Kilimanjaro Peak Trek Expedition

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. It stands an impressive 19,341 feet tall over the Tanzanian plains. Mount Kilimanjaro is also the tallest free-standing mountain globally, meaning it is not part of a mountain range (such as Mount Everest and the Himalayas).

Many people climb Kilimanjaro every year. The activity is not just for hardcore backpackers and experienced mountaineers. Every day people, including accountants, engineers, food servers, and teachers, successfully reach the top. Children as young as 6 years old and seniors as aged as 82 years old have done it. Experts agree that anyone in average physical shape can climb Kilimanjaro, which is why the mountain is so famous amongst the general adventure-seeking population. No technical mountaineering ability is required.

The Kilimanjaro National Park Authority regulates foot traffic on the routes. It is required to have a guide while trekking on Kilimanjaro.

The weather in the mountains varies widely depending on the elevation and season. It can be freezing near the summit, so warm, and windbreaker clothing is a necessity. Heavy rain is also possible at any time, so quality waterproof gear is mandatory. All climbers should be well-equipped.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season. January, February, July, August, September, and October are the best months to go. The rainy season occurs during March, April, May, June, November, and December.

Route: Mt. Kilimanjaro Expedition via Machame route-

The Machame route is the most popular path of the seven main routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and various habitats. About 50% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers, choose the Machame route.

The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, known as the Coca-Cola route. The climbers on Machame hike steeper trails for longer distances while sleeping in tents.

The trek begins at Machame Gate, located at the southern base of the mountain, which is just a short drive from Arusha.

The trek starts within Kilimanjaro rsquo s lush, fertile, montane rainforest. As you might expect, the lower slopes receive quite a bit of precipitation. The trail may be steep and slippery, so trekking poles are advised. As the route heads toward the Shira Plateau, the trees disappear and are replaced by low brush in the heather zone. Then the route climbs high to the volcanic plug, Lava Tower, before dropping and circling below the South Icefield. This circular pathway from Barranco to Karanga to Barafu is known as the southern circuit. Climbers are exposed to grand vistas as it traverses halfway around the mountain.

The long, strenuous approach to the summit is made from the east through endless switchbacks up increasingly loose gravel until we reach the crater rim at a mark known as Stella Point. Then the route is relatively flat for another hour to Uhuru Peak ndash the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The quick descent follows the Mweka trail.

The Machame Route is approximately 62 km/37 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience, but plenty of first-time trekkers use the route as well and do just fine. It is rated as one of Kilimanjaro rsquo s better routes and thus is recommended. It is undoubtedly a better choice than the typical tourist rsquo s route ndash Marangu.

Optional Wildlife Safari Tours
You can also include a Wildlife safari tour in the package, however, kindly write an email to us regarding the same as it has different arrangements that need to be taken care of beforehand and have a separate itinerary.

HOW TO PREPARE

The following preparations must be made before climbing Kilimanjaro:

You need to book your flights.

You need to organize your visa.

You need to get the required vaccinations.

You need to buy or rent the necessary equipment.

You need to get yourself into shape.

AIRPORTS THAT INDIAN VISITORS CAN ENTER-

1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (We offer pick up and drop only from the Kilimanjaro airport)
2. Karume International airport
3. Julius Nyerere International Airport

TANZANIA VISA FOR INDIANS

RECOMMENDED VISA FOR MOUNTAINEERING AND HOLIDAY-

A Single-entry tourist visa ndash This allows the traveler a 3 months consecutive stay in the country.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR THE TANZANIA E-VISA FOR INDIANS

To be able to apply online, Indian citizens are required to have-

1. An Indian passport valued for at least 6 months upon arrival in Tanzania.
2. A scanned copy of the passport information page.
3. A digital passport-size photograph.
4. Return/ onward ticket in digital format.
5. A credit or debit card to pay the visa processing fee.
6. E-Mail address where you will receive your approved visa.

It usually takes 7-10 working days for the e-visa applicable to be processed

LINK TO APPLY FOR E VISA-

Tanzania Visa for Indian Citizens

For All Citizens

TRAVELLING INFORMATION FOR TANZANIA

Credit cards / Travellers Checks

Credit cards are only accepted by major airline companies and by most of the bigger hotels and lodges. Do not rely on credit cards as a source of cash while in Tanzania. In some cases, a surcharge will be added to credit card payments. We suggest that you take sufficient cash and use the credit card as a backup only. Traveler rsquo s checks are accepted at most banks and some hotels, however, a surcharge normally applies to exchange traveler rsquo s checks for cash. Please note many shops/hotels don rsquo t accept traveler rsquo s checks.

Climate

There are two seasons of rain in Tanzania: the long rainy period (monsoon) which runs from late March until June and a short rainy period, which runs from November until mid-January. The long rains fall in heavy downpours, often accompanied by violent storms. The short rains tend to be much less severe.

Currency

The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, but travelers checks and cash in US$ are recommended. The current exchange rate is approximately Tsh 2100 = US$ 1. It is possible to change foreign currency at any Bureau de Change, which generally gives better rates than hotels and most banks. If you bring US $ cash or receive the US $, please make sure the bank notes are in good condition with no cuts or damage and that the bank notes are not older than 2008.

Duty-free

The following items may be imported into Tanzania, by travelers older than 18 years, duty-free:

250g of tobacco or 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes

One bottle of alcoholic beverage

580 ml of perfume

Prohibited Imports

Unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Plants and plant products require a phytosanitary certificate.

Prohibited Exports

The export of gold, diamonds, and tanzanite, unless bought from a licensed jeweler is prohibited.

Exporting souvenirs made from wildlife skins (this includes reptiles), shells, and coral is forbidden.

Electricity

The local electricity supply is 230 volts, 50 Hz. You will need to supply your international standard adapter for your electrical appliances.

Most hotels in Tanzania use plugs with 3 large flat prongs ( ldquo British rdquo type ndash BS1363 system), however, some hotels also use plugs similar to the ldquo French rdquo type (2 parallel prongs) but with an earth connector.

Health Requirements

Yellow fever Vaccination

A viral infection is transmitted by a daytime-biting mosquito (A euml des aegypti), typically found in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Only travelers coming from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission will require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

If traveling through any of the following countries, will you need a vaccination card:

AFRICA ndash Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, C ocirc te d rsquo Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.

AMERICAS ndash Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.

Tanzania is considered a low-risk area for Yellow Fever.

If you are coming to Tanzania without a vaccination card, make sure you take precautions against mosquito bites.

Travelers traveling from Tanzania to South Africa are required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry to South Africa.

Please recheck regulations before traveling, as the above is subject to change without notice.

Malaria

Tanzania has a moderate risk for Malaria.

Malaria occurs in all areas below 1800 meters and we recommend that you take precautions against malaria before the commencement of your holiday.

Please consult your doctor about these. Women using oral contraceptives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics.

If planning to use Diamox on your Kilimanjaro hike, please consult your doctor as some malaria prophylactics cannot be used in conjunction with Diamox.

The best way to prevent contracting Malaria is to try and avoid mosquito bites by using an effective insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, and wearing proper clothing after sunset.

Adequate precautions must also be taken to avoid being bitten by a mosquito.

Kindly contact your closest Travel Clinic or medical practitioner.

Recommended Immunisations

As a sensible precaution, we recommend that you consider getting at least some of the following recommended immunizations:

Hepatitis A ndash You can get Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Tanzania, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Typhoid ndash You can get Typhoid through contaminated food or water in Tanzania, especially if you are visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Please check with your local travel clinic for the latest recommendations.

Immigration amp customs

An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania. Tanzanian people are friendly and will always offer a helping hand.

Insurance

It is strongly advised to take out travel insurance which should cover baggage as well as personal accident and medical insurance and specifically covering your Kilimanjaro expedition.

Language

The official languages are Ki-Swahili and English. There are more than 120 tribal vernaculars.

Religion

Mainly Christian, Muslim, and Traditional beliefs. Please keep in mind that you are entering a different country with strong religious customs.

Security

As with any other town, walking alone at night is not advisable, and it is preferable to use taxis which are available at most hotels. Do not leave cash or valuables in your hotel room and use a safe deposit box.

Make use of a safe deposit box to keep your belongings safe, and do not leave anything of value lying around in your hotel room.

Visa and entry requirements

Visas are required by most visitors to Tanzania.

Visas are available at your local Tanzanian Embassy.

Costs vary from country to country.

Visas are valid for 3 months. It is possible, however, to obtain a tourist rsquo s visa for a single entry at any ONE of the FOUR MAIN ENTRIES into Tanzania -subject to the fulfillment of all immigration and health requirements-, for those who could NOT apply for the visa from Tanzania Mission abroad.

These are:

Dar-es-Salaam International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya border point)

Payment, at all these points, is in US Dollars or its equivalent in Sterling.

For all other entry points in Tanzania, visitors must hold valid visas before approaching those entry points in Tanzania. However, to avoid unnecessary delays, those who proceed to Tanzania from a country where there is a Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office are strongly advised to obtain their entry visa before departure to Tanzania.

OUR LEAD GUIDES AND ASSISTANT GUIDES ARE KILIMANJARO-LICENSED MOUNTAIN GUIDES

Most of our lead guides are not only certified by the KINAPA, but occasionally we have very qualified local assistant mountain guides proven to be superb assets to expeditions. We strongly believe that having experienced professional mountain guides is extremely important for several reasons to attract clientele from many parts of the world, due to the competitive nature, requires mountain guides to adhere to increasingly higher and higher standards of mountain guiding, professionalism, and safety in the mountains. Our guides have extensive guiding experience. To ensure higher standards of safety and professional high-altitude mountain guiding expertise, and to provide you with a quality mountaineering experience, we carefully choose our guides according to these standards.

BEST LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Interestingly enough, Kilimanjaro Nature rsquo s Guide Baraka Dalali was born in Southern Tanzania, where the altitude is 2800 meters in the famous Udzungwa Mountains. Baraka has lived and worked in Arusha for seven years. He is a professional mountain guide, with a wide range of high-altitude mountaineer guiding experience. He is fully certified by WFR ndash Wilderness First Respond with American and European standards and brings a unique and unparalleled combination of knowledge and experience to Kilimanjaro expeditions. Baraka knows the mountain better than perhaps anyone. He is well-known and well-respected on the mountain. He has been on almost every face, side, and valley of Kilimanjaro. The importance of having previous local experience has been proven over and over again. We bring international guiding experience and standards when dealing with quality logistics, pre-logistics, weather, and many other aspects of the Kilimanjaro climb. After seven years of experiencing expeditions from a porter to a licensed guide on Kilimanjaro, Baraka has developed an incredible relationship with the local people, mountaineers, Park Authorities, and Park Rangers. This aspect makes the Kilimanjaro Nature team unique. Our success speaks for itself, as today we are among the most successful outfitters for Kilimanjaro expeditions.

GOOD CLIENT-TO-GUIDE RATIO

Having a high guide-to-client ratio is essential to the success of a trip, especially on summit day, when so many variables arise and the number of guides plays a critical part in the success of an expedition. If for any reason a member needs to descend, or a slower pace is required for part of the team, having multiple guides is a most powerful tool. Decisions on group management are constantly changing, especially on summit day, depending on such situations as weather, group strength, and rhythm. We have seen climbing groups as large as 10 people without a ratio of 1 to 2 guides! This is something that we are unable to understand. The margin for error is too high in such a situation. Safety is extremely compromised and the chance of reaching the summit is much lower.

EQUIPMENT AND FOOD

We have always been ahead of equipment standards. We believe it is necessary to use the best equipment available in the industry to succeed on the mountain. Not only do we use the best equipment, but we renew our equipment at the end of each season to keep our equipment in excellent condition. We mentioned the importance of high-quality equipment, but we do not believe in bringing up everything available since that would be heavy and inefficient. We believe in selecting the best possible gear for the task, still keeping it to a minimum. Our menus are some of the best expedition menus available in the guiding industry. They have been developed meticulously and thoughtfully, evaluating the number of calories per day carbohydrates, weight, taste, variety, and creativity. We tremendously emphasize staying hydrated. One of the most important aspects of our menu is the way we pack our food. Although not related to the taste of the food, it is logistically one of our keys to success.

OUR KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN PORTERS

Kilimanjaro Nature completes its trips safely and successfully with our excellent team of porters. We have a core group of porters we use for many of our climbs. On all of our climbs, we work to a ratio of four porters for every climber. This means none of the porters are overloaded with too much gear. It also means that you don rsquo t need to carry anything but the day rsquo s essentials from camp to camp each day, making the climb much more enjoyable. Kilimanjaro Nature rsquo s reputation on the mountain means that numerous porters want to climb for us and our core groups are all excellent, friendly, and hard-working individuals.