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Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro – home to the highest point on the African continent (Uhuru) and the highest free standing mountain in the world. For trekkers, it is still one of the greatest challenges.
Kilimanjaro is notorious for altitude sickness and despite the well publicised success stories, a reputed 60% don't make the summit. The sheer speed at which many companies take you to the summit (6 day itineraries) is the reason why so many fail to summit. This trek uses one of the least populated routes (Lemosho) and spends 8 days inside the National Park (not to be confused with the length of the entire trip). In our opinion it is the safest way to ascend providing you with the best chance of summitting this iconic peak; click here to see why.
As if to emphasize our point, Sunday Telegraph journalist Liz Hunt climbed Kilimanjaro and published her account in the newspaper's travel section (24th Jan). To quote the article....
'At altitude, when the body's ability to acclimatise quickly is the tipping point between success and failure, one extra day counts.......Of some 20,000 people who attempt Kili each year, a third don't make it – as Roman Abramovich found out last September.'
Read the full article
Our quoted prices include Park fees, transfers from Kilimanjaro airport and tips (all support crew); no additional local payments.
We will meet you at Kilimanjaro’s airport and transfer you to our spacious and comfortable Lodge just 10 mins outside of Moshi where you can relax, meet your fellow trekkers and prepare for the following day.
The Lemosho route is longer than most, significantly spending four nights in the 3500m – 4000m zone to allow the body to fully acclimatize before the final ascent to the summit.
This fully supported trek begins on the western side of Kili, accessing the Park through the Londorossi Gate. The first trekking day is just 3 – 4 hrs through the dense rain forest; lots of wild life to be seen here.
Day 2 ascends to Shira Camp 1 (3610m) on the high moors where your acclimatization begins in earnest. Mt Meru can clearly be seen from here. Up to Shira Camp 2 (Cathedral, 3850m) on the 3rd day crossing the wide Shira plateau and by the time you reach the camp site, the views will be panoramic.
The route on Day 4 takes you up and over the 4590m Lava Tower before descending back down to 3950m and the Barranco Camp providing an excellent acclimatization exercise. This Camp affords tremendous views of the mighty, glaciated edge of Kibo and the Breach Wall.
Another climb to higher altitude on Day 5 through the Barranco Wall before descending to the overnight camp at the Karanga Hut (4050m).
Day 6 is a longer day and ascends up to what is an intermediate rest stop before the summit ascent. Barafu Hut is at 4650m and once this is reached, it is time to eat and sleep/rest a little before rising at approx 2300hrs and heading slowly for the summit.
This overnight, slow ascent is demanding but ultimately rewarding. The timing of the ascent is to get you to the summit to witness the sunrise over Africa, above the clouds. You will stand on the highest point (Uhuru Peak, 5895m/19340’), which is on the edge of the dormant Kibo volcano with fantastic views of Mt Meru and into the huge crater. After recording the moment, it will be time to descend down through the scree to Barafu Hut (short break) before the longer leg to Mweka Hut (3100m) where you will spend your final night in the National Park.
The final day has an early start to see the sun rise before your last trek to the Mweka Gate (1700m) and onward to the Lodge; time to relax and celebrate with your fellow trekkers and Guide/support team.
Kilimanjaro - The Safe Way To Ascend
We take your enjoyment but most importantly your safety very seriously. Please take a few minutes to read this; it may increase your chances of a successful summit.
Although statistics vary, the percentage of trekkers that do not make the summit on short 6 day itineraries due to altitude sickness is reputed to be very high (over 60%).
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS, aka altitude sickness) is a serious danger when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro; it can kill. It is brought on by ascending too fast thus not allowing the body to acclimatize properly.
The shorter 6 day itinerary offered by most companies is largely driven by the high level of ‘Park fees’ charged for every day that you are in the Park. Clearly prices can be kept down if they get you in and out quickly. It may also be putting you at risk.
Just 4 nights to ascend from under 2500m to 5895m (the summit) is dangerous. There are internationally recognized guidelines about the rate of ascent and this breaks these easily.
The key is to fully acclimatize between 3500m and 4000m. Travel and Trek uses an 8 day programme (as opposed to 6), which allows 4 days in this important altitude zone to acclimatize. By the time this acclimatization period has finished, your body will be better prepared to gain further altitude safely, reach the summit and descend again.
If you are going to attempt to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, do it safely and enjoy the experience.
To download a more comprehensive version of this article, which explains in more detail the acclimatization process and how it applies to Kilimanjaro, click here>>
Travel and Trek's Guide to trekking at High Altitude.
