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The Snows Of Kilimanjaro (2009)



Tour Description:

Climb Africa's highest mountain via the Machame Route. Acclimatize as you go, stopping at several camps and observing the multitude of plants and animals found on the mountainside. Reach Uhuru peak with your expert mountaineer/guides, gazing at the beautiful panorama from the 19, 457-foot summit.

Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

In anticipation of the climb ahead, acclimatize as you walk with an armed ranger through Arusha National Park. Lying between the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Meru, Arusha National Park is a beautiful area. The Park has a wide range of habitat, from the string of crater lakes where many water birds can be watched, through the highland montane forest and on up to the imposing summit of Mt. Meru. The forest contains a wealth of birds and other animals, including the beautiful bushbuck - easily glimpsed in the glades between the ancient cedar trees - and the black and white colobus monkeys climbing along their branches. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner. Mountain Village Lodge B L D

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Arusha, Tanzania
After breakfast you are driven from Arusha to the Machame village on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to begin your climb. From the village, hike for about six hours through a dense forest to your camp, set up near huts once used for shelter on the mountain. As you make your way up through the forested terrain, look for colobus monkey and signs of elephant. Your first day's camp is at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Machame Camp B L D

Day 3: Arusha
Awake early this morning with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Leaving camp, you are greeted by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak. With abundant bird life all around you, trek out of the forest today and up through a savannah of tall grasses and ghostly landscapes of volcanic lava into the Hagenia zone. Today's hike will be about six hours in length with the Shira Plateau as your final destination. Your camp at 12,500 feet boasts sweeping views across the Masai Steppe to the distant Mount Meru and the Shira Needles. Shira Camp B L D

Day 4: Arusha/Mount Kilimanjaro
Today's route takes you steadily across the Shira Plateau towards the Kibo Massif. You head upwards to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 feet) and then descend toward Barranco Camp through the immense canyon called Grand Barranco where groundsels are once again encountered. Here there are numerous small waterfalls, fed by streams from the mountain to form the Umbwe River. Your hike today is again approximately six hours long and your camp is at an elevation of 13,000 feet. Barranco Camp B L D

Day 5: Mount Kilimanjaro
You have a bit of real trekking today as you travel along the Barranco Cliff; however, this will be a light day (approximately 4 hours) with no increase in elevation to allow you time to rest and adjust to the increasingly higher altitudes. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow. Karanga Camp B L D

Day 6: Mount Kilimanjaro
Another short four to five hour trek and a day of acclimatization as you near the mountain's peak. Today's hike to Barafu Camp (15,200 feet) will be mostly on a moraine with views of Mawenzi Peak towering majestically to the right and Kibo Peak overhead, seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with a few lichens and mosses. You are encouraged to turn in early this evening, as tomorrow will be the longest day of your climb. Barafu Camp B L D

Day 7: Mount Kilimanjaro
Rise very early this morning to begin the final ascent to Stella Point at 18,630 feet on the rim of Kibo Crater. Watch the sun rise and then continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak (19,457 feet). The air is rarefied, and the climb takes at least seven hours. After time on the peak, begin the descent to your last campsite on the mountain, with a stop at Barafu Camp for a rest and refreshments along the way. Total trekking time today will be approximately 13 hours. Mweka Camp B L D

Day 8: Mount Kilimanjaro
Your exciting Mount Kilimanjaro climb ends today as you continue your descent to the base of the mountain where you arrive exhausted, but exhilarated. Your Abercrombie & Kent driver is there to greet you and transport you back to Arusha, where you enjoy a farewell lunch and swap stories with your fellow travellers. Dayrooms are provided for your comfort and convenience until you transfer to the airport where your departure flight awaits. Mountain Village Lodge

Day 9: Mount Kilimanjaro
Connect with your homebound flight.

Day 10: Mount Kilimanjaro/Arusha/USA or Canada

Day 11: USA or Canada