Tanzania – Kilimanjaro

11 - 14 Days
TYPOLOGIES

Camping

+ 2
DIFFICULTY

High

MIN. AGE

16 Years

£ 2195

A Unique Expedition

This unique expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro is a tailormade trip – this includes your very own guides and porters, allowing you to climb to the summit at your own pace.

This trek is a once in a lifetime challenge as we summit Africa’s highest mountain – Mt Kilimanjaro. We use the  Umbwe  route  which is  probably  the  most  beautiful  route  by  which  to  ascend  the mountain.

Situated south of the equator – in Tanzania – at 19 340 feet, (5895m) this is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest “free standing ” mountain in the world. Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for the successful trekker, as well as the satisfaction of conquering this mighty peak.
The main problems encountered can be altitude sickness, which can be countered by use of medicines and good basic acclimatisation. The standard route is a hike – no climbing as such.

This trek is a “once in a lifetime ” challenge and must not be taken lightly. We ensure that all our climbers have all the facts – medical list, equipment list, etc, long before they travel – possibly the reason for our success rate.
On this route we utilise tents, which we supply, as well as lightweight camping mattresses etc.

The amount of guides, their knowledge, the porters all were of a high standard.

– Z. Hopkins

The Umbwe route is probably the most beautiful route by which to ascend the mountain. All your supplies and camping equipment are portered up for you (tents, 25 mm mattresses, awnings, stools, lights, etc), and your meals are prepared. Your personal baggage limit is 12 kg for the climb. Tents and sleeping mattresses are supplied on this trip.

The guides employed are excellent (some have climbed Kili over 120 times!) and look after all our clients who attempt the climb. Each trip is led by a senior guide, with other guides in a ratio of approximately one guide per 2 or 3 climbers – if you are a bit slower than the rest, a guide will always be with you. This allows you to walk at your own speed so you can successfully reach the summit.

Reasons to travel with Pioneer Expedition

  • Our itineraries have given us over 95% success rate (the average is 60%).
  • Additional rest day and longer time on mountain to acclimatize vastly increases your chance of reaching the summit.
  • Camping rather than sharing huts provides extra flexibility.
  • This private trip provides flexibility so you can walk at your own pace to give you a higher chance off successfully completing the trek.
  • Dedicated cook team ensures high level of hygiene
  • Less utilized, more scenic but tough route dubbed ‘the best kept secret of Kilimanjaro’

Summit Kilimanjaro on your own private adventure – this trip can be tailormade for 2 or more people. Other routes and timescales available.

Price £2,195 / $2,895

Based on 2 pax travelling. Excludes international flights.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT TANZANIA

Tailormade Departures

January - December

CONTACT US

Day by Day

Meet on arrival in Kilimanjaro and transfer to the hotel. Your climb briefing will take place today, or tomorrow.

NB: If you need to hire any extra gear, advise the hotel shortly after your arrival. Leave any excess clothing and valuables at the hotel- they will lock them up for you. Pack your bag carefully for the climb - remember the weight limit of 12kg. Leave some 'bin bags' in an outer pocket of your bag, and show the porters where they are so that in case of rain they can quickly cover your bag. Keep one out for your personal daypack too! Liaise with staff at reception, and leave them your air tickets to be reconfirmed during your climb. It is your responsibility to ensure that flights are reconfirmed, as any schedule changes will be advised at that time.

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site at Mti Mkubwa.

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira One Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

After an early breakfast, you hike east across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Two camp. We only gain about 100m in elevation which allows you to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. The views of the plateau are spectacular. Overnight at Shira Two Camp.

Today we will do an acclimatization walk to Lava Tower at 4600m. Then divert westwards to Moir Camp site.  This will take around 7 hours (5 hours up, 2 hours down) and we will have a packed lunch as opposed to a hot lunch.

From Moir Camp site you trek through a valley with a moderately steep climb, then over the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. You cross a rock field and then you reaching Buffalo Camp. You will have great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Early attempt on summit! You will be woken at approx. midnight for your final ascent. Dress warmly, and your guide will lead you to Stella Point on the crater ridge, and then along the top to Uhuru Peak. It's a very long day - reaching the peak in the early morning light, and then descending during the day, arriving at a camp an hour out of Mweka in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, we will have a short celebration with our guides and porters. This is the time we may consider to pay tips if we are well satisfied with the service of guides and porters then start a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi booked in bed and breakfast.

Transfer to the airport for onward travel or other activities.

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Pioneer Expeditions
Average rating:  
 1 reviews
 by Z Hopkins
Kilimanjaro Charity Challenge

I was extremely pleased with Umbwe route and trekking team. The amount of guides, their knowledge, the porters all were of a high standard. Water was given to wash with twice a day, The food was excellent, medical equipment excellent and they were well organized.

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