Seven Summits

Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 5895 metres | 19 341 feet
Co-ordinates: 03°04'33"S, 37°21'12"E
Location: Tanzania

Our next scheduled trips:
11 March to 21 March 2011 – Summit under a full moon.
Sirdar: 26 June to 6 July 2011
Kilimanjaro : 14 – 24 August 2011
2 November to 12 November 2011 – Summit under a full moon.

Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, with the white-capped Uhuru Peak standing way above the landscape. In 1889, Hans Meyer, Ludwig Purtscheller and Yohanas Kinyala Lauwo were the first to ascend this African peak. It is believed by some that the name is a combination of the Swahili word kilima (mountain) and the Kichagga word njaro (whiteness), hence ‘white mountain’.

Our 10-day trek consists of a slow climb through the major climactic conditions found on Earth, from African savannah, through tropical rain forest and tundra, to top out in snow and ice. This is one of those climbs that everybody should do at least once in their lifetime. You will be forever changed by the experience.

Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive in Tanzania, transfer to hotel and expedition briefing.

Day 2
Half-day tour around Marangu Village and climb preparations in the afternoon.

Day 3
We drive to Umbwe Gate (1800 metres), meet the porters and climb up through the rain forest to Umbwe Cave.

Day 4
Climb to Barranco Camp (3950 metres) situated beneath the Western Breach Wall.

Day 5
Rest day.

Day 6
Climb up to Arrow Glacier Camp (4850 metres) for further acclimatisation and return to Barranco Camp.

Day 7
Pack up and move to Karanga Valley Camp (3950 metres).

Day 8
Move up to Barafu Camp (4950 metres) to rest and prepare for the summit push.

Day 9 Summit Day
Summit Kilimanjaro (5895 metres) and savour the breathtaking views. Head down to the Mweka High Camp (3800 metres).

Day 10
Descend through the rain forest to Mweka Gate and return to the hotel for our celebration meal.

Day 11
International transfers back home.