Overview

Mt. Kilimanjaro – This climb is a favourite for many travelers to the African continent and can be achieved by a hillwalker although it is not to be underestimated. Our main objective on this trip is to stand on the summit of the highest freestanding mountain on earth and the highest mountain in Africa. The variety of Scenery, Culture, Flora and Fauna coupled with the challenge of this stunning climb can stay with a person forever. Our team will provide you with everything required for a safe and memorable climbing experience that we have been improving every year since 1998. Our staff in Africa abide to local guidelines by providing all staff with proper wages, safety and weight restrictions. The Machame route covers 100km approx. and elevates 4,400m from route start to summit.

Mt. Kilimanjaro’s five Major zones:
It is a unique mountain with temperatures from +20 degrees Celsius in the cultivated zone to –10 degrees Celsius in the Arctic zone.

* In the low lands we go through the cultivated land of the banana and coffee plantations.
* We then make our way through the rain forest.
* Then up into the open moorland or alpine meadows.
* Then onto a high desert that is like a moonscape terrain.
* Finally onto the upper slopes of the mountain in Arctic conditions.

Africa is a continent of contrasts, it accounts for over a quarter of the world’s land mass and 10% of the worlds population. It’s the fastest growing continent on our planet. Its variety of tribal people and cultural customs are unequaled in the world. The diversity of landscapes that these people live on are equally interesting, ranging from arid deserts to equatorial forest. Our planned trip to the cradle of mankind will take you on a journey of adventure that will challenge you physically as well as stimulate and open your senses to Africa’s people, scenery, culture and wildlife. It will promote a greater awareness and understanding about Africa as it is today.

Route

Machame Route - Our route will take us up the Machame route to the summit. This is the most impressive route of ascent for the ordinary mountain walker and one of the most interesting treks on the mountain. The route culminates with an exciting easy scramble through the huge amphitheater of the Western Breach before a traverse of the upper plateau to the summit. Acclimatisation is covered in Grade section.

This is probably the most beautiful route to climb Kilimanjaro. All your equipment and supplies are carried by porter and a cook prepares all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the ``Whiskey route``) better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him/her with a scenic splendor not seen on the Marangu route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco wall, the Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days, we will be taking 7 days.

Grade

Grade & Acclimatisation

Grade: Trekking - Moderate

This trek is suitable to all and can be achieved by a beginner with training. A good level of fitness and some experience on a mountain is recommended prior to departure. You will enjoy your trip a lot more if prepared well. We recommend that you attend our free meet day to join your group and our experienced guide to go for a preparatory hill-walk. This provides a good opportunity to get any questions answered or concerns that you may have dealt with in relation to the trip. Tips on gear, altitude and conditions will be also covered. We also run Fitness assessment and Hill-walking weekends that are ideally suited for those who need a little more preparation. We recommend these options to ensure a good level of understanding of the requirements for the upcoming trek.

Acclimatisation
The major problems occur when climbing Kilimanjaro, where due to the costs being based on the number of days you are on the mountain, many organised groups ascend far faster than the recommended 300m per day. Although the climb is possible in 5 or 6 days, at Irish & Worldwide Adventures we have agreed a 7 day climb allowing 1 extra day for acclimatisation or rest purposes. It is worth spending a bit extra to stay safe and achieve your goals. It is possible to spend time on some of the adjacent mountains to help acclimatise before tackling the main summit. In the past we climbed Mt. Meru prior to the main climb but in recent years we have found that the extra duration and cost asscociated were making it less attractive to our clients. Please enquire about Mt. Meru if you would like to include it on your Itinerary. More detailed information on Acclimatisation, Health Guidelines and Personal Safety Guidelines will be available on signup.

Prices

Climb Kilimanjaro Prices, Inclusions and options

€1,900 euro Land only All-in from Moshi (see below for inclusions)

€2,900 euro All-in Group from Ireland (see below for inclusions)

Land only Inclusions

• * Hotel Accommadation B&B 2 nights (min. 3 *)
• * Park fee’s (€300)
• * Camping, Meals & boiled water on mountain
• * Guides, Porters & Cooks

Land only Exclusions

• * Fully escorted from/to Ireland
  * Flights from/to Ireland
• * Visa for Tanzania (€70)
  * All transfers
• * Meals en route
• * Bar Bills & laundry
• * Travel Insurance
• * Extra's for porterage taken on

Group Inclusions

• * Fully escorted from/to Ireland
• * Flights from/to Ireland
• * All transfers
• * Hotel Accommadation B&B 3 nights (min. 3 *)
• * Park fee’s (€300)
• * Camping, Meals & boiled water on mountain
• * Guides, Porters & Cooks

Group Exclusions

• * Meals en route
• * Bar Bills & laundry
• * Tanzanian Entry Visa €70
  
• * Travel Insurance
• * Extra's for porterage taken on

Optional Extra’s

Safari – 4 days - from €700 euro

Transfers & Guided Safari - 3 nights Hotel Accommodation Full board

With limited accomadation options available on Safari, we only use the best hotels with excellent rooms and food.

Lake Manayara - From our Safari lodges, we will travel into camp the base of the Rift Valley. The escarpment of the Rift valley looms high on the horizon forming an impressive backdrop to the lake and the town. The large variety of mammals, reptiles and birds and the different types of vegetation are all within this area, which will make our visit to Lake Manayara a diverse and particularly memorable place to see.

Ngorongoro Crater - Few places in the world have such spectacular scenery as this vast and arid area. No words or pictures can prepare the visitor for the beauty of their first view of this magical crater. The crater of the Rain Gods was formed aeons ago when layers of heat and boiling magma beneath the surface of the Great Rift Valley sought release. It was born in the same kind of mighty explosion that lifted the nearby Kilimanjaro towards the heavens. Over the Millennia, as the fires died and the volcano sank back beneath itself, leaving the walls of the crater as a protection to the mystical mysteries that was created within the crater floor. Now it is teeming with wildlife including Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, Rhino’s, Crocodiles, Antelope, Wilderbeasts, and much more including many species of birds, insects plants and grasses. It is impossible to give a description of the size and beauty of the crater; you will just have to see it yourself. It is a wonder of the world.

Zanzibar – 4 days - from €700 euro

Flights & transfers - 3 nights Hotel Accommodation Full board

Zanzibar - Our three day excursion to Zanzibar will provide the perfect opportunity to relax before returning home. Top class accommodation and beautiful surroundings make your stay here enjoyable and unforgettable. A visit to stone town prior to dinner on our second night here rounds off the chance to understand better what Africa is all about.

Guides

Walking and trekking guides & tour leaders

Gerry Walsh is one of our senior tour leaders. He is a co-ordinator for those interested in pursuing walks and treks in other countries. Gerry also leads some of our international treks and safari’s to Africa and Nepal. He has a vast experience in Africa and has climbed Kilimanjaro over 10 times.

Pat Falvey - Pat occasionally guides on selected trips

Niall Foley

Lorraine Gordon

Tony Nation

Fredrik Tarimo (Chief Trekking Guide)

See also our Travel team page

Info on Porters

We at Irish and Worldwide Adventures ensure that all our staff and agents in every destination value and treat their employees including porters with respect and ensure their working rates and conditions are adhering to the local employment and Health and Safety guidelines. We have also built up a excellent relationship’s with all of our operators to ensure the welfare of their guides and porters is priority and expect the highest standards. For more guidelines and information on porters please contact us.

Itinerary

Here is a sample daily Itinerary, on booking you will be issued a more detailed version. Land only option is from: Arrive afternoon at hotel on Day 2*, Depart morning at hotel on Day 10*.

• *Day 1: Leave ireland - Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport - Hotel B&B
  *Day 2: Rest & Briefing day - Hotel B&B*
  *Day 3: Start the trek to Machame camp (2980m)
  *Day 4: Shira Camp (3840m)
  *Day 5: Baranco Camp (3950m)
  *Day 6: Acclimatisation Trek Karanga Camp (4100)
  *Day 7: Barafu Camp (4550m)
  *Day 8: Summit (5895m) - descend down to Mweka camp (3100m)
  *Day 9: Mweka Camp to Base Hotel - Hotel B&B
  *Day 10: Departure for Ireland or transfer Safari with overnight - Hotel B&B (transfer 5 hour)*
  *Day 11: Game drive Lake Manyara proceed for Ngorongoro for dinner - Hotel B&B (Game 5 hour)
  *Day 12: Crater tour late noon drive to Arusha for overnight Safari hotel - (Crater 5 hour)
  *Day 13: Departure or Fly to Zanzibar; pick up transfer to Mtoni Marine Beach
  hotel for dinner overnight.
  *Day 14: Excursion in Zanzibar visit Stone town tour dinner overnight
  *Day 15: Leisure at the beach hotel - dinner overnight Mtoni Marine
  *Day 16: Departure for Ireland
  *Day 17: Arrive Ireland

Preparation

Preparation, Passports / Visa's & Vaccinations

Preparation - We have selected a walking weekend to help you adjust to the goal of the trek. The weekend has two walks with advice and techniques for clothing and gear given also. On the Saturday we will climb one of Irelands highest peaks during a day hike and on Sunday morning early we will go on a night hike simulating the requirements on the summit day of a trek which takes you out of your comfort zone prior to the real thing. This method allows your body and mind to adjust to the challenge ahead. For more info on this We also run Fitness assessment and Hill-walking weekends, go to our Irish training section.

We suggest a training program of at least 6 months intensive to comfortably trek to 4000-6000m.

Months 1-2 This should include weekly/fortnightly hillwalking for 3hrs+ with a small/medium pack of weight of 5-10kg approx

Months 3-4 This should be increased to include longer days (6hrs+) and pack weight of 10kg approx. Attend our Free meet day!

Month 5 Two days walking back to back twice giving 4 days total. Example: Saturday 7hr & Sunday 6hr = 13hrs walking. Avoid injuries at all costs!!

Month 6 Continue with some walking but reduce to lower peaks and durations of 4hrs, avoid injuries at all costs!!

Passport / Visas - You will need a valid full passport, please ensure it at least have six months before expiring before we leave, please check dates on passport. We will need to get a visa and this can be got on entry.

Vaccinations - Please ask your GP for advice on this. Shots like tetanus, Hep A, then Typhoid, Hep B, Yellow fever, rabies will be considered. You will also require Malaria tablets, Malerone being a popular one with less side effects.

Important - You are required to have a valid up to date Vaccination card (yellow in colour) approved for the destination. Please check this resource for further reading.

Gear

For general wear on trek: cotton pants, t-shirts and if you have light thermals these will be ideal.

• *One pair of trekking boots for trek. These boots can be used for good wear. If you have a hillwalking pair of boots you can also bring them.  If you like comfort we recommend boots with extra insulation in sole around 150euro with vibram or similar sole.
• *Four pair of warm trekking stockings. (Thorlo or similar)
• *Adjustable ski poles: these take a lot of pressure off the body and makes walking less tiring. Some use two spring loaded ones as it takes 36 ton of pressure off you knees per day as well as allowing you to have a crutch to lean on when you are tired.
• *Thermal under-wear heavy gauge: 2 Tops and 2 bottoms. Dryflo etc.
• *1 fleece or pile jacket. Windproof is good.
• *Wind and water proofs (Gortex or similar): Top jacket and bottoms.
• *Sleeping bag range to - 15/20 degrees make sure it packs small.
• Also for sleeping it is important to bring an insulating sleeping mat. I usually bring a Thermarest full-length non-slip. There is insulating mattresses provide on trek but for extra comfort bring a Thermarest.
• *1 Water bottles with wide neck and one with narrow neck (Nalgene or similar) or one Platypus container, the platypus is ideal for trekking as you can stay hydrated by drinking from a tube as you walk.
• *Gloves: 1pair of thermal and 1 pair over gloves or mitts, no harm in bringing spare sets.
• *Headtorch, Petzl with spare batteries and bulbs. I cannot stress the importance of this to have in good working order. (New LED versions are also lighter and smaller)
• *Peak hat for the lower regions to protect your head from the sun. (bandana or neck gaiter also)
• *Ruck sack 30 liters daypack for mountain to carry your camera food and day gear.
• *For traveling, 70-100 liters rucksack or strong gear bag- this will also do to give to porters on trek to carry your general gear.
• *Optional for night up high for cold, a light down top or extra fleece.
• *Personal first aid and medicine kit. (All our guides will have these for emergencies only)
• *UV sunglasses – Cat. 3 or Cat. 4 recommeded if there is a lot of time in or near snow.
• *2 x Earplugs pairs – If you have an inside pocket in sleeping bag, leave one there fulltime.

Miscellaneous items:
Sun-block (very important and use it!!)
Backpacking towel and general toiletries.
Insect repellent
Extra Clothes for travelling and/or socialising.

Tips on Gear

Make sure your boots are well broken in. For the mountain, a layering system works best to allow you to cool down or warm up with ease - Tshirt or thermals, shirt or warm top, a good fleece and good heavy-duty waterproofs if you intend doing more treks in future. Gloves and hats are vital. Bring waterproof gear that is made of breathable material. You can use a normal 3 season sleeping bag. If you tend to get cold very easily, you can add in a sleeping bag liner. Remember that sleeping bags work on trapping layers of air so wearing clothes in your bag doesn't help. If you wear contact lenses take plenty of saline and comfort drops as the paths are dusty. Also glasses are essential for summit night as temperature and altitude may effect eyes if contacts worn. Common first aid complaints are headaches, dehydration, stomach bugs, diarrhoea, sunburn and occasional mouth ulcers. Looking after yourself with plenty of fluids, rest and enjoying the gentle ascending pace will assist in avoiding these. Your personal first aid kit should contain treatments for these minor aliments. Please get advice from your GP before departure. Money can be left in the Hotel safe. All currency can be easily changed to local currency in the cities you will be staying in. The only money you will need to carry for your treks will be to cover porter and guide tips and bottled water if you choose to purchase. (Hotels offer Launderette facilities if you wish to wash clothes following trek otherwise there is no opportunity to wash clothing. Digital cameras will cope fine with the conditions if you keep them warm close to your body where possible especially on summit morning or when reaching you highest day, otherwise batteries can run down. Spare batteries are a must.

Testimonials

SEPTEMBER 2011

''Thanks so much for organising a fantastic trip for us and for taking such great care of us on the mountain - Best adventure of my life!'' Ciara

''Lorraine & Ian, Just a quick note to thank you both for all your help & organisational skills (& patience) in Tanzania. I had a wonderful time & that's in no small part due to you & the rest of the amazing team in Moshi. Thanks again'' Lisa

JUNE 2011

'It was the trip of a lifetime and one I thouroughly enjoyed; The office was very helpful and always contactable, which was very reassuring; Documentation - Excellent. Would highly recommend  Pre Departure Meet Day as it breaks the ice and helps in getting to know the team; The whole trip was very well planned. Yea were always there at the end of the phone and brilliant for giving advise on gear. Very good value for money; Tony was an excellent guide. Would love to trek with him again; - Yvonne

'Just wanted to say thank you for organising the trip for us. I must say it was a trip of a life time- really enjoyed it and the Reps on the other side were really good. I have all the photo's (plus Tonys- again, a big thank you to him for everything) as a slide show on my computer in work. The walking club I am part of are seriously thinking about it in October. Can't go- all my floating days used up!! Until we cross paths again- take care and the best to Gerry and Pat and the rest of the team- Joan (Happy Walking xxx)

'Excellent experience. Pre Departure Meet - Excellent. Builds excitement and get to know people; Website was Excellent resource. The family & Aisling were delighted;  Excellent value for money; The whole trip was a truely amazing experience. It was so much better than I could of ever imagined and would say to anyone thinking of it just go for it. It was a very tough challenge but so worth it. The joy and emotion at the top was amazing along with the views, and without the care and attention your company put into it alongwith Zangola,we would not have got there. Thank yo so much for everything. I'll be travelling with yea in the future. Elbrus maybe next year (2012) send on the info - Ian

'Excellent trip. Tony was very helpful and gave good mountain advice; Communications from office was excellent - Lorraine=5 stars! Could not reccommend higher; Excellent value for money; Hope to do Elbrus with yourself later in year - Eanna

'Very Good experience; Communication with office was very good; Good value for money; Thanks for everything Lorraine, your sincerely, Tom

'Very Good trip; Excellent office support; Website excellent resource for people at home to follow and when service was poor on mountain; I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Pat Falvey Worldwide Team for a very enjoyable & sucessful trip & to thank Lorraine in particular for all her help - Thomas

'Very Good trip. The 100% success of our group in reaching summit was highlight of trip; Staff and documentation was very good; Pre Departure Meet & Website very good resources. Good vaue for money'.