Kilimanjaro via the Machame route and Mount Meru

Location: Tanzania, Africa
Price: £2850 per person excluding international flights
Length: 2 weeks
Previous experience required: Scrambling in the UK

Introduction

Kilimanjaro does not need much of an introduction, standing 5895m high this mountain is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Let your journey to the roof top of Africa begin here! The adventure up Kilimanjaro is an exploration, not merely a climb but one that allows you to live a lot closer to nature. It is the highest mountain on earth whose summit is accessible to any committed walker without requiring technical skills, experience or mountaineering equipment.

Although this mountain lies only three degrees south of the equator, one can encounter varieties of vegetation within a short period of time; ranging from the forest heather and moorland, alpine desert to the snow and ice. 

By acclimatising on Mount Meru (4556m) this makes for superb training before the main ascent of Kilimanjaro.

Summary

We will fly to Tanzania and meet our guides, cooks and porters. We will spend the first few days climbing Mount Meru (4556m) which helps with our acclimatisation. Ascending Mount Meru is a four day round-trip and wonderful climb in it’s own right. It is far less crowded than any of the routes on Kilimanjaro. You can expect to see wildlife on the lower slopes and in the Arusha National Park which we pass through after the climb. After a night in Moshi we head off to the start of the Machame route.

The Machame route approaches from the wetter south side of the mountain, initially through dense, lush mountain cloud forest and onto the easter side of the Shira plateau to Shira 2 campsite. Shortly beyond here the route merges with the Lemosho route as it passes the Lava Tower (4600m) en route to Barranco. From this point on the trail it can get busy and there will be an option to scramble up the Western Breach to the summit. We will be able to enjoy the views from the top of Africa before returning to Moshi via the Mweka Route which completes a circuit around the mountain.

What’s included in the price of this trip:

Please note that Kilimanjaro is not a cheap mountain to climb. With over 50% of the cost of the expedition made up of park and peak fees. However, that money does see its way back into the local economy so is actually benefiting the locals.
The following are included in your expedition:

• Arrival and departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Pre & post climb accommodation in Moshi on a bed and breakfast basis
• Transport to the trailhead and back to Moshi after the climb.
• A fully supported camping trek which includes tents, sleeping mats, kitchen tent, dining tent with table and chairs
• Professional guiding and support team including porters, chef and kitchen staff.
• UK training day prior to the trip

The cost excludes

• International Flights (approx £700 in 2019)
• Visa fees to get into the country
• Meals at either end of the trek
• Any expenses of personal nature such as bar bills, laundry or telephone
• Travel and medical insurance
• Evacuation by helicopter
• Rescue costs
• Tips for your mountain crew https://kiliporters.org/get-involved/tipping-recommendations/
• Optional trips and tours whilst you are in Tanzania