AVT 2.1 KILIMANJARO CLIMB (LEMOSHO-SHIRA ROUTE) – 11 DAYS
Starting from the west side of Mt. Kilimanjaro, this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu (the “Coca Cola Route”). Our itinerary provides valuable time to acclimatize to the altitude by having extra, as well as longer and shorter walking days during the trek to the 19,340 foot summit and return. We believe that the longer you take on the mountain, the better chance to acclimatize to the altitude and have success in reaching the summit.
Day 9 – Kili trekking/summit
Around midnight, enjoy breakfast and start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise – another 40mins and you’re at the highest point on the continent 5,895m/19,340ft, usually in warm sunshine. Return on the Mweka descent route. Ascent of 1,300m/4,000ft over the seven hours trek to the summit, enjoy standing at the highest point in the African Continent and then descend over 2-3 hours back to Barafu camp for lunch. After lunch continue trek descent 1,750m/ 5,000ft over 3-5 hours to the Mweka camp at 3,000m/10,000ft. This is a long, hard day but you will feel absolutely ecstatic when you have finished! Enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 10 – Kili trekking/Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
A morning descent of 4-5 hours through the forest brings us to Mweka Gate where you collect your well-earned certificate and meet our vehicle for transfer to a hotel in Arusha. There you can take a hot shower, and enjoy the dinner prepared for you. Overnight at Ilboru Safari Lodge.
Day 11 – Arusha/Departure
On this day, a dayroom will be provided for you at the Ilboru Safari Lodge. In the morning you can go shopping for souvenirs and goods in Arusha, then back to the hotel for lunch, leisure, and packing. An early evening dinner is prepared for you, then transfer to the airport for departure home, or extend your African experience with one of the available options.
Optional extensions include: photo safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Serengeti National Parks; walking safari; chimpanzee tracking; Zanzibar adventure
General information for trekkers
Accommodations, as detailed, in comfortable and roomy hotels/lodges or tents when camping
Camping equipment, except sleeping bags and insulation mats, while Kili trekking, and we can arrange to have these items rented
Services of guides, cooks and porters
All national park entrance and camp site fees
All food — breakfasts, (packed) lunches, and dinners
High altitude emergency equipment (Garmow Bag, oxygen and pulse oximeter) during the climb
Private portable flushing and chemical toilet while trekking
Katadyn Combi Microfilter, to filter drinking water while trekking
Flying doctors evacuation service
Travel and personal accident insurance
Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines
Tips/gratuities
Expenditure for alcoholic drinks and soda at lodges/hotels
Souvenirs and personal items
Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
Any additional services requested