Day 1 – Springland Hotel – Moshi
Day 2 – Machame Camp
Day 3 – Shira Camp
Day 4 – Barranco Camp
Day 5 – Barafu Camp
Day 6 – Mweka Camp
Day 7 – Springland Hotel – Moshi
Day 8 – Departure.
MOST OF YOUR CLOTHING THAT YOU ARE NOT ACTUALLY WEARING WILL BE CARRIED BY YOUR PORTER. ALTHOUGH A GUIDE WILL ALWAYS ACCOMPANY YOU ON THE TRAIL YOU ARE UNLIKELY TO SEE YOUR PORTER EXCEPT AT THE HUTS OR THE CAMPS. THEREFORE IT IS IMPORTANT YOU PACK CAREFULLY THE SMALLER DAY PACK YOU CARRY YOURSELF. ANYTHING YOU NEED DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY SHOULD BE IN YOUR DAY PACK INCLUDING, MOST IMPORTANTLY, SOMETHING WARM AND SOMETHING WATERPROOF.
LIGHT CLOTHING IS GENERALLY SUFFICIENT UNTIL YOU REACH THE 3-4000 METRE / 12-14,000 FEET ALTITUDE RANGE PROVIDED YOU ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING WARM AND WATERPROOF RIGHT WITH YOU. BEYOND THESE ALTITUDES, EVEN IF THE MORNINGS ARE GLORIOUS, YOU MUST ALWAYS BE READY FOR DRAMATIC CHANGES IN THE WEATHER, INCLUDING SNOW STORMS. YOU MUST HAVE CLOTHING RIGHT WITH YOU ADEQUATE TO THE CONDITIONS.
IT IS FOR THE FINAL ASCENT THAT ALL YOUR WARM CLOTHING IS IMPORTANT. THE ASCENTS ARE NORMALLY DONE AT NIGHT AND THIS IS WHEN THE COLDEST TEMPERATURES ARE EXPERIENCED. YOU MUST BE PREPARED FOR TEMPERATURES OF MINUS 25 CELSIUS/ MINUS 13 FAHRENHEIT. AS A RULE YOU SHOULD WEAR 2 PAIRS OF SOCKS, 3 LAYERS ON THE LEGS, 4 -5 LAYERS ON TOP. A BALACLAVA OR SKIMASK IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THE
HEAD WARM AND YOU SHOULD HAVE A HOOD TO PROTECT YOUR HEAD FROM WIND. MITTENS AND DARK GLASSES.
NOTE: THE BAG THE PORTER CARRIES FOR YOU SHOULD NOT EXCEED 15KGS/33LBS. IF BAGS ARE TOO HEAVY ITEMS MAY HAVE TO BE REMOVED OR THE CLIMBER MAY CHOOSE TO HIRE AN ADDITIONAL PORTER.
1. ANORAK/PARKA WITH HOOD
2. MITTENS
3. BALACLAVA/SKIMASK
4. SKI SUNGLASSES
5. SCARF
6. 2 PAIRS WARM TROUSERS
7. THERMAL UNDERPANTS AND VEST/LONG SLEEVED
8. 6 PAIRS SOCKS THIN AND THICK
9. T-SHIRTS X 3, LONGSLEEVE SHIRTS X 2-3
10. SWEATER/FLEECE X 1
11. WATERPROOF TROUSERS AND JACKET
12. SUNPROOF HAT
13. BOOTS AND TRAINERS/SANDALS
14. SMALL FIRST AID KIT
15. DAY PACK
16. WATER BOTTLES 2 X 1 LTR
17. SLEEPING BAG
18. MATTRESS /THERMAREST-CAMPING ONLY
19. HEADACHE TABLETS
20. IMODIUM (LOPERAMIDE)
21. DIAMOX
22. TOWEL/SOAP/TOILETRIES
23. TORCH/FLASHLIGHT AND SPARE BATTERIES
24. GAITERS
25. SUNBLOCK/IN DAY PACK
26. CAMERA, FILM,BATTERIES
You are met at the Airport or in Arusha City, drive to Moshi.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.
Hiking time: 7h Distance: Approximately 18kms
Habitat: Montane forest
Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to the Machame village (1490m). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. You will receive a lunch pack and you can also buy mineral water in the village. Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.
Your porters (arriving at the camp site long before you) will have erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite
Overnight: Machama Camp.
Hiking time: 6hrs
Distance: Approximately 9 kms
Habitat: Moorland
You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3 840m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing
Overnight: Shira Camp
Hiking time: 7hrs
Distance: Approximately 15 kms
Habitat: Semi-desert
The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). This is definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch you descent
again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.
Overnight: Baranco Camp.
Hiking time: 7hrs
Distance: Approximately 13 kms
Habitat: Alpine desert
After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut.
The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.
Overnight: Baranco Camp.
Hiking time: 8hrs to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8hrs to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kms ascent – 23 kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.
Overnight: Mweka Camp.
Hiking time: 3hrs
Distance: Approximately 15 kms
Habitat: Forest
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. View more tips on climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your return flight or to Arusha to start your safari.
A. PHYSICAL FITNESS
Although Kilimanjaro is not a technical mountain climb, it is a major challenge and the rigors of altitude should not be underestimated. Remember that Uhuru peak is 500m higher than Everest Base Camp!! The pace of your ascent coupled with good acclimatization will help you on the climb but it is essential to be mentally and physically prepared before you start. Regular hikes are one of the best ways to prepare, increasing frequency and length, as you get closer to the trek. All aerobic exercises such as cycling, running, swimming and funnily enough aerobics are good for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Generally, any exercise that increases the heart rate for 20 minutes is helpful but don’t overdo it just before the climb.
B. ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMITIZATION
Altitudes are generally defined as follows:-
· High altitude 2,400m – 4,200m
· Very high altitude 4,200m – 5,400m
· Extreme altitude above 5,400m (Uhuru peak is 5,895m)
During the trek it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the extremities (toes, fingers) and a mild swell of ankles and fingers.
These mild forms are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours.
C. PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
The following first aid materials are important: –
· Painkillers (asprin/paracetamol)
· Antihistamines
· Blister treatment
· Imodium or other antidiarrhoeal tablets
· Plaster/Band aids
· Antiseptic wipes
· Dressings, especially pressure relief for blisters
· Talcum powder
· Malaria tablets
· Sun block for skin and lips
· Antacids
· Cold cure sachets
· Oral rehydration salts/sachets
· Insect repellent
· Sanitary towels
· Etc.
D. OTHER HEALTH TIPS
All contact lens wearers should take care to remove the lenses at night, as the eye needs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. The rarefied conditions of altitude reduce oxygen levels and in extreme cases a Corneal Oedema can develop.
E. EMERGENCY EVACUATION
In the event of an emergency on the mountain the rescue team plus one of the assistant guides will descend with the casualty to the park gate. At the gate the casualty will be taken care and the necessary arrangements will be done.
F. PHOTOGRAPHY
Cameras whether Video or film, need to be protected against the severe cold weather either in warm pouch or the interior pockets of your clothing. Do not keep in your backpack at higher elevations. A selection of lenses will aid the final results although weight and bulk will obviously influence your selection. A polarized or neutral density filter is recommended, as is slide film rather than print. Bring your own film as it can be hard to find and expensive in Tanzania.
For digital equipment, check with the manufacturer’s specifications for temperature range (especially battery life), water tightness and general hardiness.
DO’s AND DONT’s (precautions)
HELP TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Waste Disposal: “Pack it in, Pack it out”.
Litter is not only ugly but can be harmful to people. Buried litter may be dug up by animals, and burning it is illegal, so – “ Pack it in – Pack it out” Until the appropriate disposal area.
PROTECT YOURSELF.
Watch your steps: In highland areas watch for
Stinging nettles: – Plants which cause temporary painful irritation to bare skin, and
May even sting through clothes. Shorts are not recommended where these occur.
Ants: – These are small shiny brown ants that move rapidly in dense columns trails. They are carnivores and if you step in them they crawl up your legs and start chewing. Tuck your trouser cuffs into to your socks, and watch where you step.
DRESS RIGHT:
Be prepared for different physical extremes.
– In the Lowlands, shade temperatures can reach 35˚C and shade may sometimes be scarce
– In the Highlands it may freeze at night. Fine weather can change very quickly to fog or rain. To keep you warm, wool and synthetics are better than cotton, but to keep you cool cotton is best.
Always protect yourself from the sun.
– A hat reduces the risk of sunstroke.
– Protect your eyes with dark glasses.
– Protect your skin with clothes or sun block lotion.
PEOPLE: – You are the guest of the locals and Tanzanians in general. Please treat them with respect.
– Always ask your guide to seek permission before photographing people or anything.
– Avoid roadside photographic deals. They encourage resident people to harass tour vehicles. Never give anything to children from a car or by the roadside – you could cause the death of a child who runs out into the road to beg from cars.
PARK ENVIRONMENTS:
– Try to avoid any interaction with wildlife. Wild animals particularly buffalo and elephants may attack if surprised or provoked.
– As the general Remark please observes all the park rules, your Guide will explain to you or you can read AT THE PARK Gate there are Precautions notice.
REQUIRED GEAR.
This is also available for rental at Moshi.
1. Sleeping bag.
2. Thick Sweater
3. Full rain suit
4. Rain suit pants
5. Duffel bag
6. Day pack rucksack
7. Long gaiters
8. Walking stick
9. Flashlight
10. Balaclava
11. Gloves
12. Mountain boots.
Travel Connections wishes you all a successful mountain climb.
