KILIMANJARO  SUMMARY                                                                                   
At 5,895m Mount Kilimanjaro,or ''Uhuru'', as the peak is a locally known,is the highest  mountain on the continet of Africa. This dormant volcano is  perched alone above the the Serengeti.Uhuru was not seen by the Europeans until in the 19th century.Kilimanjaro was first climbed in 1889 by German Hans Meyer and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller, two European explorers achieved the goal they had been planning for three years, to gain the top of Kibo, the highest of Kilimanjaro's peaks. Back then it took 20 years for the next person to reach the summit.Today there are upwards of 200 people per day attempting the summit – success rate is around 75%.The summit of Kilimanjaro continues to attract people from all over the world. And while the trek to the top is a very challenging but rewarding trek. 

Even someone who does not originally intend to climb the highest mountain in Africa might change his plans as soon as he has enjoyed the view of Kilimanjaro from Moshi Town. My home town's greatest visual attraction is the mountain. Moshi itself, lies an altitude of 3,900 feet. The town itself is a significant center for Chagga farmers in this extremely densely settled agricultural part of the country, especially for marketing the high-quality Arabica coffee grown there.There are all together five recognized ascent routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, each route its with own individual attractions but the question of many trekkers which route to take and which not this confuses many trekkers. Snow & Savannah Safari is pleased to offer treks up mount Kilimanjaro using three different routes to the summit. Please see the individual descriptions of our routes below. 

KILIMANJARO CLIMB:  MACHAME ROUTE

8 Days / 7 Nights - 7 Days on the Mountain

Summary

The Machame Route, by comparison is the "whiskey route" this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than the Umbwe or Rongai route. And it is considered one of the Wilderness route The choice of many trekkers because of the camping aspects of the climb and nature of the trail. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having shorter walking days during the trek or an extra day.

Day 1: Your trip leader will pick you up upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. And bring  to the Hotel. B.D.

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) to  Machame Camp (3,000m)
After breakfast you will be met and transferred to Machame village where you begin your trek, Here you will meet our porters and Guides sort out the food and gear to be carried up to the mountain. You will receive a lunch box and water.Start walk through dense forest with a stop for lunch. , it will take us about 5 - 6 hours. Arrive at your first camp site late this afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m) to  Shira Camp (3,840m)
A hike of about 5- 6 hours will take us up 14,000 feet just below Lava Tower and then back down to our Shira camp in the Great Barranco valley. The view of the Great Breach Wall is better from this camp than anywhere on the mountain. There is also the possibility of climbing to the top of Lava tower (4600m) and from this point you have a close view of little Penck Glaciers and the Western Breach.Dinner and overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m) to  Barranco Camp (3,950m)
A hike of about 5-6 hours, the route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky environment where you reach an altitude of 4600m after five hours walk to Lava tower,where you stop for lunch. As you ascend from Shira camp there are breathtaking views of the Shira needles to western Oehler Ridge. Dinner and overnight stay. B.L.D.
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Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to  Karanga Camp (3,960m)
It takes about a 2-3 hours, hike today to climb out of the Barranco valley and ascends to over 14,000 feet. We then traverse below the glaciers of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro before we descend into Karanga valley for the night. Here you will have great photo opportunities of the beautiful Western Breach and the great Barranco Walls and this is the perfect place to collect good drinking water which is found running off streams supplied by the melting glacier ice and snow. The porters erect tents and provide hot tee and snacks and while your Chef cook is preparing your meals. Dinner and overnight stay. B.L.D.
 
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,960m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m)
This morning begin your trek Karanga camp which is at the same altitude as Barranco camp. The day is spent climb up and down the slopes of the mountain.The hiking time 3-4. Arrive at your next camp site in time for lunch. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and giant lobelia grow.Or you may like to rest in preparation for the climb ahead. Dinner and overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 7: Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Summit day! you are awakened after midnight and following a light breakfast begin the climb at 1:00am while still dark.Climb approximately 6 hours before reaching the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points.Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit,the highest point of mount Kilimanjaro.This will allow us to be near the crater rim in the morning and above all you are also rewarded about the most beautiful African sunrise ever. This early time will make you also to have a great view of all three distinct highest Peaks of Africa: Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo. Commence your descent back to Barafu Camp, for lunch and then you will be able to have a short rest, before continiung your descent.Arrive at Mweka camp late this afternoon after a tiring but rewarding trek. Here we celebrate our archievements, unforgetable of our life.Dinner an overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 8: Descend - Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,500m)
A final day descend through forest to Mweka gate to collect Gold certificates for those who reached the summit (Uhuru Peak). Congratulation ! With 5 to 6 hours of hiking to the trail  head at Mweka Gate.The trail is steep  in places and within the forest may be slippery if wet. At the gate we will temporarily say goodbye to our mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch.Our driver will take you back to the Hotel for a hot showers and a celebration .For those returning home you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight.Those heading out on safari or to Zanzibar will prepare for the continuation of your exciting safari - Adventure. B.D

KILIMANJARO CLIMB: MARANGU ROUTE

6 Days / 5 Nights -  5 Days on the Mountain

Summary

The village of Marangu lies 7 km from the entrance to the National Park gate ,which marks the start route up Kilimanjaro. About 45 minutes drive East of Moshi town, the starting point for most trekkers to the mountain. Marangu is a pleasant village with an alpine atmosphere. And the market overflow with fresh tropical fruit and high quality coffee which growing there.

Day 1: Your trip leader will pick you up upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. And bring  to the Hotel. B.D. 

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,840m) to  Mandara Hut (2,670m)
Drive to Marangu Park Gate, The journey from Moshi (900m) to the Marangu Park Gate (1800m) takes about 40 minutes. There assistant Guide and Porters will be waiting at the park gate to sort out the food and bags to be carried up to the mountain. Next you will be given a lunch pack and then you are ready for ascending, walking through the rain forest to Mandara Hut lying at 9,000 ft / 2,750m. Dinner and Overnight stay. B.L.D.
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Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,670m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Leave the glades of forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Horombo Hut lying at 12,000ft/ 3,700m. Dinner and overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 4: Horombo Hut ( 3,720m) - Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Ascending you pass the last water point walking on to the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi arriving at Kibo Hut at 15,000ft/ 4,700m. Dinner and overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 5: Kibo Hut ( 4,700) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Early start for the steep summit, ascending a rocky and rough path up to Gilmans Point at 18,640ft/ 5,681m. Which is on the greater rim .And finally ascending up to Uhuru Peak. The highest mountain in Africa , the highest free - standing mountain in the world at 19,340 feet / 5,896m .From here you descend going straight down to Horombo Hut. Dinner and overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 6: Descent - Horombo Hut ( 3,720m) to  Marangu Gate (1,840m)
The day spent in descending to the park gate to collect certificates and meet the vehicle .At the gate we will temporarily say goodbye to our mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch.Our driver will take you back to the Hotel for a hot showers and a celebration.For those returning home you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight.Those heading out on safari or to Zanzibar will prepare for the continuation of your exciting safari - Adventure. B.L.D.

KILIMANJARO CLIMB: LEMOSHO ROUTE

9 Days / 8 Nights - 8 Days on the Mountain

Summary

The day hike will take us up through the Montane forest. It is a also very attractive route because it is less traveled and it gives you a some time for acclimatisation . This route roughly parallels and begins further to the north of the Londros Gate. The days hike will give a great view to across the Shira Plateau, moorland and highland zones. With this option you can also enjoy the spectacular views on the Peak of Kilimanjaro and where you are hiking you can also see, perfectly a beautiful sunrise from the Peak. On a luck day you will be able to see black-white Colobus monkeys. Elephant, birds and plants. However our trekkers on the Shira Route are driven via Jeep vehicle to a trailhead much higher in elevation than for Machame Route. This can save our clients time, and gives the body time to acclimatize to the altitude.  

Day 1: Your trip leader will pick you up upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. And bring  to the Hotel. B.D.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,200m) to  Big Tree Camp (2,750m)
After breakfast around 8:00 morning we drive to Londrossi Gate (2100m), about 2 hours, and then you will need to fill in your passport number, park fees and other personal details in the park's register. And during that time you could also get to know your porters who will carry your baggage to the Mountain. And we will continue to drive with our Jeep vehicles (Land Rover 4WD vehicles) we drive up to our starting trekking trail point Mti Mkubwa (big tree)(9000 feet). From here we start ascending through the rain forest to Shira Campsite 1 (2750m), About 3 hours. Dinner and Overnight stay Shira camp 1. B.L.D.

Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2,750m) to  Shira Camp 1 (3,850m)
After morning breakfast, our hike today will be about 6 hours to Shira Campsite 2. Taking our time walking through Shira Plateau Shira Caldera, wide moorland zone .Proceed Shira valley for halfway Lunch break. And then we continue our hike crossing a high desert, Shira Plateau, Shira Cave up to our next campsite Shira Campsite 2. Dinner and Over night stay. B.L.D.

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,720m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)
After breakfast we will continue with ascending to Lava Tower Campsite, about 4 hours walking, Leaving the moorland zone, By now, to the west you will be able to see the Shira Cathedral and Shira Hill and Semi desert. And after starting we will change our direction to the South East toward the Lover Tower, here you will have Lunch break, and after lunch you will continue to the bottom of the Lava Tower Campsite, and from this point you will have a close view of the Shira plateau and blue glacier. There is also the possibility of climbing to the top of Lava Tower (4600m) for the spectacular panorama, before descending a steep rocky path that joins the route to Karanga Camp. Here we rest, enjoying dinner and Overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 5:  Shira Camp 2 (3,840m) to  Baranco Camp (3,950m)
Today our hiking time is 5-6 hours .After breakfast you start to descend from Lava tower to Karanga Camp via the great Barranco wall, between sheer cliffs with brilliant hanging blue glaciers, southern glaciers, walking through an alpine desert zone, enjoying giant Lobelias and Senecious which grow at this elevation. After a half way break for lunch, After you begin with a scramble up the vertical Barranco Wall. and finally you then traverse up and down the southern slopes to reach the Karanga Camp. Well, great job!. Here we rest, enjoying hot dinner and Overnight stay. B.L.D.

Day 6: Baranco Camp (3,950m) to  Karanga Camp (3,970m)
This is a short day, which will give you time to rest before starting to the summit. Trekking time 3 -4 hours. After breakfast we start slowly to descend Barrafu Camp, hiking through rocky wall. On a clear day the Saddle and Mawenzi (5149m) can been seen to the east. As we continue our traverse from Karanga Valley Camp we will have a very close beautiful view of the mountain before Barafu Camp. While the Chef cook is preparing supper you will be together with your tour leader Sebastian Tenga and you can arrange your gear for the summit bid towards midnight as well as ensure to replace your headlamp and camera batteries. Enjoy the final of conquering (Uhuru) the summit of Kilimanjaro, the Highest Peak in Africa.Having dinner and Overnight stay at Barafu Camp (4700m). B.L.D.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Summit day.We will start our ascending to the summit (5895m) 19,340 feet at midnight. Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours while we keep moving slowly, slowly, and lots of drinking. Around 8:00 am early in the morning you will be standing at Uhuru Peak the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5895m, with a very beautiful sunrise. You will have a short stay about 20- 35 minutes for taking some photos and enjoying the view of crater rim, then starting to descend 2 hours down back to Barafu Camp for lunch, 30 minutes of resting. Then you will continue to descend to Mweka Camp, about 3 hours. Here you will have a long and quiet resting, enjoying your last dinner on the mountain, also you can buy bier here. Talking about the challenge of the tour. B.L.D.

Day 8: Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)                                                 

Complete your descent through the thick rain forest to Mweka Gate, already for the transfer back to your Hotel/Camp for a much needed shower and hot lunch. Those who are not continuing on Safaris, will be transferred to the Airport in the evening for your flight back home. B.L.D.

9 Tag:  Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to  Mweka Gate (1,500m)
Our last day is another  descent of 7,000 feet  with 5 to 6 hours of hiking to the trail  head at Mweka Gate.The trail is steep  in places and within the forest may be slippery if wet. At the gate we will temporarily say goodbye to our mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch.Our driver will take you back to the Hotel for a hot showers and a celebration .For those returning home you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight.Those heading out on safari or to Zanzibar will prepare for the continuation of your exciting safari - Adventure. B.D.   

KILIMANJARO CLIMB: RONGAI ROUTE

7 Days / 6 Nights - 6 Days on the Mountain

Summary

The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya.This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.This remote and less frequently used route is the second easiest route to Kilimanjaro.This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.The approach to the mountain is from the less-forested north side and the descent is by the Marangu Route. 

Day 1: Your trip leader will pick you up upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. And bring  to the Hotel. B.D.

Day 2:  Rongai Gate (2000m)  to Simba Camp (2,800m)
Register at the Marangu park gate with a transfer (approximately 3 hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village.The walk will take 4 hours walking to camp.The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.Dinner and Over night stay. B.L.D

Day 3: Simba Camp ( 2,800m) to Kikelewe Camp (3,650m)
Today consists of an 8 hour walk to the third cave campsite at 3900m. The path involves crossing cliffs and hills that will take us to a lunch stop at 3450m. Here, we will camp and overnight at 3rd cave. B.L.D.

Day 4: Kikelewe Camp ( 3,650m) to Mawenzi Camp (4,330m)
We depart the camp after breakfast and trek to School Hut at 4750m. The walk today is at a lower pace due the altitude. The path is steep and rocky at points which is rewarded with superb views of Mawenzi Peak. The walk will take 4 hours maximum to Mawenzi Turn Hut campsite where we will camp and overnight. This day, we'll have an early dinner and prepare for ascending to the summit. B.L.D.

Day 5: Mawenzi Camp (4,330m) to School Camp (4,750m)
We'll wake up at around midnight and commence the climb with a scramble on rocks before trekking up the scree slopes to Gilman's Point. We will rest for a few minutes, get a hot drink and catch our breaths, before making the final trek to Uhuru Point via Stella Point at 5732m. After experiencing the view from the top of the mountain and taking photos, we will descend down to base camp where we will rest for 1 hour and then descend down to Horombo Hut where we will camp and overnight. This is a real hard day, so we will take 13 to 15 hours. B.L.D.

Day 6: Kibo Camp (4,703m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After tranfer back to Hotel for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!.Those who are not continuing on Safaris, will be transferred to the Airport in the evening for your flight back home. B.L.D.

Day 7: Horombo Camp (3,720m) to Marangu Park Gate (2,600 m)
Our last day, you will be awaked for breakfast and packing, after breakfast start descent through the moorland to Mandara Hut,Here you will have afternoon lunch,then proceed down through lush forest  to Marangu Gate.At the gate we will temporarily say goodbye to our mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch.Our driver will take you back to the Hotel for a hot showers and a celebration.For those returning home you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight.Those heading out on safari or to Zanzibar will prepare for the continuation of your exciting safari - Adventure. B.D.



CLIMB MOUNT MERU  4,566m

Sammury

Mount Meru is sub - Saharan Africa's third highest mountain. Its last minor eruption occurred around 1877.Since then activity has been negligible,with small tremors occurring occasionally.The crater wall of Mount Meru was reptured by aseries of violent explosions a quarter of million years ago.The crater floor is at 2,400 m and the Ash cone rising from the floor is at 3,667 m.The bushland zone is dominated by Erica arborea and stoebe kilimandschariica schrub which form thickets four metres in height.The Park is easily to accessible from Arusha town and Moshi Town; its about 32km from Arusha and 40km from Kilimanjaro International Airport.It requires 3 to 4 days to conquer Mount Meru summit.We recommends 4 days to allow for acclimatization and to avoid high altitude sickness.


MOUNT MERU  ITINERARY 

4 Days / 3 Nights- 4 Days on the  Mountain

Day 1: Momella Gate (1,500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)
Takes  5 hours walk from Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut.You will gate  chances to see all mammals found in the forest including hornbill,Stone chata nd Tropical Boubou.Common mammals along this this route are Cape- Buffalo, Maasai giraffe, Tubalosum, Warthogs,Bushbuck,You will pass through the montane forest where different features such as the Fig Tree Arch, Maio Waterfalls, and different  kind of vegetation such as African olive and Strangler fig could be seen.At about 2400m the higher montane forest begins.Common trees are Juniper and Podo.The common  beautiful wild flowers are Empetient species,Red hot pocker,Blue violet  and Gladiolus. B.L.D                                   

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) to Saddle Hut ( 3,570m)
Today it takes you 3 to 4 hours. You will enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Momella Lakes, Meru Crater and Ashcone.Through the forest,common animals include Buffalo,Bushbuck,Elephant, Black and White Colubus. Attractive wild flowers such as Giant lobelia, Senecio and Alchemilla. The trail takes you through striking tree species such as Nuxia conesta and Podocarpus. B.L.D

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,570m) to Summit (4,566m)
Takes  5 to 6 hours. This is the place  where you will enjoy the most views of Mount Kilimanjaro,Little Meru, Meru Crater, Ashcone,Momella Lakes,Meru summit, Arusha Town,sunrise nad sunset.Klipspringers and mountain Reedbucks are seen over rocks.Birds like White necked raven, Bearded vultures,Alpineswift, can be seen in this higher elevations. After the reaching the  summit at 4,566m you will walk all the way back to Miriakamba Hut. B.L.D

Day 4: Saddle Hut (3,570m) to  Momella Gate (1,500m)
You will descend through via the shorter route.Please take your time to enjoy scenic beauty as well ass accassional sightings of game. At the gate we will temporarily say goodbye to our mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch.Our driver will take you back to the Hotel for a hot showers and a celebration.Those heading out on safari, Mt Kilimanjaro or to Zanzibar will prepare for the continuation of your exciting safari - Adventure. D. B

KILIMANJARO CLIMB PACKING LIST

Items on this list have been chosen to maximize your comfort and safety while you are hiking on the mountain. If you have any questions about one of this items on this list, or about your own hiking equipment, please contact us.


.Sunglasses, that block UV rays ( i.e. Julbo or Cebe.
.Lip Balm 3 or more.
.Wool hat/ Balaclava.
.Shade hat, or Baseball Cap, for protection from the equatorial sun
.3 T - shirts, heavy woolen T-shirts.
.Gore Tex shell jacket.
.Gortex rain/wind pants.
.Wind Shirt: Gore Tex material.
.Gloves liners light weight capilene or silk.
.1 Pair of thick warm gloves.
.Headlamp: You need it for the summit day and at the campsite.
.Binocculars.
.Small towel and washcloth - quick- drying.
.Pocket Knife: Swiss / Army type.
.2 Bandanas.

FOR THE LOWER BODY
.Hiking shorts: (Gore Tex Short pants) 1 pair and comfortable and breathable with full side zip, for hiking on the mountain.
.2 Pairs long underwear, woolen or synthetic material.
.3 Pairs thick  socks, at least  80% wool.
.5 Pairs polypropyene  socks.
.Hiking Boots: 1 pair medium weight, waterproof, warm and comfortable.
.1 Pairs of Adjustable trekking poles.
.Pile pants with leg zippers  for easy on/ off.
.Gaiters, to stop snow,small rocks and dirt entering your boots.
.Light shoes  or sneakers, which you can wear at the camp after a day of hiking.
.Sleeping Bag: bring a warm sleeping bag. Rated 0 to 20 °F. We recommended such as polarguard,holllofil.
.Sleeping Pad: Good and comfortable Thermo -Rest, or ensolite for insulation nad comfort.

FOR DRINKING
.Water bottles: 2 - 3 liter wide mouthed plastic bottles.( Nalgene).
.Water purification. (Water treatment) We recommend  such as Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals.
.Water flavoring: Magnesium, lemonade etc. These mixtures are good during day of hiking.

FOR CARRYING YOUR GEARS
.Day Pack: Large  size and comfortable, that you will  carry your with the items you want during the climbing day , such as camera, water bottles, extra clothing  layers,rain gear, snack,s etc.
.Pack Cover: Should be waterproof to protect items  in your daypack  in case of  rain.
.Duffle Bag +Padlocks : To hold  your personal gear on the climb, and carried by  the mountain crew.
.Plastic Bag: For keeping dry your sleeping bag and sleeping pads.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATION
Every trip member should bring a small kit for  personal use.Your own experience and preferences will influence your choice. Some items require a prescription, cocult with your doctor as necessary. The following  are our suggestions.

.Diamox for high Altitude sickness.
.Asprin,ibuprofen,for pain,headaches or fever.
.Pepto Bismol tablets  for stomach problems.
.Plasters, Ace Bandage, or elastic supports for weak knees ankles if sore joints develop from walking downhill.
.Sunburn / Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher as the sun is very intense at high altitude.
.Eye treatment.
.Antibiotic.
.Water purification.
.Insect  reppelant.
.Chapstick with sunscreen.
.Topical antibiotics and assorted Band Aids.
.Favorite snack foods, Hot drinks mixes.