| SAFARIS TO TANZANIA - Kilimanjaro Climb ( Choice of 2 Routes ) |
1. Machame Route - 8 Days
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| The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the south-west. It ensures good acclimatization and gives the climbers the chance to take in the magnificent surroundings. |
| Day 1 |
BASE HOTEL |
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Transfer from Arusha to your base at L’Oasis Lodge to make final preparations for your climb. |
| Day 2 |
MACHAME HUT - 9,843 FEET |
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An early start is made to complete formalities with the park authorities and start your climb. Walk through the rainforest on a winding trail to Machame Hut. This walk will take 5-6 hours. On arrival at the campsite, porters will pitch your tents. |
| Day 3 |
SHIRA PLATEAU - 12,500 FEET |
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The trek today crosses the rainforest and continues for 5-6 hours to Shira Hut, your campsite for the night. |
| Day 4 |
BARRANCO HUT - 12,795 FEET |
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Continue to the east towards Kibo peak. After about 4 hours, the path forks to the right and descends into a gorge where you camp for the night. Total walking time is up to 6 hours. |
| Day 5 |
BARAFU HUT - 15,092 FEET |
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Cross the Barranco valley, following the Kibo South Circuit. On a clear day, enjoy wonderful views as you trek 7 hours to the Barafu Hut. |
| Day 6 |
BARAFU HUT - SUMMIT DAY! - 19,344 FEET |
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A day to test to your stamina and mental attitude indeed. It is a tough 7 – 8 hours to the top. You leave hut at 1 am and resume a steep climb over scree and rock towards the Rebmann Glacier. Pass a cliff and then enter the gap between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, arriving at the crater rim near Stella point at 18,958 ft. Continue to the top. Photograph your triumphant success and start the descent to return to your camp at Machame. |
Day 7 |
MOSHI |
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After breakfast continue the descent to Mweka Park gate. The descent will take 4 hours. Drive back to Moshi and proceed to the L’Oasis Lodge. |
| Day 8 |
DEPART
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Depart on safari or transfer to airport.
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2. Marangu Route - 7 Days
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| This is the most popular route and should be taken by those who feel less confident of their climbing abilities. The route is the most heavily used and one may not feel alone in the wilderness. |
| Day 1 |
MARANGU – 6,004 FEET
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Transfer from Arusha to the base at Marangu Hotel to make final preparations for your climb. |
| Day 2 |
MANDARA HUT – 8,856 FEET
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In the early morning, transfer to Marangu gate and spend an hour or so at the Park Headquarters for registration and arranging the loads for the porters. Today’s route takes 3 to 4 hours through thick and tangled rainforest and is often muddy. |
| Day 3 |
HOROMBO HUT – 11,990 FEET
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Today you leave the last glades of the rainforest and follow the ascending path through the mist and across the rolling alpine meadows onto the slopes of Mawenzi Peak. The journey takes you 5 to 7 hours. You will rest the night out at the Horombo Hut. |
| Day 4 |
KIBO HUT –15, 430 FEET
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At this height the vegetation begins to thin out into open grassland. Pass a rugged and rocky area to the saddle, the last point for spring water. With the wind-chill factor, it can be very cold, so dress warmly. Total walking time is about 5 to 6 hours. Retreat to Kibo Hut for a few hours rest before continuing the climb. |
| Day 5 |
UHURU PEAK – SUMMIT DAY – 19,344 FEET
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Begin the final ascent at about 1 a.m. The climb to Gillman’s Point is steep and most demanding through the scree and snow. It is a grueling four to five hour journey. As the sun rises, the views are breathtaking. Time, weather and stamina permitting, start the final push for about 1 to 2 hours to the highest point, Uhuru Peak (19,344 ft). From Gillman’s Point, Uhuru peak is a fairly gradual climb. Shortly after sunrise you begin to descend. After a rapid descent to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest, you continue down to Horombo hut. |
| Day 6 |
BASE HOTEL
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Another long day of hiking as you descend past Mandara to Marangu Gate and then to the Park Headquarters, where you will be awarded an official Climbing Certificate. Continue down to your hotel for dinner and overnight. |
| Day 7 |
DEPART
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Depart on safari or transfer to airport. |
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