SURVIVOR SUMMIT. Kilimanjaro - Tanzania. (19,341 ft - 5,895 meters)
photo by Gabriele Brown
Kilimanjaro Expedition and Safari
At 19,341 feet ( 5895 meters) high, Kilimanjaro - kilima-njaro ( meaning" mountain of whiteness") is famously the highest peak in Africa and the world's tallest freestanding mountain.
The mountain is rugged, and its summit sits far above the infamous plains and game park of East Africa. While our route is non-technical, the summit cap has glaciers and is at a high altitude. Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the African continent ( one of the seven summits ), and its summit is almost 5,000 feet higher than any point in the contiguous United States!
About this expedition.
This is a 10-day guided walking/trekking adventure by experienced local guides, trekking to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, including a 2-day Safari
You will:
~ Travel with "Yes We Can" ambassador and founder of Urth Expedition, Gabriele Brown.
~ Enjoy panoramic views on the summit of Uhuru Peak ( 19,341 ft)
~ Walk through the forest to catch a glimpse of the Kilimanjaro Colobus Monkeys
~ Tarangire National Park is known as an "elephant haven" due to its vast herds and marvel at massive baobab trees that often live for over 1,000 years.
My role is to be your trip leader and to keep the strong spirit of "Yes We Can" alive in these adventure challenges.
I am an experienced trekker, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro 15 times in the past thirteen years, 7 Summits Africa summiteer ( Mt. Kenya at 17,057bft (5,199 m), Mt. Karisimbi ( Rwanda) at 14,787 ft ( 4,507 m), Mt. Nyiragongo ( DR Congo) at 11,380 ft ( 3,470, Rwenzoris ( Uganda) Mt. Speke at 16,043 ft ( 4,890 m) and Mt. Stanley at 16,762 ft ( 5,109 m).
Kilimanjaro is a strenuous climb, suitable for beginners, yet one that must be respected for its size and objective hazards. We are joined by a host of local Tanzanian assistants and guides, all certified as Wilderness First Responders, and we are proud members of KPAP ( Kilimanjaro Porters Association Project). Their personal and professional climbing experience and thoughtful approach to the challenges of mountaineering and sustainable African tourism will be vital ingredients in the success of your trip.
Day-by-day itinerary for the eight Day Lemosho Route (full Moon climb)
The Rongai Route is considered one of the most accessible Kilimanjaro routes. It typically has very little foot traffic compared to the other routes. The minimum duration for this Rongai trip is six days, but as always, Urth Expedition highly recommends adding day for Acclimatization, making the Rongai Route a seven-day trek and increasing your chance of success.
Depart from your home port in the USA to Kilimanjaro International Airport ( JRO)
Arrival & Preparation Day at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Please not’t worry if you are slow clearing customs, our driver will be waiting for as long as necessary. After you settle in at your hotel, we will go through an equipment check with you. If any items are lacking, they can be rented at this time. Your guide will meet you for a thorough pre-climb briefing, where all questions will be answered. For nighttime arrivals, these things can be done early the following day.
Recommended but not mandatory: Acclimatization and organization Day ~town tour to learn about the Tanzanian town Moshi. Rest and get ready for your adventure.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, Distance: 6 km | 4 miles, Trekking time: 3-4 hours, Zone: Rainforest
On day one, We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then, drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite.
Day 2: ~ Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, Distance: 8 km | 5 miles, Trekking time: 5-6 hours, Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
On day two, we continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here, we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 3: ~ Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft, Distance: ~11 km | 7 miles, Trekking time: 5-7 hours, Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
On day three, we explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. We begin with a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then, we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Day 4: ~ Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft, Distance: ~7 km | 4 miles, Trekking time: 4-5 hours, Zone: High alpine zone
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Distance: 3 km | 2 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300-foot tall volcanic rock formation. We descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude benefits acclimatization.
Day 5: ~ Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft, Distance: 5 km | 3 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then, we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900-foot cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 6: ~ Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft, Distance: 4 km | 2 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction with the Mweka Trail. We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here, we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. From this position, we can see the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft, Distance: 5 km | 3 miles, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft, Distance: 12 km | 7 miles, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak– the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we descend straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, Distance: 10 km | 6 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continued our descent to Mweka Gate and collected the summit certificates. Lower elevations can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Day 9: ~ Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, we travel to Tarangire National Park and begin our one-day safari. Enjoy diverse wildlife populations and fewer tourists at this hidden gem for wildlife lovers. Observe massive elephant herds of 100+ animals and hunters of bird species. In the evening, we will drive to the Manyara Region, where we will spend the night in one of the most beautiful lodges in the region.
Day 10: ~ Manyara's Secret or similar
There is a place in Tanzania with stunning views of Lake Manyara. Manyara's Secret is quite lucky. This is one of the few places where you can catch sight of tree-climbing lions now and then. You'll never forget this, and it certainly will not be missed. In Lake Manyara National Park, elephants abound, and there is a vast diversity and variety of birds. So, if wildlife is your thing, you have found the right place.
Manyara's Secret is an exclusive boutique lodge where you can enjoy an array of activities, from simply taking a swim or sitting on the terrace reading a book to going on a safari. You can also shower under the stars or sleep under the "upside-down tree of the African plain," the Baobab Tree.
After a beautiful morning, we will drive to the Kilimanjaro airport at midday, where you can catch an evening (5: 00 pm or later) flight to the USA via Europe.
Possible Extensions
You're traveled halfway around the globe to climb Kilimanjaro- don't go home without seeing Africa's legendary wildlife
5-Day Safari to the world-famous Serengeti, home of the legendary Great Migration.
More time, exciting bush walks, and a dash of culture.
Why not track Gorillas?
Rwanda and Uganda ~ venture into the forest of Rwanda to find one of the world's rarest creatures- the mountain gorilla.
Custom itineraries upon request- let me know your time constraints and budget.
Beach and Culture
As you arrive on this exotic island paradise, Zanzibar or Pemba~ trade in your parka for a bathing suit.
Sands soft as silk with turquoise waters. Stone Town, where Arabic, Indian, and African cultures blend in centuries-old harmony. Fantastic food, Zanzibar is a spice capital specializing in fresh delicacies.
Beach or Culture? Basic or luxury? We have something for everybody.
Included in this package:
~ All government taxes relevant to the itinerary
~ Four nights at a comfortable lodge per the itinerary
~ Group Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
~ A day room to shower and rest post-trek per your itinerary
~ All camping gear on the mountain
~ Full board as described
~ National Park fees
~ English-speaking guides
~ Backup logistical support from Urth Expedition
~ Unlimited filtered and purified water
~ Daily briefing
~ Customized dining tents with solar lights ( Mountain)
~ private Toilet Tent ( Mountain)
~ Safety Equipment: oxygen, first aid kits, plus oximeter, AED
~ Safari cruiser with a trained guide ( safari)
~ Full board in lodges as described
~ local evacuation ( AMREF emergency)
What is not included
~ International Round Trip Airfare
~ Personal Hiking gear
~ Tanzania entry visa
~ Immunization
~ Laundry, specialty beverages, phone and internet charges other personal services.
~ Tips for guides, porters, and camp staff
~ Airport taxes
~ Excess baggage charges
~ International Insurance
~ sleeping bags ( Mountain- can be rented)
Notes:
~ All accommodation rates are based on double occupancy, and the single supplement will apply
~ Remember that you are in Africa, and no matter how hard we work, things don't always go according to plan. You should have patience, a sense of adventure, a good spirit, and humor.
Tips:
Tipping is optional. The crew accepts it well as a token of your appreciation of the service. Tips should be given at the very end of the trip only. ( Tipping instructions will be provided with booking)
Social implication:
We are committed to developing our communities and culture in East Africa. Also, all the food products we buy are from the local market and often from the same supplier with whom we develop an honest, collaborative business approach. We are supporting several Initiatives in East Africa ( Give a Heart to Africa, Conservation through Tourism.
Are you up to the challenge?
You'll receive a training plan, and your Trip Leader will check in regularly to ensure you're adequately prepared. You'll need at least twelve weeks of preparation, training three to four times a week, leading into your departure. Of course, the fitter you are for your trip, the more you'll be able to take in the breathtaking landscapes Africa is known for.
Karibu sana, Karibu sana means" please feel very welcome" and is one of the most common Swahili phrases you will hear in Tanzania.
We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable experience in the country we/I consider my second home.
Let's start planning!
www.urthsafari.com ~ (512) 787-4628. ~ info@urthsafari.com
Cost
The cost will vary depending on the total number of climbers:
Group of 5 – 9 climbers*: please inquire at info@urthsafari.com
Group of 10 or more climbers*: please inquire at info@urthsafari.com
The cost of the climb includes a $200 donation to your chosen charity, but we encourage all climbers to fundraise as part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make your climb mean more!
* Please note that we cannot offer the Kilimanjaro climb if there are fewer than five climbers.