Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro - at 5895 m (19,341 ft) the highest mountain on the African continent and one of the seven summits. 

We will be climbing the mountain via the Lemosho Route, one of the newer paths to the summit and consistently ranked as the most scenic of the trails to the summit. 

(http://www.ul timatekilimanjaro.com/lemosho_route.htm)

The logistics of the trip is organized by Hugo Torres (EcoAndes; http://www.ecoandessilver.travel) which whom I traveled to Bolivia to climb volcanos two years ago.  

Please carefully read all the trip information before signing up for the trip! We will hold two pre-trip meetings in fall 2013 to discuss proper physical preparation and equipment, as well as to address any question(s) you might have. 

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrives Arusha

Arrive in Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Arusha (please provide me your detailed travel itineary) Overnight stay at The Karama Lodge (www.karama-lodge.com) (bed and breakfast). 

Day 2 – Arusha

Enjoy full day in Arusha and receive a comprehensive pre-trek briefings.  Overnight stay at The Karama Lodge with bed and breakfast.

Day 3 - Kilimanjaro 1 – Mti Mkubwa (Big tree)

Leave in the morning from Arusha to Londorossi Village and gate to the National Park.  The start of trail (2100m) winds up through the lush forest on the lower slopes of the northern side, going to Shira Plateau.  Dinner and overnight stay at Mti Mkubwa (2650m).

Day 4 - Kilimanjaro 2 – Shira 1 Camp

Hike to Shira Hut walking through the fine open moorlands.  Dinner and overnight stay at Shira 1 Camp (3480m)

Day 5 - Kilimanjaro 3 – Shira 2 Huts/Moir Huts

When used the additional day is taken either at Shira 2 Huts or Moir Huts at the discretion of the guide and group (3840m or 4200m)

Day 6 - Kilimanjaro 4 – Barranco Camp

A long hike to Barranco.  This Camp lies in a sheltered area below the spectacular cliffs of the Breach wall.  The Breach wall, the dome of Uhuru and the edge of the Heim Glacier dominate the head of the valley.  Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco Camp (3900m) 

Day 7 - Kilimanjaro 5 – Karanga Camp

The trek continues from Barranco to Karanga valley.  Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Camp (3963M)

Day 8 - Kilimanjaro 6 – Barafu Camp

In the morning hike to Barafu.  Huge glaciers and cliffs can be seen which mark this part of the Mountain which is the last water point.  Dinner and overnight stay at Barafu Camp (4600m).

Day 9 - Kilimanjaro 7 – Mweka Huts/High Camp

At midnight the trek begins up to the final steep section to reach Stella Point.  Walk steadily up the ridge and around the Crater to reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m.  From the summit the trek descends for dinner and overnight stay at Mweka Huts (3100m) or High Camp (3797m) 

Day 10 - Kilimanjaro 8 – Arusha

Covering the last section of the Mountain, the trek continues down through the forests to the Gate where your vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to Arusha.  Stay overnight at The Karama Lodge with bed and breakfast. Celebratory dinner with few drinks!

Day 11 – Arusha

Enjoy full day in Arusha resting.  Overnight stay at The Karama Lodge with bed and breakfast.

Day 12 - Safari

Drive from Arusha to the Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive and a picnic lunch in the Park.  It is a great opportunity to see a marvelous concentration of animals, including 350 species of birds, not to mention the glistening soda lake itself where you’ll catch glimpses of grazing Pink Flamingos.  Dinner and overnight stay at Kirurumu Tented Lodge - www.kirurumu.net

Day 13 - Safari

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and upon arrival you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a Crater Tour.  This 100 square mile natural amphitheater is host to an astonishing array of wildlife and you may be lucky enough to see Black Rhino, Elephant, Lion, as well as large herds of Zebra and Wildebeest.  You will eat your picnic lunch in the Crater, then exit the Crater and drive towards to Olduvai Area (Olduvai Gorge Museum was made famous by the anthropological Leakey family, this anthropologist’s dream is where the origins of man are said to have emerged) & Ndutu to get to see the migrations animals... After the first heavy storms the plains are instantly transformed and the migrant Wildebeest, Zebra and Thomson's Gazelle come feast on the lush green pastures and give birth to feast on the lush green pastures and give birth to their young... other variety of animals including - Lions, Cheetah, Hartebeest, Dik-dik can been seen!  Dinner and overnight stay at Serengeti Savannah Tented Camp – www.serengetisavannahcamps.com

Day 14 – Safari

Enjoy full day in Ndutu Area searching for the great Migrations.  All meals and overnight stay at Serengeti Savannah Tented Camp.

Day 15 - Safari

Morning game drive in Ndutu area.  After lunch, drive back to Arusha.  Stay overnight at The Karama Lodge with bed and breakfast.

Day 16 – Arusha airport.

Transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.

Travel arrangements:

Our tour STARTS on Dec. 20, 2013 and ENDS on Jan. 4, 2014. When you make your travel arrangements, please consider that most itineraries from the United States are overnight flights to Europe (Amsterdam or Paris), followed by an early morning flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

When you book your flight, make sure that you ARRIVE at Kilimanjaro International Airport no later than Dec. 20 which would requires DEPARTURE from the US on Dec. 19, 2013.

For the return trip, please book your DEPARTURE flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport on Jan. 4th or later (extra hotel nights will be your responsibility).

After making your travel arrangements, please send your complete travel itinerary to the tripleader, so we have a record of all your travels in case of delays. 

Best time for booking your flight(s): 

As a general rule, the sooner the better. Airfares tend to increase as the flights fill up. You can contact your travel agent for arrangements or use an online service (Orbitz.com has served me well over the years). Although the fares for Dec. 2013 have not been published yet (as of Nov. 2012), you should expect costs for a round trip to and from ATL to JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) in the range of US$1500 to $2000. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions before booking your travels! 

The costs per person: (based on twin or double bed room accommodation): $4060 (13 or 14 participants) or $4020 (15 or 16) participants. 

A pre-payment of $2000 for the trip is required by February 1, 2013 or afterwards within 7 days of registration for the trip. Please send check payment to tripleader. The due date for the remaining balance is August 30, 2013.   

Price Includes:

Airport Transfers, 4 nights accommodation at The Karama Lodge on BB in standard rooms, transfers from Arusha to the National Park gate and back, All National Park Entrance Fees, Forest Fees, Rescue and Camping Fees, 3 meals a day while on Mt. Kilimanjaro prepared by our expedition cook (only 2 meals on the first and last days of the trek), Professional trekking/climb guides with Radio communication to the base, Porters, Camping Equipments (Mountain Tents & Mattresses), Excess luggage storage (while on the Mountain), Daily provision of treated/boiled water.

Safari:4 wheel drive safari vehicle with professional driver/guide, three meals a day while on safari i.e. All meals in the Lodges (apart from in Arusha), Leaving from and finish in Arusha, bottle of Mineral Water.

Prices Does Not Include:

Alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, mineral water, discretionary tipping, International or domestic flights and taxes, visa fees, items of a personal nature, laundry, personal trekking and climbing equipment, or anything not mentioned above.

Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase personal travel insurance (Travelex or similar).

Cancelation Policy:

As a general guideline, please review the AOC cancelation policy carefully!

Specifically for this trip, the following deadlines for refunds apply:

- Canceling between 90 days and 61 days before the trip, a 20% cancellation fee will be charged.

- Canceling between 60 days and 30 days before the trip, a 50% cancellation fee will be charged.

- Canceling between  29 days and the day of the trip, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.

see above