The extinct volcano of Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most recognizable peaks. It rises dramatically above the dusty East African plains with the impressive snow-capped summit awarding awe-inspiring views of this magnificent landscape. The expedition travels through one of Africa’s best-known game reserves and climbs through five ecosystems, offering a full mountain experience with the ascent of the continent’s highest peak.

Of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is the least difficult to climb. However, at over 19,000ft high, it is still a tough ascent and trekkers will need to be in good physical condition. Located in Tanzania Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 m (19,341ft) above sea level. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones: Kibo 5,895 m (19,341 ft); Mawenzi 5,149 m (16,893 ft); and Shira 3,962 m (13,000 ft). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim. Mawenzi and Shira cones are extinct and the Kibo cone is dormant. This freestanding peak is awe-inspiring and offers a true cultural experience.

History: The First Ascent

In 1889 Hans Meyer, a German geology professor returned to Kilimanjaro for his third summit attempt with the celebrated Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller. They took two local headmen, nine porters, a cook, and a guide. They set many camps and took ample food to set themselves up for success. Their first attempt was thwarted due to exhaustion from cutting many icy steps. Their next try they reached the highest summit on Purtscheller’s 40th birthday, October 6, 1889. At that time the crater of Kibo was filled with ice. Twelve days later they went back up to enter and study the crater spending 16 days above 4200 m. The peak was not climbed again for another 20 years.

About The Expedition

Among the seven trekking routes, Machame is considered the most scenic though steeper routes. Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible high mountain peaks and does not require technical equipment. This climb is not as technically challenging as many of the other seven summits, though it is not to be underestimated. The high elevation, low temperature, and occasional high winds make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Acclimatization is essential, and even the most experienced trekkers suffer some degree of acute mountain sickness. It is important to be in good physical condition, stay hydrated, and be prepared.

The summit is rewarding but not the only reward of this trip. You will travel from the lush jungle forest down low where there are elephants, leopard, and buffalo. Then into the moorland zone with large labellia and heather. And up into high desert and onto alpine snowy conditions on top. It is a magical ascent through a variety of ecosystems and climates to a breathtaking beauty on the roof of this continent.

Some of the advantages of the Machame Route over some of the other routes are that on day 3 you ascend from 3847m (12,900ft) to only 3984m (13,300ft), after climbing to 4642m (15,200ft) at the base of a volcanic rocky outcrop known as the Lava Tower. The 600m (200ft) height differential ensures that Machame exploits the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle to maximum effect. On summit day the climb is via a ridge rather than a loose scree slope and is therefore considerably less difficult than the other routes. These two points alone make the Machame Route boast one of the best summit success rates of all the routes.

14 Day Kilimanjaro Itinerary

INCLUDES

• Pick up at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to your hotel in Machame Village
• A night’s accommodation both before and after your climb
• All climbing costs, including salaries, food, fees, etc (please note that this does not include tips for the crew or guides)
• All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel.
• 7 days on the mountain including 3 meals/day, porters, cooks, and guide
• 3 da Safari if purchased
• Transfers back to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flights
• ITCOG guide with 18 years plus experience including Wilderness First Responder Medical training.
• Accommodation includes bed and breakfast in standard range hotels

EXCLUDES

• Flight and overland transfers from anywhere other than Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• Visas, which can be obtained upon arrival and costs $50
• Tips for your mountain staff
• Additional nights beyond the standard two hotel nights included
• Hotel upgrade costs if you request an alternative hotel outside of the standard hotels
• Items considered to be non-essential, such as soft drink, snacks, etc.
• Trip Insurance
• International Travel fees
• Alcohol