|
Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb
$6,190 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $300 (for Kilimanjaro climb only), $500 (for Kilimanjaro and optional safari)
Trip Details
See the brochure (pdf)
On the WWF Travel Blog:
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro Q-and-A
Ten interesting facts about Mt. Kilimanjaro
Call 888-WWF-TOUR to sign up today!
Trip Overview
Rising majestically above the African plains, the 20,000-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro has drawn climbers from around the globe for years. Its size is immense, but the summit is surprisingly accessible to fit climbers. This is a non-technical, supported climb that starts at the Londorossi Gate at 5,900 feet.
Trip Itinerary
Sunday, September 12 & Monday, September 13
Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight, arriving in Amsterdam Monday morning. Connect with your flight to Arusha. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and take you to your lodge. KIA Lodge (meals aloft)
Tuesday, September 14
Following breakfast and a climb briefing with your guides, drive from Arusha to a base camp on the west side of Kilimanjaro. The tent camp is set under the spreading branches of Acacia tortilis trees near a volcanic cone. During this day of acclimatization, activities could include a drive in search of elephants and giraffes and a visit to a Maasai village. Ndarakwai Ranch, 6,000 feet (B,L,D)
Wednesday, September 15
Drive to the Londorossi Gate entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park to begin your climb. This first day of trekking is along trails through dense rain forests where black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and an array of exotic birds live in a canopy draped with moss and vines. Trek for approximately four hours and arrive at your camp in time for dinner. Forest Camp, 9,281 feet (B,L,D)
Thursday, September 16
As you emerge from the rain forest, follow a steep track cutting through a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rocks covered with lichen. Today’s six-hour climb brings you across boulder-dotted trails and rolling hills before reaching camp at the edge of the Shira Plateau. Shira 1 Camp, 11,499 feet (B,L,D)
Friday, September 17
Seldom-visited by Kilimanjaro trekkers, the Shira plateau is one of the most scenic places we’ll see along our trip. It’s one of the highest plateaus on Earth and affords spectacular views of Kibo, the central volcanic peak among a cluster of three inactive volcanoes. Explore the plateau during a non-strenuous day with very little elevation change. Expect up to four hours of trekking. Shira 2 Camp, 12,795 feet (B,L,D)
Saturday, September 18
Proceed steadily upward and camp under Lava Tower, with an optional scramble to the tower’s peak. The views from the top of the tower are breathtaking, so those who have the energy to explore its steep but non-technical walls will be richly rewarded. Lava Tower Camp, 15,213 feet (B,L,D)
Sunday, September 19
Descend into the fairytale-like Great Barranco Valley, where giant groundsels—affectionately called “Dr. Seuss trees” because of their otherworldly appearance—pepper an increasingly desert-like landscape. Continue across the undulating hills and valleys that will bring you to your next camp. Note: This is a fairly long day, with six to seven hours of trekking, including a scramble up the steep 660-foot Barranco Wall. Karanga Camp, 13,231 feet (B,L,D)
Monday, September 20
Six hours of trekking takes you up steep inclines and across an alpine desert environment, where few plants except everlastings and lichen grow. The landscape is made vibrant by a backdrop of endless blue sky against sharply outlined rocks. Noticing cooler temperatures, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, which sits on an exposed ridge. Barafu Camp, 15,331 feet (B,L,D)
Tuesday, September 21
Today’s challenging climb takes you up nearly 3,500 feet. Your camp is in the wide crater atop Kilimanjaro, in soft sand near the indigo-streaked Furtwangler Glacier. Crater Camp, 18,802 feet (B,L,D)
Wednesday, September 22
After breakfast, make your summit bid in full daylight, trekking the last 600 triumphant feet to reach the highest point on the African continent, Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet). After savoring your achievement, snapping photos and taking in the views, complete the majority of the descent today in five to seven hours. Mweka Camp, 10,065 feet (B,L,D)
Thursday, September 23 & Friday, September 24
Complete your descent back through the rain forest to the park gate for a celebratory luncheon, and then transfer to the lodge, where you’ll have day room use. Depart for the airport this evening, connecting in Amsterdam before arriving in the United States Friday. Thursday day room at KIA Lodge (B,L,D)
Click the globe to explore WWF's work
