TREK KILIMANJARO

7-day Machame trek to the top of Kilimanjaro

Day 3:

Day at leisure including pre mountain brief. Equipment and clothing check – pack for the mountain. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Overnight at Chanya lodge.

Day 4:

Drive 1.5hrs from Chanya lodge to Machame park gate. Start climb at Machame Gate (1,800m) through mountain forest. Trekking time: 5-7hrs approximately 9km. Overnight at Machame Camp (3,000m) Full board during mountain phase. Twin sharing in a 3-man mountain tent.

Day 5:

Trek through grassy moorland and heather. Crossing through Shira plateau. Trekking time: 5-7hrs approximately 7km. Overnight at Shira camp (3,845m)

Day 6:

Continue through the heather and moorland, crossing scree sloes and a river valley. Trekking time: 6-8hrs approximately 10km. Overnight at Barranco camp (3,960m)

Day 7:

This is an additional day for acclimatisation where you will enter the alpine desert zone and climb up the steep Barranco Wall. Trekking time: 3-5hrs approximately 6km. Overnight at Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Day 8:

A short trek on compacted scree and steep areas over rocky slabs through the alpine desert. Trekking time: 3-4hrs approximately 4km. Overnight at Barafu Camp (4,650m)

Day 9:

Around mid-night, start for the summit to stella Point (5,740m) and then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m.) After reaching the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world, back to Stella point and descend to Barafu Camp and then into the heather and moorland. Trekking time approximately 18hrs 19km. Overnight at Millenium Camp (3,820m)

Day 10:

Continue your descent through the forest zone of the mountain to Mweka Gate (1,680m.) Transfer to Chanya Lodge, Moshi. Approximately 45 minutes. Overnight at Chanya Lodge including after event celebration party.

Day 11:

Check out of Chanya Lodge. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport and fly home.

Climb Package Includes:

• UK Tour Leader to accompany the group throughout the trek
• 1 x night accommodation at Chanya Lodge on HB basis before trek (sharing basis)
• 1x night accommodation at Chanya lodge on HB basis after trek (sharing basis)
• Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) conservation fees, entry fees, rescue fees, camping fees as applicable to the planned itinerary
• Kilimanjaro National park trained and certified English-speaking guide/s
• Trained and certified porters monitored by KPAP ensuring fair treatment (1 porter per person for personal mountain luggage of 15kg max.)
• Trained cook / chef and eating utensils (including cutlery and crockery).
• Meals indicated on the itineraries [B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner]
• 1 x transfer from Moshi to Park Gate per group and 1 x transfer from park gate to Moshi per group
• Safe and luggage storage at Chanya lodge while on trek
• Boiled drinking water on trek (from first camp onwards)
• Basic first aid kit per group
• Camping chair/s, table/s, dining / mess tent
• Four season sleeping tent per two passengers sharing
• Shared public toilet facilities at campsites
• 1 emergency oxygen cylinder per group
• Additional acclimatisation day on trek
• 1 x basic sleeping mat per person

Climb Package Excludes:

• International or domestic flights
• Tips / gratuities (see our fair and transparent tipping guide below)
• Additional transfers between park gates and Moshi
• Single supplement room
• Personal mountain equipment e.g. sleeping bags, walking poles, self-inflatable mattresses, duffel bags
• Additional emergency oxygen cylinders
• Special comfort upgrades e.g. supplemental oxygen, folding beds
• Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation membership
• Water on the first day of trek
• Beverages e.g. soft drinks, alcohol
• Metal and hard plastic bottles, water bladders (note: no soft plastics are permitted on the mountain)
• Items of personal nature: visa, insurance, other accommodation

Tipping guide for climb package

Preparation for your Mt. Kilimanjaro trek

Grading and Fitness for the Kilimanjaro Hike

To enjoy any trek such as climbing Kilimanjaro, it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard a trek as a means of getting into shape or loosing excess weight. Start a programme of conditioning well before departure – in fact as soon as you book – and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you for the gradients involved on this trek. Running, hill walking and other more active sports are suitable.

Walking Grades and Fitness

Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual’s own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This trip is rated as Grade C/D

Grade C Walks (Strenuous):

Grade C Walks (Strenuous) are for the more serious hill walker and a higher level of physical fitness is required. Walking days are normally 6-8 hours and may involve up to 900m or more in ascent or descent. You should be prepared for several consecutive days walking, often at higher altitudes, so stamina is important.

Grade D Walks (Tough):

Grade D Walks (Tough) require that you are very fit and previous trekking experience is strongly recommended. Grade D includes long walks with steep uphill and downhill gradients. There will be extremes of altitude (up to 6000m) and weather conditions, and will involve several long days (up to 8/9 hours) of trekking continuously without a rest day.

Altitude

The altitude of Kilimanjaro makes the trip most suitable for the more serious walker with previous experience of hill walking. Extreme cases of Acute Mountain Sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in the interests of safety, the Adventure Leaders decision on this is final.

Experience:

Bearing the above in mind, we ask for a synopsis of recent walking experience from people intending to go on the trip.

Medical Examination:

You should visit your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches, i.e. 5895m/19,340’. Bear in mind that the final trek to the summit is optional, and can be omitted if so wished.

Equipment provided

Sleeping in Huts with mattress and pillow (Please see additional page for further information on what to pack.)

Luggage

One main piece of baggage which should be waterproof (a kit bag or holdall). A daysac to carry camera, water bottle etc. on trek. This should fit properly, be comfortable with a waist strap.

Total allowance 33lbs/15kgs Maximum. Please note that it will be possible to store surplus kit not required on the trek at the hotel in Moshi.

Equipment to bring

Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. Be sure that you have what you need for the actual trek.

Luggage

Trek Kit Bag: Before leaving Moshi there is plenty of time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Moshi. Your trek luggage, including sleeping bag, needs to be packed into a kit bag, soft holdall, frameless rucksack or similar to be carried by the porters. The weight limit for this is 15kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much.

Advice on how to pack will be given at the trek briefing. A nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top is suitable. Whatever you choose, it must be strong and water proof, as porters are not very gentle with baggage. Soft luggage is preferable! Framed rucksacks are unsuitable.

Daysack

During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should, therefore, be large enough to carry the following: Waterproofs, fleece, long trousers (if walking in shorts), camera, warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 3 litre), tissues, lighter and your packed lunch.

Most people normally find that this adds up to about 5kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Remember to carry spare batteries with you during the day. Other optional items in a day pack might be binoculars, a diary or a book to read at lunch time. It is usually more comfortable to carry a slightly larger pack which is not full than carry a small pack which is overfull or with ‘bits’ tied on to the outside. Something between 38 to 55 litres capacity is probably the most suitable. A shoulder bag is simply not a practical alternative.

Plastic Bags & waterproofing clothing and equipment

If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your kit bag they will stay dry in case of rain and it will be easier for you to sort through. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to pack in the morning! A bin liner to pack inside your day sac is also a good idea.

If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your kit bag they will stay dry in case of rain and it will be easier for you to sort through. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to pack in the morning! A bin liner to pack inside your day sac is also a good idea.

Clothing/Footwear

Walking Boots

Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes etc simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops, which are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support and will probably not last the trek.

Above all – your boots must be well broken in and comfortable.

Above all – your boots must be well broken in and comfortable.

We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable. Gaiters are useful to keep snow and small stones out of your boots.

Trainers and Trekking Sandals

Useful around camp, in towns and when travelling.

Walking poles

Walking poles are recommended and can usually be hired in Moshi, at US$5 per pole.

Waterproofs & Gaiters

Breathable waterproofs made from material such as Gore-Tex not only protects against rain and wind but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe’ and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs. Gaiters are essential to keep your lower leg warm and prevent small stones getting into your boots on the summit and descent day.

Down Jacket

After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A down jacket is the lightest and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops.

Thick sweater/fleece jacket

A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater of fleece.

Shorts

Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold!

Gloves & thermals

Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Marks & Spencers Thermals or Helly Hansen types are most suitable. Also bring a scarf/buff to cover your face and a warm hat/balaclava.

Track Suit

Comfortable around the mountain huts and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good – silk, cotton or synthetic.

Long Trousers

For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

Socks

It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.

Wool, cotton and silk are the best materials. A fresh pair of socks every day after cleaning your feet and putting talc on them. This will help to keep them clean and free of injury.

Sunglasses/snow goggles

A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun Hat, High factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve

Choose a high factor sun cream (Factor 30) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb

A small torch is essential for finding things at night etc. Often a head torch is useful for the early ascent to the summit. Remember to bring some spare batteries.

Toiletries

Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are tooth brush/tooth paste, soap, small towel, small nail brush, nail clippers. ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).

Personal First Aid Kit

On each trek a First Aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin, etc. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.)

Sleeping Aids

You may find ear plugs and an eye mask useful at night. (Ear plugs are essential.)

Other Equipment:

Sleeping Bag & liner

As you do not carry it yourself this may be down or synthetic, but it must be a ‘4-season’ sleeping bag. A cotton, fleece or silk liner helps keep you bag clean and warm. A small pillow that fits inside the hood of the sleeping bag may also be useful.

Water Bottle/containers

Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Take a 3 litre personal water bottle or reservoir (preferably insulated), and water purifying tablets. If you dislike the taste of sterilized water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. Also energy drinks, snacks, chocolate, nuts and sweets are recommended whilst on trek.

Allergies and Medical History

All Medical History, current prescription drugs and known allergies Must be disclosed to your trek leader before leaving for Tanzania.

This is extremely important due to the nature of the event you will be undertaking.

Strictly no smoking or drinking is allowed whilst on the Mountain. It is strongly advised that any current smokers are to stop smoking at least 6 months before the trip or to even use this adventure of a lifetime, to give up all together.