Freecall 1800 238 368
ADVENTURE
Freecall 1800 238 368
ADVENTURE
The Kilimanjaro Adventurer
Day 1
There are two sister hotels – Keys Mbokomo and Keys Uru. Both of these hotels have good views of Mount Kilimanjaro and are classified as modern “tourist” standard hotels. They are of medium size, and rooms are all en-suite.
Some have air-conditioning, television and mini-bar. Meals consist of buffet continental breakfast, full restaurant meals, bar snacks served all day and occasional barbecues. A bar with a full range of drinks including beers, bottled water and soft drinks is available. Amenities include room service, full laundry service, swimming pool, international telephone, facsimile and internet services, car parking and security.
Leave any excess clothing and valuables at the hotel – they will lock them up for you. Pack your bag carefully for the climb – remember the weight limit of 12kg.
Our representative will meet you either today or tomorrow morning, please feel free to ask her for any assistance you may require.
Please also chat to her about the tipping situation (I have attached a document for your perusal).
Day 2
Day 3
When on the way up, keep an eye out for Mount Meru in the distance, it should be peeping through the clouds! There are also some vantage points along the way where you will get your first really good views of the cone of Kibo today.
The hike is steep, but at a relatively constant gradient – so keep going at your slow, steady pace, and you will surely get there. Further along the route there are a few flatter sections, with a few steep ascents in between. After one of these steep ascents you will be on a flat rocky bluff called Picnic Rock, where you normally have lunch.
From the lunch stop you will start traversing westwards, which makes the hiking a lot easier, as it is at a more relaxed angle.
One or two relatively steep spots along the way, but nothing serious. After crossing the ridge, you will descend down to camp on the Shira Plateau. Take a jersey with you today, as it cools down considerably during and after lunch. Again, keep your wet weather gear handy, and some snacks for the route. Drink plenty of water. Today you should take Diamox (if planning to) – in the morning. You may experience tingling fingers, toes and nose from this drug. As it is a diuretic, it is most important to keep your fluid intake high. Camp at Shira – it’s a pretty exposed & cold campsite, you may get wind and rain/sleet, and in the morning the ground and tents could be frozen over. Magnificent sunsets and sunrises though!
Day 4
You will be walking up a ridge, straight toward the cone of Kibo, and have good views of the ice fields on the western side of the mountain.
There could be great differences in the weather here – especially if clouds start blowing in – so remember your sun block and wet weather gear!
On parts of the route toward lava tower it looks like a lunar landscape, with nothing but dust and huge round lava rocks.
Lunch is normally taken in the vicinity of Lava Tower, and for those feeling strong enough, discuss with your guide walking up to it.
From here there are a few steep downhill sections, especially to get back down to Barranco.
The night temperature – again cold with night frosts, especially if the wind drops down from the peak over the glaciers. Magnificent view of Kibo from camp and the Umbwe Valley below you.
Day 5
It should take you about 3 hours to overcome this obstacle, and to have a well earned rest at the top, with spectacular views of Kibo once again. Keep traversing eastwards, before descending sharply into the Karanga Valley.
There are some sections on the downhill that are quite slippery, so take care, but your trusty guides will always be with you to advise the best options. There is a short, but steep ascent out of the valley to the camp on the other side at 4 200 m where you will overnight (+- 4 hours walking).
Once again, pace yourself to graduate slowly. Tonight you may experience further headaches, nausea and breathing problems. Night temperature – again cold (night frosts). Overnight camping.
Day 6
Steep ascent to the camp. You will be able to rest up at Barafu to gather strength for the summit attempt that will follow this evening. Learn to pace yourself with your breathing – do not try to rush to catch up with anyone, go at your own, most comfortable speed and you will arrive at base camp relatively comfortably.
Listen to your guide/s they will help you.
It could be very cold today – especially when you rest or the wind picks up – dress warmly, again you may expect some sleet on this day. You will be walking through the cloud. Relax for the rest of the afternoon after arriving at camp.
After supper, drink as much tea as possible settle down (option with a sleeping pill**) for an early night. You are likely to have a pretty bad headache at this stage.
If you are vomiting, or hallucinating, talk to your guide. He will make the decision as to whether you are able to continue. If you plan to take Decadron, do so before going to bed. Drink plenty of fluids, as you are in a ‘desert’ area – albeit cold, and tomorrow will be a long hard day. Overnight camping.
Day 7
You will be very thirsty by the end of the day – if you manage, carry 3 litres of fluid with you today. You will be woken at about 00h30 or 01h00 with tea and a biscuit.
Put on all your clothing ready for the final ascent. You will be climbing up scree for approximately 4-5 hours. The guide will stop frequently to rest and check on his group. It is very important to listen to your body and breathing and try to get into a rhythm. Because of the slowness of your walk, your fingers and toes are likely to get extremely cold – three pairs of socks should be considered for today and two pairs of gloves (inner and warm outer).
The views from the views from the mountain (on the way up) are spectacular – you gain incredible height over a short distance. You arrive at Stella Point (5 750 m), just at the top of the crater, have a rest -the sun should be shining!
From here continue on a relatively easy path up to Uhuru peak (5 895 m), the highest point in Africa.
Your water bottle is probably frozen at this stage, and on reaching the summit there will be a certain relief amongst the group.
You will descend from Stella to Barafu. Depending on the timing of your summit, you will be able to have a short rest here (maybe a sleep) and something to eat, before continuing down the Mweka Route.
You will travel down quickly on the scree gasping in more oxygen, step by step.
This is a long descent, and Mweka Camp always seems to be on the ‘next hill’ – never arriving.
It is likely you may experience seizure of joints – particularly knees today – keep a support bandage with you for this descent, and perhaps some anti-inflammatory pills/cream.
Arrival at Mweka Camp (approx 3 000 m) on the edge of the rainforest, late afternoon, overnight camping. It is now time to reflect on the day’s achievements.
Day 8
There are generally beers and cokes for sale at the park gate. Transfer by vehicle to the hotel (approximately 45 minutes drive) ready for an evening of celebration by the swimming pool.
Certificates are generally handed out by the guides, either at the gate or on occasion they may join you for a celebratory drink at the hotel.
You will overnight at the Keys Hotel with a continental breakfast included.
Please note that the hotel will be pretty busy this evening, and it is wise to stagger showering if there are other large groups in – otherwise you may not get hot water.
The bar will be well stocked with cold beers however!
Please re-confirm the time of your departure for the transfer tomorrow morning.
Six day hike, plus 2 nights at base hotel. From Moshi / back to Moshi.
Bed & breakfast included at the hotel, full board on the mountain.
Dinner at hotel package shown as optional extra.
The different descent trail also helps to avoid upcoming trekkers, as they use a separate trail. It does, however, have more “ups and downs” than the Marangu route (which some say helps with altitude acclimatization). When climbing this route, you walk up the western side of the mountain.
The Machame Route is a fantastic opportunity to combine mountain skills and experience. It maximises the time and options available for climbing and allows for a more leisurely pace.
The nights are spent camping, and we provide top mountain guides, porters and safari chefs to look after you. Camping equipment is provided and it is carried by the porters. There are no shower / bath facilities while doing the climb, and toilets will be long drops. You will be provided with a bowl of warm water each morning, on request, to wash with.
It is advisable to “walk high, sleep low” – so after a short rest at the camps, walk up another few hundred metres and then return to camp for the evening. This will help you with acclimatisation to the altitude and assist with a successful summit.
Kilimanjaro National Park comprises the area above the 2,700 metre contour. It includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. In addition, the Park has six corridors, or rights of way, through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve. The Forest Reserve, which is also a Game Reserve, was established in 1921. The Park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977.
The Park exists to preserve Mount Kilimanjaro outstanding scenic and geological features and its flora and fauna for the use and enjoyment of all people, present and future. This is also the aim of the Forest and Game Reserve below the Park itself, and these different agencies are co-operative in the conservation of all the mountain’s resources.
This route offers some of the best scenery – ascending from the western side of Kilimanjaro, and descending down the south face. All tents and camping equipment are portered for you, with meals being prepared by cooks.
To The Kilimanjaro Adventurer
From Wayne Wetherall – Wild Spirit Adventures
When you choose a climb or adventure operator there are certain points that should be checked before you place your life in their hands. Everyone has their own set of criteria – we list below some important issues regarding your Mt Kilimanjaro Climb that may be of interest.
- Our partner has the experience – operating since 1990 – and over 8000 successful summits of Mt Kilimanjaro. Our partner has a 95%+ success rate, and all our guests come home safe.
- Our partner has been operating in East Africa longer than any other SA Tour Operator, even before the region opened to South Africans!
- The majority of our partners’ office team have climbed, and can give first hand advice.
- Our partner is members of SATOA / SATSA and in Tanzania of TATO e.g. we are legal both in Tanzania and in SA – you have peace of mind when paying your money over that you are dealing with an approved long term member of the industry, who undertakes annual industry led financial analysis to prove their continued viability.
- Our guides and crew are looked after to international standards, following guidelines laid down by the International Mountain Explorers Connection – in fact our partner isthe only South African linked operator currently working to these guidelines.
- Guide to climber ratio is one to 2 or 3 guests.
- Guides are qualified and trained in Mountain Rescue and CPR etc
- Some guides have well over 400 summits to their name.
- We carry portable oxygen on all climbs
- We have available on the mountain portable hyperbaric chambers for groups. Please enquire for details.
- Guides check guests’ medical condition daily, and monitor this.
- Our guides are local – e.g. from Moshi, the regional centre, as are our porters. We do not bring in other tribes / people from Arusha etc to work on our climbs, ensuring the area gets the benefit of the income. There is a lot more information contained in other documents you will be sent on booking with this one. These documents will answer many of the questions that you SHOULD be asking before climbing Kilimanjaro (or booking of any travel package!!)
There are a few more points that may help you in this decision:
Price issues – these always come up when groups “research“trips and then compare options. Some will want to go for the cheapest option, some want the better quality and peace of mind of booking through an experienced, reliable licensed operator. At the end of the day, you all buy safe vehicles, put safe tyres on them, and plan to live a long life – don’t compromise on something as important as summiting Kilimanjaro. Temperatures drop to minus 200C, and if you don’t have the correct gear, crew, food and so forth, you may be putting your life, and others, at risk. You want to get to the top, safely – and have a good time doing it.Just looking at our success rate of 95%+, and the AVERAGE success rate of about 50 – 60%, you have about a 30% better chance with us than a budget operator. You don’t want to waste your money. This is where our experienced staff, kit lists, detailed presentations at our offices etc help a LOT.
A lot of the reasons for our success rate boils down to money – we pay enough to get good guides, crew, and to buy you good food, and use decent equipment (which is maintained/upgraded regularly). When you consider that about $600 per person on a 6-day climb goes on park fees alone, and you work out what a budget operator has got left to run a business on, you can see that on budget trips corners will probably be cut. All to the detriment of YOU, the guest.
This could be done in many ways:
- Dodging Park fees – e.g. paying for a 5-day climb, and doing a 6-day.
- Not paying their crew properly, porters especially – leaving them to survive on tips only.
- Overloading porters – and yes, they have even found a way around the National Parks scales at the gate, and manage to load up porters with over 40 kg!!
- Poor food – not enough budget to buy the right food for altitude – and you can imagine what a “dose of the runs“ does to your chances of getting to the top…
- Old equipment / not repaired etc.
It has been estimated that in GOOD weather, your summit chances with a budget operator are probably only slightly less than if you climb with a decent operator. In BAD weather, the chances of summiting – indeed surviving without injury – are 40% better with a higher standard of climb. Basically a good, qualified, well paid crew, with decent leadership and good gear, is what you need – and get – from our standard of climb. It is not a luxury trip, but we ensure that both standards and service are maintained to a high level. Our trips are not cheap – and they never will be. We pay our crew well, use good gear, pay local taxes, operate ethically etc. You will however, get good value for money and a good chance at the summit.
Consider the above points well – they are ALL questions you should be asking. I am confident that, knowing the above, we will soon see you on a Wild Spirit Kilimanjaro Climb. If you want cheap, we suggest you contact many of the other “operators“ out there.
Hope to see you up there soon.
Wayne Wetherall
Wild Spirit Adventures
Important Notes
- All rates have been quoted in USD.
- Prices are subject to change without prior notification due to circumstances beyond our control,
namely fuel surcharges, supplier increases, government taxes, exchange rate fluctuations, etc. - All flight costs are based on the lowest fare class and are subject to availability at time of booking.
- Airport taxes can only be confirmed at time of booking due to exchange rate fluctuations and may
change the costs of the attached estimation. - All costs are valid for the above travel dates. Some travel packages may have seasonal discounts.
Please contact me for further details on low season packages. - Standard Terms and Conditions Apply.
- It is a condition of travel that guests must have insurance for cancellations / curtailment, medical
expenses and baggage loss.
Should any details change, we reserve the right to re-calculate the tour price accordingly.
This quotation is valid until 2nd February 2014.
Inclusion
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The following are included in the price of your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure trip:
- Airport/Hotel accommodation transfers
- Accommodation 2 nights twin share, Keys Hotel in Moshi (pre and post trek only)
- Breakfast on 2 mornings at Keys Hotel
- Transport to and from National Park Gate
- National park fees and Campsite fees
- All meals during the trek
- Experienced Guides and Porters
- Tent and Mattress
- Certificate on completion
- Wild Spirit shirt
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
The following are not included in the price of your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure trip:
- International flights and Domestic flights (within Australia)
- Anti-malaria medication and / or inoculations as recommended by your Doctor
- Personal first aid and personal care items
- Medical Assessment (Wild Spirit will provide each person with a Doctors letter to take to your local Doctor)
- Visa for entry into Tanzania
- Passport
- Personal Travel Insurance (Insurance needs to include provision for a medical evacuation from Mount Kilimanjaro)
- Personal expenses (e.g. telephone calls, drinks, meals, room service etc)
- Tips (budget approx $140-160 per person for any of the six day camping route)
- Extra nights’ accommodation in Moshi
- “Trekking Gear List” items
- All expenses relating to a Medical Evacuation (refer to Booking Terms & Conditions)
“Adventure Grade” Camping Safaris
“Adventure Grade” Camping Safaris are run with a crew of a cook / assistant plus guide. It is a viable option for those keen to camp and stay in more remote places.
You are accompanied by an experienced, knowledgeable guide, a camp assistant and a cook – all fully trained professionals who will prioritise your comfort and safety as well as striving to ensure optimal game-viewing opportunities throughout your journey.
Meals usually consist of a cooked breakfast or brunch, light lunch and a three course dinner. Fridges are used for safe and efficient storage of meat and food, and cool boxes are used for keeping your drinks cold – your guide will show you the best places to purchase these prior to departure and along the way.
You are requested to erect your own tent on arrival at camp and dismantle your tent on departure. This is very simple to do and takes about five minutes – your guide will show you how this is done. The balance of the chores (cooking, washing up, etc) will be taken care of by the camp assistant and cook.
It is important to note that this is a quality camping product, and not a luxury mobile camp. Accommodation is in the public campsites of Tanzania’s National Parks and, despite our best efforts, we have very little control over the quality and standards of ablution facilities at the campsite.
Please be aware that the toilets in public campsites are long-drop style without flush.
Game viewing at Lake Manyara National Park with picnic lunch included.
Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake at the base of a sheer stretch of the western Rift Valley escarpment.
The north-western area of this lake is protected in a 330 square kilometre national park, which contains a remarkable diversity of terrestrial habitats: the grassy floodplain of the lakeshore, the rocky base of the escarpment, a belt of thick acacia woodland and a lush patch of groundwater forest just inside the northern entrance gate. An interesting biodiversity of fauna and flora can be observed here and a variety of large mammal species including elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and lion.
Perhaps, however, the most immediately visible residents are the troupes of olive baboon, sometimes found in the company of the smaller and rather beautiful blue monkey. This is also a wonderful location for viewing groups of elephant and, for keen birders, Manyara has recorded almost 400 species due to the wide habitat diversity.
After game viewing, you will weave your way upwards into the dense forest slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, pausing to admire the splendid view of the crater floor 600 m below at Heroes Point, before driving on to our campsite on the rim of the Ngorongoro caldera.
If we arrive and set up camp in good time, you may consider an early evening/sunset visit to a Maasai boma where you can spend some time learning about the culture, traditions and beliefs of this ancient, noble warrior tribe. This visit is at an additional cost, and should be discussed with, and paid directly to the guide.
Trekking Gear List – Mount Kilimanjaro
(This is our recommendation of gear required)
TOILETRIES |
|
|---|---|
| Toothbrush | |
| 1 | Toothpaste |
| 1 | Roll on deodorant |
| 1 | Razor |
| 2 | Rolls of toilet paper |
| 1 | Wet ones |
| 1 | Soap |
| 1 | Zinc cream for protection from UV rays and dry air |
| 1 | Ladies hygiene products |
| 1 | Antibacterial Hand Gel |
Camping Trekking Gear |
|
|---|---|
| 1 | 150 litre kitbag for porter can be hired |
| 1 | Daypack (for personal use) can be hired |
| 1 | Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner (at least -5 rating) can be hired |
| 1 | Self inflating mattress - 2 foam rolls are supplied but will not give a great level of comfort |
| 1 | Pillow (optional) (Inflatable travel pillow or cushion insert – do not bring full size pillow) |
| 1-2 | Walking poles – this is essential can be hired |
| 1-2 | Gloves, 1 inner thin pair plus thicker outer glove or mitts, water and wind proof |
| 1 | Torch (and spare batteries) |
| 1 | Head Torch (and spare batteries) |
| 2 | Dry bags or waterproof bags (available from camping stores) or garbage bags to keep clothing dry in kitbag |
| Water - need minimum of 4 litres (your choice of water bottles or water bladder, you will need easy access to bottles) |
|
| 3ltr | Backpack bladder and 1 water bottle (for mixing supplements) |
| 1 | Water drink bottles |
| 1 | Waterproofing product |
| Camera + lots of film, spare batteries, disposable camera (Note: Cameras and video recorders cannot be charged on the Mountain as there is no electricity) |
Medical Kit |
|
|---|---|
| Medications as Prescribed by your Doctor (Anti malaria, antibiotics for wounds and infections, anti inflammatory, anti vomiting, epi-pen etc…) |
|
| 1 | Diamox for altitude sickness, max of 3 per day |
| 12 | Gastrolyte (must have) |
| 1 | Endura Powder (available from Chemists) |
| 1 | Headache Tablets |
| 1 | Diarrhoea Tablets |
| 1 | Travel Calm Tablets |
| 1 | Anti-Inflammatory medications (eg. Ibrofen, Voltaren, Nurofen) |
| 1 | Antihistamines (e.g. Telfast, Phenergan 10mg) |
| Multivitamins / B1 Tablets (start a couple of weeks prior to trek) | |
| 2 | Antibacterial hand gel (e.g. Aqium) |
| 1pkt | Blister Pads (optional) |
| 1 | Roll of strapping tape |
| small | Vaseline (blisters) |
| 2pkt | Large size band-aids (Elastoplast) |
| 1 | Knee and/or ankle guards |
| 1 | Antiseptic lotion/cream (e.g. Paraderm Plus, Betadine, Bepanthen) |
| 1 | Papaw ointment |
| 1 | Hydrocortisone cream (for bites) |
| 10 | Cotton wool balls |
| 3 | Insect repellent roll-on / cream (we suggest ‘Bushman Plus’ – always keep it on) |
| 2pkt | Water purification tablets (highly recommend) |
| 1 | Sunscreen (always keep it on) |
| 1 | Sunglasses – wrap-around style for UV protection |
| 1 | Salt tablets |
| 3pkt | Glucose Jelly Beans or Glucose lollies |
| 4 pkts | Glucodin Tablets |
| For every day | Munchies (chocolates, muesli bars, lollies, beef jerky, nuts etc...) |
CLOTHING |
|
|---|---|
| 1 | Walking boots (waterproof) and spare boot laces |
| 1 | Lightweight shoes to wear in camp at night e.g. running shoes |
| 2 | Tracksuit/ fleece pants for colder days & evenings |
| 1 | Waterproof pants , lightweight and breathable can be hired |
| 2 | Thermal underwear polypropylene or similar, must be breathable |
| 4 | Long sleeved lightweight fleecy shirts for layering |
| 2 | Synthetic pants and shirts, breathable and wind-resistant, highly recommend the zip-off pants |
| 1-2 | ‘skins’ style sports clothing shorts (highly recommended, great to reduce chafing) |
| 1 | Waterproof Jacket Gortex or similar. Breathable wind and waterproof jacket, must have a hood can be hired |
| 1 | Lightweight poncho – for heavy rain |
| 5 | Thick Synthetic hiking style socks |
| 5 | Thin socks to help prevent blisters |
| 3 | Comfortable underwear / bras |
| 1 | Gaiters alpine type, not the anklets can be hired |
| 1 | Warm fleece hat or balaclava, need to ensure ears are covered |
| 1 | Microfiber Towels |
| 1 | Scarf/ Buff to keep the neck warm |
Repair Kit |
|
|---|---|
| 10 | Long cable ties |
| 1 | Electrical tape |
| 1 | Pocket knife or Multi tool |
| 1 | Small super glue |
EXTRAS |
|---|
| Diary and pen |
| Small mirror |
| Playing cards |
| Large zip lock bags (for personal items, clothes, lollies) |
* If travelling with friends or part of a group you may be able to share some of the above items e.g. creams / lotions.
* This list is our recommendation of what to take
Mountain Safety
Safety, when undergoing these treks, is important to us and we strive to give you all available and necessary information in regards to your health and well being while going on your adventure. We strongly recommend you read the following pages of information on mountain safety – particularly in regards to health issues that can occur at high altitudes and in unfamilar climates.
The Kilimanjaro Adventurer
In case one person gets sick and has to stay behind or even return, he or she will be accompanied by one of the assistant guides while other climbers go on with the leading guide and other assistant guide(s). Unlike most other companies who charge about US$100, we provide a free transfer from the mountain to the hotel should a climber return earlier than planned. However, if the climb is extended for any reason, we will charge $170 per day per person.
Tipping our porters, guides and cooks is an important way for us to supplement their wages. The following is a guide on what to expect to pay while in East Africa. Guide: US$10 Porter: US$5 Assistant Guide: US$7 Cook: US$4
This tipping structure is per group/per day. This is a local payment and cannot be paid directly to Wild Spirit Adventures. The amount you tip will depend on which Track you do however on average it adds approximately US$150 – US$250 to the cost of the expedition. All companies use this tipping arrangement.
Due to popular demand, we have group departures on the Marangu, Machame and Umbwe routes throughout the year.
When you book, kindly advise if your guests would like a PRIVATE or GROUP departure. Should it be the latter, we will endeavour to put them with other guests on the climb itself. Generally, Saturday arrival (Sunday climb) is the most popular days of the week as such we can more readily put your guests with others over the weekends.
Your consultant will confirm with you if your clients will be climbing with others or not, and the approximate group size during the booking process. We cannot guarantee a group departure, as certain times of the year are busier than others – and should you guest be travelling alone, then the solo / single supplement would still apply.
SOLO climber rate – This includes single room supplement at the hotel, single tent supplement on mountain, and solo climber supplement, i.e. to climb privately, not part of a group. Should you request for an individual to join a group, we cannot always guarantee the availability of others to climb, and therefore retain the right to charge the solo rate should we be unsuccessful in finding others to climb with your client.
Travel insurance, tips (budget approx USD130-150 per person for any of the six day camping route), drinks and items of a personal nature, personal equipment. Airport transfers and shuttle bus optional extra.
For all payments made by Travellers Cheque there is a service charge of US $15. Also all payments made by Credit Cards, attracts a surcharge of 7.5%.
Please pay preferably by CASH USD, small denomination notes are recommended (1’s, 5’s, 10’s etc for the smaller bills).
Telephone Calls are EXTREMELY expensive from the hotel for various reasons; please ASK FIRST before you call!
The tips have become a tradition, and are expected by the guides and porters for all attempting Kilimanjaro. Please budget around USD 170- 190 for this six day camping hike – per climber – which gets split across the group. Old clothing is also appreciated! Please do not provide tips whilst on the mountain (see tipping document).
There is cell phone network coverage on certain parts of Kilimanjaro and in
Tanzania, so remember to organise an international roaming facility.
It is imperative that you reconfirm your onward/return flights.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania, which you can obtain on
arrival for USD 50 per person (depending on your nationality).
Please note you will need a Yellow Fever inoculation, this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. If you have had any previous history of liver disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must. Please refer to our medical sheet for the mountain.
The January to March season tends to be colder and there is a much greater chance of snow on the path at this time. The days, however, are often clearer, with only the occasional brief shower. It is usually an exceptionally beautiful time to climb and is often a little quieter than the other peak season of June to October.
“As wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun,
was the square top of Mount Kilimanjaro” Ernest Hemingway.
The first written reference to Mt. Kilimanjaro was by Ptolemy but even so, Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free standing mountain in the world remained relatively unknown to the outside world until 1848.
Snow capped and shrouded by clouds, the local Chagga people called it ‘Kilema Kyaro’ meaning ‘that which cannot be conquered’ or ‘that which makes a journey impossible.’ Today, it is the dream of every adventurer to conquer its summit and stand on the “roof of Africa.”
Situated south of the equator – in Tanzania – at 19 340 feet, (5895m) this is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest “free standing” mountain in the world.
Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for the successful trekker, as well as the satisfaction of conquering this mighty peak.
It is not for the faint-hearted – this will test you to your limits, mentally as well as physically. The main problems encountered are altitude sickness, which can be countered by use of medicines, and lack of oxygen.
The standard route is a hike – no climbing as such. It is very cold – correct kit is a must – but our kit lists and hire equipment are top quality. We have personally done the major routes; so can offer first hand advice.
Good preparation and advice, as well as good guides on the mountain, have given us an over 95% success rate (the average is 60%) – this type of thing is a “once in a lifetime ” challenge, and must not be taken lightly.
We ensure that all our climbers have all the facts – medical list, equipment list, etc, long before they travel – possibly the reason for our success rate.
Any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The youngest to make it was nine years old – the oldest seventy-nine.
While thousands of people scramble to the top of Kilimanjaro each year, there are some extremely severe climbs available to the experienced mountaineer. There are several principal hiking routes up the mountain, like the Marangu (Coca Cola), Shira, Londorossi, Rongai, Umbwe and Machame.
The Shira plateau can be reached with a four-wheel drive vehicle up to 4 000 metres. These routes are marked and provided with simple bivouac huts and water, we choose to camp on all of these routes (except Marangu which offers communal huts)
The Machame route is one of the more scenic routes up the mountain, after the Umbwe route, this is probably the most beautiful route by which to ascend the mountain. Nights are spent in ‘alpine tents’ sleeping two persons per tent (three person tents, so there is space for your luggage).
All your supplies and camping equipment are portaged up for you (tents, 20-25 mm compressed foam sleeping mats, awnings, stools, lights, etc), and your meals are prepared.
Your personal baggage limit is 12kg for the climb.
South African tents and sleeping mats are supplied on this trip.
The Keys Hotel, your base hotel, is located in Moshi and has a swimming pool, indoor bar and garden area, patio, restaurant and satellite television coverage. The rooms are clean, neat and comfortable. Showers are en-suite with hot/cold water. It is one of the best hotels in town, although fairly basic by South African standards. The staff are very friendly and ‘nothing is too much trouble’.
The guides employed are excellent (some have climbed Kili over 400 times)! They are employed by the Keys Hotel and have looked after a multitude of our clients. Each trip is lead by a senior guide, with other guides in a ratio of approximately one guide per 2 or 3 climbers – if you are a bit slower than the rest or get ill and have to descend, a guide will always be with you.
Food served on the mountain is generally plain and wholesome, including a lot of carbohydrates, stews and soups, vegetables and fresh fruit. Vegetarians are catered for, but please notify us in advance.
When flying, we strongly suggest you wear / carry on your boots, wet weather gear and cameras – these are crucial for your climb, and you do not want to risk losing them in the hold. Make sure you have your yellow fever certificate with you – as it will be asked for on in Tanzania and on arrival back home.
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Representative from Keys Hotel and transferred to the hotel in Moshi (approx 1 – 1 ½ hour’s drive), where you will overnight including a continental breakfast.
There are two sister hotels – Keys Mbokomo and Keys Uru. Both of these hotels have good views of Mount Kilimanjaro and are classified as modern “Tourist” standard hotels.
They are of medium size, and rooms are all en-suite.
Some have air-conditioning, television and mini-bar.
Meals consist of buffet continental breakfast, full restaurant meals, bar snacks served all day and occasional barbecues. A bar with a full range of drinks including beers, bottled
water and soft drinks is available.
Amenities include room service, full laundry service, swimming pool, international telephone, facsimile and internet services, car parking and security.
Leave any excess clothing and valuables at the hotel – they will lock them up for
you.
Pack your bag carefully for the climb – remember the weight limit of 12kg.
The best time to Climb Mt Kilimanjaro
The best time to climb Mt Kilimanjaro is during its two dry seasons, January to mid-March and June to October. You can trek Kilimanjaro in the rainy season but not only is there a much higher chance of trekking in the rain, the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi are likely to be wreathed in thick cloud too. Christmas and New Year, when the weather is far from perfect, are actually the most popular times for climbing Kilimanjaro.
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