NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: Climbing gear, sleeping bags, items of personal nature, laundry, tips and gratuities, mineral water, drinks & travel insurance. WHAT IS INCLUDED: Return transfers from Arusha, 2 nights at Kibo palace hotel - one night before and 1 after the climb on half board basis, accommodation during the climb, transfers from the hotel to National Park gate and back, climbing fees (Park Fees), porters (3 per person) and guide/s, cook, all meals, climbing fees, hut fees & rescue fees.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Make the ascent in a pace that suits you do not rush and rest frequently.
Make Sure that you drink at least 3 -4 liters of liquid a day, preferably water. The water on the Mount Kilimanjaro is safe to drink. Take a sip every now and then. You will lose a large amount of fluid through the lungs and by sweating.
TIPPING:
Tipping is an accepted part of life in Tanzania, and you will be expected to tip to reward service. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around $ 45 to $ 50 for your trek guides, cooks and porters on the trek.
There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north.
Marangu route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a gradual ascent on well-maintained tracks.Marangu Hiking towards the summit there is a steep zigzag scree path up to Gilman's Point. The Marangu route then flattens out to hike around the crater; Marangu 'the coca cola route' is the most popular route. More details can be found on the Marangu Route page
Machame route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a scenic route with the highest summit success rate because of the up and down nature of the climb - hiking high and sleeping low is good for acclimatization. There is a challenging almost sheer wall to climb - Baranco wall. However, it's easier than it looks. More details are available for Machame Route
Rongai route of Mount Kilimanjaro begins with a rough drive to the eastern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The road can be difficult in bad weather. Easy and gradual hiking for the beginning of the ascent but hiking days get longer. The route joins Marangu route at Kibo Hut for the summit ascent. The Rongai Route program page has more details
Lemosho route of Mount Kilimanjaro starts with a rough drive through western Kilimanjaro to Londrossi gate. Remote and spectacular with dramatic gorges and views of West Kilimanjaro Climbers join Machame route for the summit ascent after a tough hike on Shire Plateau (weather exposed) - see the Lemosho Route for more information
Umbwe route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a spectacular and little used route with steep gorges, glaciers and panoramic views. The trail gains altitude quickly and involves some tough scrambling. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent, which may increase problems with altitude sickness. For more information on Umbwe Route check out the program page
Western Breach
and Crater Camp - CLOSED
An alternative route to the summit approaches Uhuru Peak from the west, called
the Western Breach. The strenuous Western Breach ascends 2,800 ft (850 m)
in about 1.25 miles (2 km), and requires some scrambling (climbing on hands
and feet) at certain points. This path is very beautiful but also very challenging
due to its rocky, steep slope. The
Western Breach was gaining popularity by climbers using the Umbwe, Lemosho,
Shira and Machame routes until rockfall claimed the lives of three climbers
in January 2006. In response, Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) closed the
Western Breach.
The Western Breach re-opened in December 2007. However, the route is still considered by prominent Kilimanjaro operators to be unsafe and to carry an unreasonable degree of risk. Ultimate Kilimanjaro no longer utilizes the Western Breach approach due to safety concerns for clients and staff.
