Sample Itinerary for Mount Kilimanjaro
Crafting the itinerary involved months of research and discussion between Ernest and me. We have utilized his expert knowledge of his home country, my two trips to Tanzania, and my knowledge of what Americans might like to do and see. We deliberately limited the trip to less than two weeks because we felt that two weeks was what most Americans could likely get for a vacation, and the itinerary leaves some time for jet lag recovery. This does limit us in what we can offer because of the distances involved and the difficulties of traveling in Tanzania. Alternatively, if you want to maximize your Tanzania experience, we can certainly add some safaris at the end and still have you back in time to go back to work on Monday (which would be Day 17 on the sample itinerary below). We take care of all of the in-country arrangements from meeting you at the airport to returning you to the airport.
We have combined a Kilimanjaro trek with a safari to one of the most spectacular East African game parks because it would be a shame to travel all that way and not see any animals. If you have time or financial constraints, we will work with you to craft a custom itinerary. Alternatively, if climbing Kilimanjaro is not your thing, we can customize a Tanzanian adventure of any duration for you.
Of all the Kilimanjaro routes, after much debate, we chose the Machame as our signature route because it is beautiful, not too touristy, requires no technical skill, and has a high success rate. However, we can provide service on any Kilimanjaro route. Although the route can be done faster than we have scheduled, we have deliberately allowed for altitude acclimatization to maximize your chances for success. DO NOT underestimate how tough the altitude can make this trek. Many people have told me that climbing Kilimanjaro is the hardest physical challenge that they have ever accomplished. I couldn’t agree more.
Many people have asked why can’t they start trekking the first day in Tanzania. There are two reasons for this. The first is that luggage gets lost or trekkers forget something critical. This gives Ernest a day to solve any problems. Secondly, and more importantly, the altitude of Arusha is about 4,200 feet, and the day spent here is part of the altitude acclimatization process.
Itinerary:
Day One:
Saturday afternoon departure for, usually, Amsterdam.
Day Two:
Sunday evening arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, Tanzania. After Immigration and Customs, met by Blue Rhino Expeditions personnel for ground transport to Moivaro Lodge, a former coffee plantation, or Aumeru River Lodge. Both have a real “Africa” feel.
Day Three:
Monday. Day safari to Tarangire National Game Park. Lots of elephants, zebras, antelopes, and occasional lions. It is most famous for its boaboa trees.
Climb briefing in the evening.
Day Four:
Tuesday. Begin Kilimanjaro trek. Start Machame Gate (4890 feet) and camp at Machame Camp (9850 feet).
Day Five:
Wednesday. Continue Kilimanjaro trek. Machame Camp to Shira Camp (12,600 feet).
Day Six:
Thursday. Continue Kilimanjaro trek. Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (12,950 feet).
Day Seven:
Friday. Continue Kilimanjaro trek. Barranco to Karanga Camp (13,210 feet)
Day Eight:
Saturday. Continue Kilimanjaro trek. Karanga to Barafu Camp (15,200 feet)
Night ascent to summit—Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet).
After reaching summit just after sunrise, begin return downhill trek to Mweka Camp.
Day Nine:
Sunday. Spend the night at Mweka Camp
Day Ten:
Monday. Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate where the van will transport you back to Moivaro Lodge for a cold beer and a warm shower!
Day Eleven:
Tuesday. Tour of Arusha or rest day at the lodge.
For the hardcore adventurer, we can arrange a day safari to Lake Manyara though you will probably get on the plane tired and dirty.
Night departure for US
Day Twelve:
Wednesday. Arrive in the US.
The trek is structured so that each day, except for the summit day, you will hike for 4-8 hours.
On Day Eight, the summit day, you will trek to Barafu camp, eat an early dinner, and go to bed. You will be awakened about midnight to begin the night trek to the summit. After summiting, you will begin the downhill portion—this can be very tough on the quads and patellar tendons. DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR DOWNHILL MUSCLES IN YOUR TRAINING. You will trek to Mweka Camp. This is a very looooooooonnnnnngggg day.
The total distance for the trek is about 60 miles.
While on the trek, each day the porters will carry the main gear. You will carry a day pack with camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, and rain coat. Each evening, the porters will heat some water for you to wash with. There will be a cook on the trek who will provide some great meals—considering the circumstances. You will be sleeping in tents, and it does get below freezing at night.
Your experience begins with our US-based team who will send you a Blue Rhino Information Pack and talk through your plans, including your group, your needs, your budget and your goals for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
