Mount Kilimanjaro

The world’s tallest 'Walkable Mountain' ... the crown of Tanzania.

Rising in absolute isolation, at 5895 meters (19,339 feet), Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth.

One of the World’s Greatest Natural Wonders, reaching the peak called Uhuru – the Swahili word for ‘Freedom’ – is both humbling and electrifying.

Because the mountain stands alone, rather than part of a range, you will travel through 5 different climactic zones during you accent, each supporting unique and isolated species of plants and animals that have evolved in isolation and occur nowhere else – the photographic opportunities are surreal.

What’s your reason for climbing to the top of Africa?

People climb Mount Kilimanjaro for many different reasons. For some it marks a personal accomplishment, for others a demonstration of their courage. It can be the corner stone for transitions in life; graduation, marriage, divorce or being 80 and because you can.

Whatever your reason, once you have stood at the top of Africa and looked out over the land that has marked the beginning of time, you will see the world in a different way. It is a place for vision, inspiration and new beginnings.

It is a magical experience and we want you to have it ... proper planning is crucial to your summit success.

The Route you choose Matters!

There are 6 routes to choose from, 2 are used for descent, and all have their advantages and disadvantages.

There is not a “Best” route to take for everyone ..... but there is a “Best” route for you. This is why it is important for us to talk about you and/or the group that will be climbing. The more information we have about your reasons for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro the better we can ensure your trek to the Top of Africa is more than you dreamed.

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is not a technical mountain to climb .... it’s not just a walk in the park either.

Information such as:

• Who is climbing?
• What limitations surround your climb?
• How do you see your trek?
• Why do you want to climb?
• When are you going to be here?

Will be the most important information to gather and ensure we know before your climb.

Taking advantage of the “Tailor-make your Kilimanjaro Climb” form, will help you fully understand all your options, help you with your planning strategies and is your first and most important step towards your summit success.

We have made it amazingly simple!

We have a mountain to climb ... Let’s get going!

3 Nights and 4 Days on Mount Meru

Mount Meru, the 5th highest mountain on the African continent and the 2nd highest in Tanzania – 4566m (14,967 ft) This impressive free standing volcano is a rewarding hike destination and a climb that is very much justified on its own merits. Overshadowed by the famous Kilimanjaro does not mean this spectacular gem in Tanzania should be underestimated. You will be amazed by the amount of wildlife you will encounter and the vegetation is stunning all the way to the top. Although Mount Meru is indeed the perfect preparation for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb as far as acclimatisation goes, it is a challenging climb on its own that requires your body to make changes to adapt to the altitude.

Let the climb Begin!

Day 1- We will pick you up from your hotel and make our way to Arusha National Park Gate and then onward to Momella Gate. Here we will register ourselves and meet our armed Park Ranger who will accompany us (a requirement by Arusha National Park for protection among wild animals).

We start in the open grasslands of the drier forest in the lower region where there is always the chance of an encounter with a giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebras and warthogs – up close and personal. As we continue our climb, leaving the grasslands behind, entering into a dense mountain rain forest where you rub shoulders with wild mango, African olive, wild Elder and Acacia trees.

Bird life is abundant and a keen eye will spot several species of butterflies. The famous ‘Fig Tree’ where a road passes right through the center of the trunk is a great place to stop for lunch. After lunch, continuing your climb, the canopy begins to thin. When you start to hear the grunting calls, keep your eyes on the tree tops to catch a glimpse of the magnificent black colobus monkey with their long ‘cape’ of white hair and flowing white tail. By mid afternoon the path clears and the first close peek of the sheer cliff face rising 1500m to the ash cone summit come into view. We will reach Miriakamba Hut in time to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains toward Kilimanjaro. (3 – 4 hour walk)

Elevation; 1500 m (4900 ft) to 2515 m (8,250 ft)

Day 2 - After breakfast we leave Miriakamba and briefly walk along flat land before entering the Montane Forest. Approximately 2 hours into our walk we will reach a brief opening in the woods called Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant Back Ridge), a great place for lunch. We will start to see the vegetation change to more of a scrub land and while moving closer to the summit Moore land and giant heather become a common sight.

Early afternoon we will reach the alpine zone of Saddle Hut where we will rest and set up camp and enjoy a few hours in the sun. Here the soil becomes sandy and dryer showing off an abundance of wildflowers. ( 4 hour walk) In the afternoon we will make the short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3820 m / 12,533 ft) for breathtaking views of the Socialist Peak (Mt Meru Summit) and the forest of Arusha National Park. Don’t forget your camera – this is a photo op you don’t want to miss.

The trek takes approximately 1 hour up and 30 minutes to walk down to Saddle Huts to watch the sun set behind us, casting rays on the glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro turning them different hues of orange and red ... spectacular!

Elevation; 2500 m (8200 ft) to 3820 m (12,533 ft)

Day 3 - We start out early in the morning - 2am – to make sure we see the sun rise from behind Mount Kilimanjaro. Our first hour is a steep one to reach Rhino point (3800 m /12,467 ft) and then the path turns into a little more challenging trek. You will continue on ground alternating between lava ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4350 m/14,272 ft).

The summit is now within our reach!

Another hour of climbing involving some rock scrambling and the summit, with its waving flag beckons us upward towards it.

Our greeting – the rising sun from behind Mount Kilimanjaro, its tip floating on morning clouds, the Great Rift Valley and the fantastic view of Mount Meru’s crater with its sheer walls and ‘Ash Cone’ right in the center. If the weather is clear we will see the active volcano of Mt. Oldoinyo Lengai to the west, below us the town of Arusha and the plains of the Masai steppe.

After taking the magnificent vistas and celebrating our summit success we begin our descent. From here the way back down to Rhino Point in the early morning light, along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer walls of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. We arrive back at Saddle Huts and rest before we continue our descent to Miriakamba Hut.

*Take Note; Mount Meru looks totally different when viewing it coming down. You will see many things you never noticed on the way up.

Elevation; 3500 m (11,700 ft) to 4566 m (14,980 ft)

Approximately 5 hour hike up, 2 ½ hour hike down to Saddle Huts, 2 ½ hour hike down to Miriakamba Huts.

Day 4 - Today we descent and pass back through scrub land, rain forest and grassland that now seen familiar to you. We will arrive at Momella Gate around noon where we will enjoy a picnic lunch and reminisce about the past few days. You will now be presented with summit certificates to commemorate this incredible experience you have had and to take with you as a reminder of your accomplishment.

We end this trip, for now, and bring you back to your hotel for a well deserved shower and clean change of clothes.

Lonely Planet, 5th Edition.