Trip Information

Here is the desciption of our trip (courtesy of the Alpine Ascents website):

Crowned by eternal snows, the mighty Kilimanjaro (19,340ft) is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and dominates its landscape unlike any other mountain. Located in Tanzania, this extinct volcano looms over five eco-systems and large game reserves and is certainly one of the world's most impressive sights. The terrain is nothing short of dramatic. As a mountaineering company, we treat this adventure as a mountain climbing expedition.

As one of the most fascinating and diverse regions on earth, Kilimanjaro has attracted both climbers and nature enthusiasts with its magnetism. The ascent up this great peak is non-technical by nature and it affords a full mountaineering experience (with all the rigors and rewards) for those in strong physical condition. Over the past ten years, we have emerged as a leader in guiding Kilimanjaro, applying expertise from other formidable mountains to the wilds of Africa. We consider the Kilimanjaro climb and safari expedition to be one of the most appealing and treasured adventure experiences we offer.

The Machame Route (aka “the Whiskey Route”) offers some distinct advantages to other routes on the mountain. We do not climb via the Western Breach route as the high camp generally does not allow for proper acclimatization. We realize that sleeping on the crater rim can be a great experience but not at the risk of poor acclimatization and lower summit success.

Following our climb we begin a four-day safari to the spectacular game parks of Tanzania. Throughout the safari, we lodge in luxurious hotels and travel by Land Cruiser across the Great Rift Valley, following wildebeests, lions and other indigenous wildlife.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken crater on earth and claims the highest density of wildlife on the African continent. The view from the crater rim is breathtaking and descending deep into the belly of the crater will encounter almost every animal species found in east Africa. During this segment of the safari we spend time in a traditional Masai village.

The Tarangire River and National Park, south of Lake Manyara, is a huge wildlife retreat during the dry season. The river valley contains stunning views of the savanna and great varieties of large mammals such as kongoni, wildebeest and zebra. With any luck, safarists will also see rhino and leopard amongst a variety of gazelle, giraffe, elephant and impala.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania's signature park, covers nearly 15,000 square miles and spans into Kenya where it connects to the Masai Mara reserve. The word Serengeti conjures images of wild African game in all its glory. The abundance of animals running at will creates an overwhelming experience and fulfills the dream of life before the "great white hunters". The sheer mass of animals is both staggering and long remembered.

Here is our basic Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 Depart country of origin for Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania. (JRO).

Day 2 Arrive in Tanzania. Airport pick up and transfer to our hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.

Day 3 Rest Day. We spend the day relaxing after our international flights. Upon return we have a thorough equipment check and orientation including principles of Leave No Trace environmental ethics. O/N New Arusha.

Day 4 We travel by Land Cruiser to the Machame trailhead, winding through coffee fields and small forests of ferns and flowers. After registering with the park service, we meet our porters from the Chagga Tribe, indigenous to the slopes of Kilimanjaro. They are an integral part of our African journey as they become friends and provide insight into their culture and society. Our climb begins on the edge of a rain forest (elevation 5,800’). Below the watchful eyes of the monkeys, we trek seven hours to the Machame Camp (10,000’) and set camp for the night.

Day 5 Leave the Machame Hut, cross a small valley and begin our ascent. The environment changes from heath forest to moor lands. These moor lands are littered with two species of giant groundsel, senecios and lobelia. Halfway up the trail we meet a river gorge and ascend across the Shira Plateau (12,300’). We sleep at Shira Camp.

Day 6 We climb to 14,800’ while crossing a ridge and view the plains far below. Here we eat lunch and admire the ancient glacier ice of the Breach Wall before dropping to our 12,800’ campsite at Great Barranco.

Day 7 We climb up and over the Great Barranco, topping out at about 14,500’ before dropping to our camp at the Karanga River at about 13,000’. This completes another day of acclimatization as we pass below the famous Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. The Breach Wall climbing route, known as ‘The Icicle’, was first climbed in the early 1970’s by Reinhold Messner. Daytime temperatures can reach (80°F), while evening temperatures often drop below freezing.

Day 8 From the Karanga River we climb about 5-6 hours to our high camp at Barafu (14,650’). As we wind through beautiful and rarely traveled regions, we enter a high desert plateau, littered with volcanic boulders. Looking south we view the desert plains as the pinnacles of Mowenzi Peak tower before us. At Barafu we prepare for the summit attempt. While our cook staff prepares the food, we spend our time packing and preparing for the early morning, 2:00 am departure.

Day 9 Summit day! Awake at midnight and prepare gear for the ascent. We climb wearing headlamps until the predawn light is reflected off the African plains. Following a distinct ridge we approach the crater’s rim, then traverse northwest along the rim to the main summit, Uhuru Peak (19,340’). From here we view the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the rim and the hanging Rebman Glaciers. Climbers on the crater rim making their way to the summit. As the sun rises over Africa, we are privy to a panorama of incredible views. To the north stands the second highest mountain on the continent, Mt. Kenya (17,056’/5199m), with its unique twin summits. The southern exposure reveals the sprawling plains of Tanzania and East Africa and Mowenzi Peak. After enjoying the view from the top, we descend to Barafu, pack camp, and begin our traverse down the Mweka route on the southern side of the mountain.

Day 10 The sunrises are exquisite as we awaken below the towering mountain. We descend through the lush green landscape of the Mweka route into the thickest jungle we have yet encountered. The environment becomes primordial, with 20 foot-tall fern trees creating a prehistoric atmosphere. After reaching the Mweka Gate we drive to Arusha and enjoy a celebratory dinner.

Day 11 Our African safari drivers begin the safari to Tarangire National Park. This beautiful valley overlooks African grassland, sprinkled with acacia and baobab trees and is known for its variety of large mammals. Here we overnight comfortably in a deluxe safari lodge. (Safari itinerary subject to change . Based on team size and availability, travel order of safari parks may be reversed).

Day 12 With local African experts, we drive on to Lake Manyara National Park and observe antelopes, baboons and gazelles as they are stalked by lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Lake Manyara is world renowned for its ornithology and vast game reserves. After lunch we may visit a Masai village where we observe the tribal dance and local life-styles of the nomadic herders of the region. We then travel to Ngorongoro Crater and overnight comfortably in a deluxe safari lodge perched on the rim of the crater.

Day 13 We spend the morning in Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders. Here we encounter herds of zebra, antelope, buffalo, elephant, rhino, cheetah and hippo. After lunch we proceed with a game drive through Serengeti National Park en route to a deluxe safari lodge and dinner.

Day 14 There is an option for a spectacular sunrise balloon ride. We fly back to Arusha (Weather Permitting) for a farewell lunch at the lodge and then prepare for late night international departures. .

Day 15 Arrive country of origin.