Ever wondered what it would be like to hike the tallest mountain on the African continent and the highest free-standing mountain in the world? Join Alma Explores for a life-changing adventure in Tanzania. This is the perfect trip for anyone who is looking for some adventure without doing it alone. Join our small group of like-minded adventure seekers for a once in a lifetime experience! 

No technical climbing is required but a good level of fitness is recommended. 

After completing this incredible accomplishment, why not treat yourself and unwind by adding a 3 day/2 night safari through Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater! Note that this is a separate add-on and not included in the price of the hike shown.  Safari add-on starts at an additional $1450 USD (Double Occupancy). 

BOTH TRAVEL AND GLOBAL RESCUE INSURANCE ARE REQUIRED.

Global Rescue insurance: https://www.globalrescue.com/

Travel Insurance: https://www.worldnomads.com/

We will be taking one of the newer, and arguably more beautiful of the Kilimanjaro routes, known as the Lemosho Route. The Lemosho route is considered one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro as it's longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization. It starts on the Western side of the mountain at the Londorossi Gate, which is a further drive from town, and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira route. 

First, we walk in beautiful forests and moorlands. It crosses the Shira Plateau on day 3 to connect with the Machame Route at Lava Tower and down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. You may be lucky enough to see buffalo, elephant and other game. Because this route can be done over a longer period of time for acclimatization, it has a higher success rate of summit.

Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High

CERTIFIED ETHICAL CLIMBING:

We believe the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world’s natural habitats, cultural heritage sites and communities. We actively promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

As a Partner for Responsible Travel, we are proud members and active supporters of the 

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, (KPAP) an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection, (IMEC). KPAP raises public awareness regarding the proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists climbing companies with implementing procedures that ensure fair and ethical treatment of their porters. 

Every climb is audited to ensure crew members are provided proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions. 

The team of experienced chefs take great pride in serving delicious and nutritional meals.  All of our menus have been specifically planned to provide you with necessary energy, nutrients and keep you hydrated.

Clients often comment that the chef’s ability and standard of food is far above what could have possibly been expected given the logistical limitations of the mountain.  We even have a resupply crew mid way through your trek to ensure everything is fresh just for you.

We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or requests.

OUR TYPICAL MOUNTAIN CUISINE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

Specialty food like dried fruit, chocolates and cheeses. We carry cooler boxes and  have a resupply crew midway through your trek to keep all the food fresh and tasty.

SAMPLE MENU FOR STANDARD TREKS:

Breakfast: Fruit juice and fruit, cereal, porridge, eggs prepared at request, breads and toast with jam margarine and honey, French-toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, teas, coffee, drinking chocolate.

Snacks: peanuts, popcorn, cookies, chocolate, dried fruits

Lunch: Sliced vegetables, fruit, boiled egg, meat cutlets, various sandwiches options (egg/ cheese/tomato/tuna/meat/peanut butter), macaroni and meat sauce and breads.

Dinner: soup of the day, breads, salads, rice, pastas, potatoes, roast or fried chicken, beef or fish, currys, mixed vegetables, lentils, fruit salad, fruit with custard, teas, coffee, drinking chocolate.

Summit night we offer a midnight snack with juice, soup, hot chocolate, tea or coffee and biscuits.  When you return to base camp and nice meal will be waiting for you to reward all your hard work.

Technical Clothing

Below is a list of highly recommend items.  Required items are indicated with an *. Please know the weather is very unpredictable and temperatures can fall as low as -25.  We recommend it is always better to be over, than under prepared.  Any items you do not wish to purchase or bring from home can be hired here from local gear shops specializing in quality imported items.  A price list of each item is available upon request.

Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood*  Weather rated Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down *  Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell  Long sleeve shirts: light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric (2)  Short sleeve shirts: light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric (2)

Waterproof Pants, breathable*  Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended) (2)  Fleece Pants  Shorts (optional)  Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended) (2)  Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)  Sport Braz (women)

Footwear

Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces  Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)  Socks, thick, wool or synthetic (3-5)  Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (3-5)  Gaiters, waterproof – highly recommended to prevent loose gravel and sand

Equipment

Sleeping Bag, warm, four season rated*  Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)  Trekking Poles (highly recommended)  Head lamp, with extra batteries*  Duffel bag, for porters to carry your equipment*  Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear*

Headwear

Brimmed Hat, for sun protection  Knit Hat, for warmth  Balaclava, for face coverage (highly recommended)  Bandana (optional)

Handwear

Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)*  Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth*

Accessories

Sunglasses or Goggles  Backpack Cover, waterproof*

Poncho, during rainy season (optional) Water Bottle* (Nalgene recommended,  must have 2-3 Liters combined) Water Bladder* Camelback type – note disposable plastic bottles are not allowed on the mountain per National Park regulations Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)

Other

Toiletries  Medications  Sunscreen*  Lip Balm  Insect Repellent, containing DEET  First Aid Kit  Hand Sanitizer*  Toilet Paper  Wet Wipes  Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy  Camera, with extra batteries

We reserve the right to vary, modify or cancel any itinerary, either part or wholly. If this is necessary, we will substitute alternative arrangements of comparable value, or at our discretion provide a full refund.  

Weather Conditions: Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for weather conditions, nor can any ticket be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of weather conditions.  

Passport – Visas: Please check with a local Travel Agent regarding requirements for passport and visas. Generally, a tourist visa will be required for visits to the country of no longer than 3 months. Requirements and prices vary by country also you can have the visa once you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport  

Health Documents: It is strongly advised that you consult your doctor or local health department at least 8 weeks prior to departing your country of origin. Yellow Fever cards may be required at a port of entry to Tanzania.  

Luggage: Luggage is limited to 20 kg per person.  

Responsibility: We reserve the right to make, with or without notice, alterations to, accommodation, meals, vehicles, schedule, or planned route should the need arise. Every effort will be made to consult and inform the client of any such changes prior to the beginning of the tour.  

Liability: We do not accept liability for injury, damage of personal property, loss of personal property, accident, delay, or irregularity caused by either defect in any vehicle the actions

BEST PRACTICES AND THINGS TO KNOW:

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is one of the ultimate accomplishments for both first time and experienced climbers. Kilimanjaro has a range of different climates and you need to be equipped so that you are comfortable at the different altitudes.

As you ascend, Kilimanjaro weather gradually changes and gets colder and the increasingly thinner air can bring about altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air as one gains altitude.

While climbing you may experience different symptoms of mild altitude sickness, with the most common being headaches, light-headedness, nausea, sleeplessness and a loss of appetite, loss of balance and dizziness. In most case these ailments are controlled by taking painkillers such as panadol or similar.

All climbers are advised to countercheck their body conditions, and should openly communicate with their Guides. Our experienced guides are all well trained in highly specialized First Responders Wilderness training and can spot acute mountain sickness. Unlike many operators, We carry oxygen on all climbs and we perform daily health and pulse oxymeter checks, which measures both your heart rate and percentage of oxygen in your blood. We want to ensure and monitor your health and safety at all altitudes.

• You will be sleeping in tents every night, so it is important to have proper weather rated sleeping bags and clothing.
• Walking pace should be slow and steady. We recommend you take your time and walk slowly to give yourself the best chance of fully acclimatizing as well as reducing fatigue for the following days.
• Minor altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro causes most climbers to experience a loss of appetite, however it’s important to eat well and maintain your energy.
• Staying hydrated is essential drinking a minimum of 3 litres per day. We recommend reducing or eliminating your caffeine intake – as it has a diarrhetic effect which can cause dehydration.
• Trekking high, descending low is the best technique to help your body acclimatize. Our climbing itineraries have been prepared to follow this practice, giving you the best possible chance of success to reach the summit.
• It is strongly recommended to not smoke or drink alcohol when climbing.

As always it’s best to seek a doctor’s advice before you travel and upon arrival at your briefing listen to your Guide’s advise. Many clients choose to take Diamox before attempting Kilimanjaro and report noticeable increase in comfort and reduction of symptoms.  This of course is an individual choice. You can easily purchase this medication at a local pharmacy for less than $5 for a week supply. We advise trying the medication prior to leaving for the climb to detect any possible adverse side effects.  Numbing of fingers, cheeks and toes is common.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia occurs when your body is unable to generate enough heat to keep your body at a healthy temperature. As the weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can change quickly and a covering of mist and rain is commonplace, wet clothes can increase your chances of decreased body temperature. Proper clothing and rain gear can usually prevent this from occurring.

While treatment of this illness is simple, it should not be underestimated. Removal of wet clothes, warming by fireside and rest usually brings relief.  It’s important to remember, given the altitude and extreme temperatures, once clothing is wet it will not dry on the mountain.

SUN RELATED INJURIES

This is by far, the most common affliction of climbers on the mountain. Most people overwhelmingly underestimate our close proximity to the equator and high altitudes. About 55% of the earth’s protective atmosphere is below an altitude of 5000m. Above that height, far less ultraviolet light is being filtered out, making the suns’ rays much more powerful. It is strongly recommended to use a 30+ sun protection cream at lower altitudes, and a total block cream above an altitude of 3000m. Wearing sunglasses when climbing is a must, especially for summit as the morning reflection of the sun can possibly lead to snow blindness. Snow blindness is a painful injury that may require your eyes to be bandaged for sometime.