city is regarded as the capital of the East African Community. It is surrounded by some of Africa’s most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge,
Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own National Park on Mount Meru
Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (2,980m) (B, L, D)
Distance: 10 km/ Altitude gain: +1,190m/ Time: 6 hours
After breakfast you will drive from Arusha to Machame Gate where you sign in and get a permit to start climbing. You join the climbing crew here and together you start climbing. Your guide will tell exactly what to expect each day: weather-wise, the nature of the trail and the wildlife that you will grow to know so well. Do not hesitate to ask your guide while you are hiking to point out any special features that might interest you.
Machame Camp
Machame camp is surrounded by small trees overgrown with lichen. Our porters will set up the tents and prepare hot drinks for us. When the sun sets, it is colder and we will need to dress warmly and prepare our headlamps.
Machame Camp (2,980m) – Shira (3,720m) (B, L, D)
Distance: 7km/ Altitude gain: + 740m/ Time: 4 hours
Today is an easy paced acclimatization day. You will continue your hiking through streams, a river gorge and moorlands. Camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with expansive view of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the large tenacious sand lobelias that grow at this elevation.
Shira Camp
This camp offers a great view of the Kibo Peak. At this location which displays vast prairies and bushes, you will find them regrouped to face the cold and wind. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals.
Shira (3,720m) – Lava Tower (4,650m) – Barranco (3,950m) (B, L, D)
Distance: 10km/ Altitude gain: +930m/ Altitude loss: -700m/Time: 5 hours
Today is another acclimatization day. You will hike to elevation of 4570 meters before descending to your camp. The hiking time is between 5 to 6 hours. You will pass by Lava Tower which you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will be your first introduction to alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.
Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru,the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views,the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.
Barranco (3,950m) – Karanga (3,995m) (B, L, D)
Distance: 5 km/ Altitude gain: + 400m/ Altitude loss: -355m/ Time: 4 hours
As the slope is steep you climb and enjoy wonderful view of the area. You think we see the summit of the wall but as we reach it we realize it is not… but never mind, it’s the beginning of the day and you’re full of energy! Moreover, the landscape is so beautiful that you really enjoy this trail to the summit that you reach approximately less than two hours after you leave the camp. Once at the top, Heim glacier is overhanging. After a quick break you start to descend in a desert landscape as far as Karanga valley. Then the vegetation is back again offering a stunning contrast. You rapidly reach the bottom of the valley where water runs and that will be our last source of water until Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s top. Here lies the last difficulty of the day, a steep rocky wall that you climb in carefully. Twenty minutes later you reach Karanga camp… in the clouds.
Camp Karanga
Karanga camp is located in the Karanga valley, below Heim, Kersten & Decken glaciers.
Karanga (3,995m) – Barafu (4,605m) (B, L, D)
Distance: 5km/ Altitude gain: +655 m/ Time: 4 hours
Today you will climb a rock wall, not too steep but challenging for some people. Your trip leader makes this safe and accessible for everyone. You will be able to see the breathtaking Heim Glacier. You continue hiking through rolling hills as we gradually approach Barafu. You are going to climb slowly and slowly and slowly, like snails. Drink plenty of water, tea and small snacks. Keep breathing and keep moving. After an early dinner, you will rest. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Barafu Camp
We will spend the night at Barafu camp, after a dinner cooked by our chef on site.
Barafu (4,605m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka (3,068m) (B, L, D)
Distance: 20 km/Altitude gain: +1.290m/ Altitude loss: – 2,827m/ Time: 14 hours
At midnight you will begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. You are going to complete some serious achievements and goals. Hiking from six to eight hours from the camp will bring your life into perspective, when you stand on the top of the highest free standing mountain in the world. The weather will tell you how long you are going to spend on the top of Africa for taking pictures and rolling up your trip. From the summit will take approximately three hours hike and have a short stop for lunch around Barafu camp. Later, to proceed and make to Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration!
Mweka Camp
You shall spend your last night on the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 2,700 meters lower than the summit reached. It will be time to celebrate your victory with great satisfaction!
Mweka Camp (3,068m) – Mweka Gate (1,650m) – Arusha (B, L, D)
Distance: 16km/ Altitude loss: -1,418m/ Time: 4 hours
Today is your last hike. The hike is steep in places and may be slippery if it is a wet day. Please use trekking poles. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your picnic lunch.You will be driven to Arusha for hot shower and dinner.
Departure (B)
You will have one last day to relax under the sun of Africa. For those of you who will return home, we will drive you to the airport and we shall say Goodbye. For those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you in some of the most amazing national parks or would you like a relaxing time on the spice island of Zanzibar, we could also arrange for that.
Full payment should be made 30 days prior to departure date.
• All land transportation
• All lodging and meals as described above
• All park fees
• All transfers
• International air fare to Arusha
• Alcoholic drinks
• Extra baggage charges
• Tips and gratuities
• Medical and Travel Insurances
• International airport taxes
• Emergency Helicopter Rescue charges
Note: All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking / reservation. All prices are subject to change.
