Muir's Tours - Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro

The Highest Free Standing Mountain In Africa

Hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro for your next challenge.  She rises majestically from the savannah, not far from the Indian Ocean - from hot savannah to a barren and frigid 3 1/2 mile high peak in a few days of trekking. It's the highest mountain in Africa and one of the largest free standing mountains in the world. To trek and climb Kili is a challenge that is on almost every adventurers list.

Kilimanjaro stands about 205 miles south of the equator, just inside the northern border of Tanzania. Its Rift Valley setting on an open plain close to the Indian Ocean, and its great size and height strongly influence the climate, vegetation, animal life and the climbing conditions. It is made up of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo (5,895m / 19340ft), Mawenzi (5,149 m); and Shira (3,962 m). The height gain from the surrounding plains is about 4570m / 15000ft.

Even though you can climb throughout the year, January, February and September are the best months, with July, August, November and December also being good.

The whole range of climates are experienced from rainforest to arctic conditions over a period of 3 to 4 days. The hike begins on the warm dry plains with average temperatures of 85°F, ascends through a wide belt of wet tropical forest, through zones with generally decreasing temperatures and rainfall, to the summit where we trek across permanent ice.

About 50% of all people who attempt Killimanjaro, make it to the top – poor acclimatisation to the reduced oxygen levels is the main cause for many who do not make it.  Altitude Sickness is avoidable so plan to have enough time and a budget that allows sufficient time to acclimatise - include an extra day or 2.  About 90% of climbers opt for the faster Marangu route with its well equipped shops and huts along the way, but a safer option is the Machame route with it's easier start. The gradual start gives better acclimatisation and therefore a better chance of reaching the summit. 7 days is the ideal minimum for the Machame route, whereas the Marangu route can be done in 6 days if you are already acclimatised to the reduced oxygen levels.  There are places to acclimatise at a base near the trailhead of the Shira Plateau route.

Independent Assessment of Routes

Porter Protection
As you probably know there are many deaths as a result of exposure to the cold of porters on Kilimanjaro and this is due to inadequate facilities being provided to guides and porters. Our staff are paid fair wages and work under very good conditions, as recognised by independent organisations who are concerned about poor treatment of mountain porters and related staff.  At the same time our prices are keen as we are a non-profit organisation.  Muir’s Tours is one of the original members of the campaigning organisation Porter Protection Group and have also given support to Tourism Concern who also campaign about bad practices in mountain tourism employment.  Kilimanjaro Death Report

Email for availability             Pictures of a campsite and parts of the trail

Outline Itinerary - Machame Route – Non Technical

Day 1 Arusha / Moshi to Machame Gate. An early start with a drive from Arusha / Moshi to Machame gate (1950m). Begin trekking through the rain forests on a winding gradual gradient that is so beautiful when the masses of flowers are in bloom. There is a lovely rocky section leading to Machame hut (3300m). Camp overnight at Machame hut campsite. 4 – 5 hours of trekking, 1350m of ascent.

Day 2 The path now rises along a charming ridge of lava with wonderful views of Kibo and Meru peaks. We continue on a path that is at times steep, but easy, and then crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather. The route then turns west onto a river gorge. Overnight at Shira hut campsite. 3 – 4 hours of trekking, 500m of ascent and 100m of descent.

Day 3 An acclimatisation day (Optional at extra cost). We trek for 2 or 3 hours to gain about 500m height and then return to our camp at the Shira hut campsite. 4 – 6 hours trekking.

Day 3 (4) From the Shira Plateau, hike eastwards past an enormous solitary rock and onwards over a wide desolate stony area. This leads to the lava tower called "the shark's tooth" (4400m). Shortly after the tower you come to a junction leading to Arrow glacier. The final leg is a steep descent down to Barranco hut (3950m). Overnight at Barranco hut campsite. 4.5 – 5.5 hours of trekking, 700m of ascent and 450m of descent.

Day 4 (5) A long and spectacular day. From Barranco we continue trekking on a broad steep ridge passing the Barranco wall, that gives excellent views of the Heim glacier. We then descend very quickly into the Karanga Valley and whilst there we refill our water bottles. The last section is on a rocky wind beaten ridge and leads to Barafu Hut campsite (4550m). 5 - 6 hours of trekking, 750m of ascent and 200m of descent. 

Day 5 (6) Summit Day. Just after midnight we set out for the summit, along a good path marked with stones. The initial stage climbs rocky slopes and then into a wide gorge to the right (east) of the Rebmann glacier. There is a section of scree, but this will not give problems like Gillman’s Point on the Marangu route. The final slopes, although of modest gradient are best tackled with crampons and ice axe, as they are usually covered in ice overnight. From the crater at Stella Point (5750m) take a left to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point in Africa. From the summit we descend along the standard route to the Horombo hut (3720m). 10 - 14 hours of trekking, 1490m of ascent and 2170m of descent.

Day 6 (7) The day is spent descending by way of Mweka or Kidlinga. Transfer to Arusha / Moshi. 6 hours of trekking, with 1820m of descent.

This option has a very experienced guide, who has led many previous treks on Kili. A contribution is included in the price below to help conservation efforts in the area.

The guide makes the difference - Client Feedback     Pictures of a campsite and parts of the trail

Join a mixed group on the following dates, or start a new date if our team is available

   Email for availability

Price Indication per person in the MIXED GROUP - GB£ / US$:  Ref: TZKU0506

GB£652 / US$1140  if your booking is for 1 person 

GB£632 / US$1105   -------"---------   2 or 3 people

These prices include the new government fees applicable from January 2006.

Extra day (Day 3) for acclimatisation £96 / $169 per person (strongly recommended)

The price per person to join the mixed group is determined by the total number of members in your own party. You can book as an individual, for a private trek (quoted individually) or as part of a mixed group.

Join a mixed group to benefit from a reduced price (see above). Alternatively make it a private arrangement for you and any others you choose, at a slightly higher rate. Private arrangements are subject to availability. 

The base currency is the US Dollar and if you intend making payments in another currency you must ask for an updated quotation before you make a reservation.

Additional Optional Extras

Porters

The group equipment (tents etc.) is carried by porters.  You can hire a porter to take the bulk of your personal load.

For each porter (20kg max load) the group pays USD180 for the 7 day hike, which is currently about GB£103 (when 1GBP = 1.748USD). The cost per porter for a 6 day hike is USD162.

Hire a Wilderness First Aider - GB£562 / US$985 per private group. There are a number of rangers on the mountain who can be called upon for first aid assistance, but you may prefer to have one with the group at all times. The cost of rescue by rangers is included in the price above.

Accommodation for transit, safari or relaxation. E.g. Aishi Hotel in Machame is US$43 / GB£30 per person per night on a shared half board basis.

Safety Pack - hire from Muir's Tours in the UK - oxygen bottles and satellite phone.

Personal High Altitude Equipment
A Down jacket, 4 season sleeping bag and an Ice axe are available for hire in Tanzania.

What is included
Transport from Arusha / Moshi to the gate and back. Park fees and camping fees. Rescue fees, Park commission. Local guides, cook and porters. Tents and all group equipment. All meals and drinking water during the trek (bottled on day 1, thereafter treated river water).

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Arusha / Moshi and does not include international airfare and departure taxes, personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, such as Insulation mat and sleeping bag. All items of a personal nature, toiletries and all drinks, other than water. The cost of transporting the Safety Pack (if hired) as luggage and refilling of oxygen, these costs are personal expenditure (the cost depends on which airline is used).

Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be about £500 - £600 economy class.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.