(June 30th to July 9th, 2012)
Kilimanjaro Expedition 5,895m –Tanza
ia
Difficulty Level: Trekking/Introductory
No technical climbing or altitude experience is necessary. It is imperative, however, that you are in good physical shape, and able to hike in rugged terrain for long days. We are happy to detail physical and technical training programs as needed to get you ready for our introductory expeditions
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro
The main trekking seasons on Kilimanjaro correspond with the mountain’s two dry seasons (an imprecise term, the weather being occasionally inclement during these periods too) namely January to mid-March and June to October. Of course you can trek up 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. Indeed, several agencies even suspend their operations in November and December, deciding that any trek up Kilimanjaro is foolhardy at this time and the rewards for the trekkers considerably less. Curiously, however, Christmas and New Year, when the weather is far from perfect, are actually the most popular times for climbing Kilimanjaro.
As to the relative merits of the two trekking seasons, the differences are small though significant. 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, which coincides with the main academic holidays in Europe and the West. In this latter season the clouds tend to hang around the tree-line following the heavy rains of March to May. Once above this altitude, however, the skies are blue and brilliant and the chance of precipitation minimal (though still present).
Although the June to October season tends to be busier, this is not necessarily a disadvantage. For example, if you are travelling independently to Tanzania but wish, for the sake of companionship or simply to cut down on costs, to join up with other travelers for your Kilimanjaro trek, then the high visitor numbers in the June-October peak season will give you the best chance of doing this
The summit of Kilimanjaro stands at 19,341 feet, the highest point in all of Africa and one of the famed Seven Summits. Our expedition travels away from the crowds by climbing the Rongai Route. While somewhat longer than the busier routes, the trek is stunning. As it climbs from the trailhead at 6,000 feet to the summit, it passes through every ecological zone found in this area of East Africa. You begin in rainforest; pass through alpine pines, then into grassland, alpine tundra, and eventually the barren world of the crater itself. And over the first 5 days on the mountain, you will see few other climbers or camps.
Kilimanjaro is the perfect place to experience climbing a high-altitude peak without needing years of experience or training. While the days can be strenuous, our route is non-technical (there is no rock climbing, ice, snow, or ropes). We will also be assisted on our climb by a stellar team of local Tanzanians acting as porters, a kitchen staff, and local guides. Their experience and local knowledge will not only make your trip more comfortable (each day you carry only a light day pack and the food is hearty and tasty). They will also add to your understanding of this mountain and the local people.
Itinerary
Day 1 
epart the USA for Tanzania, usually flying via Europe. (Saturday)
Day 2 :Arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport in the evening, where you will meet your guides. Transfer to our hotel in Arusha, at the base of Kilimanjaro, where we have a team dinner. (Sunday)
Day 3 :In the morning we explore the local villages that surround the base of Kilimanjaro. In the afternoon we hold our first team meeting, and organize our gear for the climb.
Day 4 rive to the Umbwe trailhead, with stunning views of the mountain along the way. Once there we meet our Tanzanian porters and staff, organize loads, and then begin our climb through lush forests. Six hours of walking will take us to our first camp, at 9,500 feet.
Day 5: Our 6 hour hike takes us out of the humid forest and onto a stunning ridge with our first views of the famed Western Breach wall of Kilimanjaro. The trail continues climbing on this ridge until the Barranco Camp, at 13,000 feet.
Day 6: Today is an acclimatization day at Barranco Camp. In the morning we take a 3 hour hike up the Barranco Wall to over 14,000 feet, from which, We have incredible views out to Mt. Meru and the Tanzanian grasslands. We return to camp in the afternoon to rest and enjoy our local cook’s creations.
Day 7: Today’s hike takes us through the last of Kilimanjaro vegetated zones and into the barren alpine world of the upper mountain. A four hour hike takes us past species of plants found only here on Kilimanjaro upper flanks, and ends at our camp at the Lava Towers (15,000 feet), incredible formations which we spend the afternoon exploring.
Day 8: The move to our highest camp on the mountain takes only two hours, but is quite challenging due to the high altitude and terrain. The Arrow Glacier Camp, at 16,000 feet, is well worth the effort and boasts one of the best sunset views in all of Africa. We get into camp early, and spend the afternoon resting and preparing for our summit attempt.
Day 9: Summit Day! We wake around midnight for a hot drink and snack and then begin our climb. The first 6 hours are steep and we occasionally use our hands to scramble over rocky sections (no ropes or technical experience are necessary) as we ascend the Western Breach Wall. Around sunrise we top out on the wall and step onto the crater. The route from there crosses past the small crater glacier and then ascends easily to the summit, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 feet! Our descent is via the Mweka route. After at least a 12 hour day we will set camp at 10,000 feet.
Day 10: Four hours of easy descent take us through the Mweka’s lush rainforests (a completely different ecological zone than we saw on our ascent) to the end of the trail (6,000 feet) and our van. We return to our hotel for much needed showers and a celebration dinner. Those who only have time for the climb fly home after dinner (Monday). But we highly recommend our safari, an unforgettable East African experience.
Day 11: We begin with a short drive to Manyara National Park. Manyara is known for its many flamingos and baboons, as well as lions and herds of antelope – all taking advantage of the water at Lake Manyara. In the evening we leave Manyara to drive to our hotel on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 12: A full day of exploring Ngorongoro. Ngorongoro holds the highest concentration of big game anywhere in Africa. It is an unbeatable place to see herds of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, and buffalo, along with the predators that feed on these herds – lions, cheetahs, and leopards. It is also one of the better places to spot rhinoceros. We will return to our crater hotel for a second night.
Day 13: Today we take another early morning game drive in the crater. This is the best time to see many of the animals. We also visit a traditional Masai village, where we meet and learn more about these nomadic herders. In the afternoon we return to Arusha. After one last celebration dinner complete with stunning views of Kilimanjaro in the distance, we head to the airport to catch evening flights. (Thursday)
Day 14: Return to the USA. (Friday)
Cost: $4,000(climb only, Inc land costs and meals)
Cost: $5,800(climb and safari – Inc all land costs and meals)
$1000.00 deposit, due with applicationBalance due 120 days prior to departure.
Land Costs Include
- All Tanzania transportation
- All Hotel accommodations in Tanzania during listed itinerary. (Double occupancy)
- All group equipment, such as tents, stoves, etc.
- All meals (B,L,D) during the climb and safari (Days 3 – 14) Porters, drivers, guides, park fees and climbing permits
Land Costs Do Not Include
- $25 Wire Transfer Fee (If Applicable)
- International round-trip airfare Tanzania
- Optional Serengeti Balloon Ride ($475.00)
- Nairobi Shuttle & Lodging Supplement: $500.00 for those traveling via Nairobi
- Tanzanian and/or Kenyan visas
- Meals, transport, and lodging outside the regular itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- All expenses incurred in the event of early departure ( evac fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc)
- Personal gear (see gear list)
- International vaccinations
- Optional Single Room Supplement: $425.00
- For those requesting double room accommodations every effort will be made to pair you with another climber.
- A Single Room Supplement will apply if a match cannot be made or if there is a last minute cancellation.
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition LLC,
- Tips and gratuities
- all prices and dates subject to change
Cancellation Refund Policy
Note: Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition must adhere to a stringent refund policy.
- Each deposit, regardless of amount, includes a $200.00 non-refundable registration fee. Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 120-days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
- No refunds will be provided.
- All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 90-day period, as stated above.
- All balances are due 90 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
- Participants whose balances are not received by the 90-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the expedition.
Note: Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition offers a plan in conjunction with Travelex. If you are signing up online or over the phone, please contact us for detail policy number and information we will be sent upon receipt of your completed application. When you book please provide our reference this number #47-0110 through Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition LLC,
For more information regarding seven summits, please contact us.
E-mail: info@himalayansherpa.com
Congratulation your summit with Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition 2010! For more information to join these groups, please contact at National 1-888-800-0830 Local: 206-324-9000 or E-mail info@himalayansherpa.com
