LET’S CLIMB KILIMANJARO!

Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at about 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) and the highest freestanding mountain the world.

On the 17th of June 2024, you will be collected from Kilimanjaro International Airport and we will all meet for a relaxing evening and welcome dinner together. The following day, we will embark on a challenge of a lifetime, and together, as a team, make our way up the world famous Mountain, Kilimanjaro.

We will be taking the Machame Route up the mountain. The Machame route is also known as the Whisky Route, this is one of the most scenic and therefore popular routes on the mountain and offers adventurous climbers stunning scenic outlooks. With paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to late sunsets at Shira Plateau to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit. 

The entire climb up and down is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate. The height gain from the gate to the summit is 4157 metres, which is ascended over six days of around 5-7 hours walking each day. 

Do you have to be fit to climb Kilimanjaro? The short answer is yes, you will need to be fit and healthy and you will have to do a certain amount of training if you want to reach the peak but it is most defiantly doable – It will be a challenge we achieve together! While the distances covered are not far, the effects of altitude will make it much harder than the usual uphill hike. So to allow for your body to adjust to the altitude the going will be slow. The speed of the hiking may be much slower than you are use too. However, this slow speed allows your body’s reserve levels to remain higher plus also allows for your body to adjust to the altitude as you walk.

I truly believe, if I can do this, so can you. What an achievement it will be to stand on the top of highest free standing mountain in the world together at sunrise – such a special moment it will be. 

If you are looking for something a little bit special after the Kilimanjaro Climb, then why not treat yourself one last time and join us on safari.

WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?

All adventurous ladies aged 18+ are very welcome to join us on this trip of a lifetime.

If you are reading this, then you must have a little piece of wild in you! I bet you are curious, love the outdoors and are ready for an adventure. I cannot think of a better way then by immersing yourselves in the African wilderness! So take that leap and come with us – remember, I will be with you all the way!

I can promise you, from the moment you step on to African soil, you will fall in love. That’s really how Wild Hearted began, 20 years ago when I made that very first visit to Africa, and now I just can’t stop. It is why I want to take you there too. To share the magic of Africa with you. To see your face light up as you reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro for the first time!

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: 17th June – You land in Tanzania!

You will be met at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and will be driven to our hotel for some relaxation and pool time after a long flight. Please ensure you arrive before 12 midday. If your flight is after this, then we can discuss a private transfer. We can also discuss arriving a day earlier and suggest an airport hotel for the night.

We will be staying at the lovely Arusha Planet Lodge which is just 45 mins from the airport.

Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge (or similar) (D)

MEALS INCLUDED: Dinner

Day 2: 18th June – We Start to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Gate – Machame Camp!

•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft 
•Distance: 11 km 
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours 
•Habitat: Rain Forest

The day will begin after breakfast. You’ll be driven to Kilimanjaro National Park entrance at the Machame Park Gate (5,400 ft) which takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Here you’ll register with the Park Service. As you grab your gear, the porters and guides will weigh all the equipment.

We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge.

This forest shelters a variety of wildlife, including the blue monkey. Despite its name, the blue monkey is not noticeably blue, it is mainly olive or grey apart from the face. Typical sizes range from 19 to 26 inches in length. The tail is that long as well.

The forest begins to thin out at the edge of the moorland zone. The trees begin to open up which gives you expansive views of the plains far below. Finally, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp (9,800 ft) and camp for the night.

Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Day 3: 19th June – Machame Camp to Shira Camp 

•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft 
•Distance: 5 km 
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours 
•Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. You’ll leave the rainforest behind as you enter the Moorland zone. From this vantage point, you’ll have amazing views of Kibo. The route now turns west onto a river gorge.

Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: 21st June – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft 
•Distance: 5 km 
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours 
•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, The morning starts with a very steep 800 foot climb up the Barranco Wallto the Karanga Valley campsite. It is not as scary as it looks from below. Just follow the guide’s lead and you’ll easily reach the top in a few short hours. Once at the top you’ll take a break and get some jaw-dropping shots of the valley below. From here the terrain changes to scree with pockets of lush vegetation sheltered in the rocks.

This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: 22nd June – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft 
•Distance: 4 km 
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours 
•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: 23rd June – Barafu to Summit to Mweka Hut

•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) 
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent 
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent 
•Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: 24th June – Mweka camp to Arusha – You have just climbed Mount Kilimanjaro!

•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft 
•Distance: 10 km 
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 
•Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. It’s time to celebrate – the realisation hits as we have just achieved our first climb together!

We will celebrate in the evening with a delicious meal together at Arusha Planet Lodge

Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge (or similar) (BLD)

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: 25th June – Departure Day

Today we say goodbye to our new found friends and we head home, or onwards to your next destination. After breakfast, we’ll pack up and head back to Kilimanjaro airport, where we’ll drop you off at the airport for your flight home. We hope you’ve had an unforgettable adventure with us and that you’ll take home memories that will last a lifetime. The trip will finish at Kilimanjaro Airport.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

OR YOU CAN GO ON SAFARI!!!!

Scroll down for more information on the safari!

BOOK KILIMANJARO IN £££

BOOK KILIMANJARO IN $$$

LET’S GO ON SAFARI!

The safari is currently sold out but if you would like to go on safari, please do email me and I will see what we can do.

After climbing Kilimanjaro, why not add on a 4 night safari in Tarangire National Park & The Ngorogoro Crater – we will go in search for some incredible wildlife and make more memories!

Tarangire National Park & The Ngorogoro Crater

COST: £1425 / $1845

Single Supplement: £275 / $350

Day 9: 25th June – Treat yourself with a pool day, read a book or book a massage – or do all three!

Free day at Planet Lodge Arusha to relax by the pool with a book or you could treat yourself to a massage!

Meals: B

Day 10: 26th June – Drive to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast meet & greet at hotel and drive to Tarangire National Park where you will encounter your first game drive.

This park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa with several herds of up to 300 members per herd. In addition, there are large numbers of impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, the greater and lesser kudu and on rare occasions, the unusual gerenuk and fringe –eared Oryx are also seen. A few black rhinos are also thought to be still present in this park. You will see big numbers of elephants gather here as well as the wildebeests and zebras. Among the other common animals in the Tarangire are the leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetah.

Lunch at Tarangire Safari lodge

PM resume game drive

Sundowners, dinner and overnight at Maweninga Lodge.

Maweninga Lodge is perched on the top of a massive granitic rock, the camp has a privileged location within Tarangire National Park. There are breath taking views from the tents & the dining area  – it really is stunning.

Meals: B,D & L

Day 11: 27th June – Game drive in Tarangire National Park then head towards the Ngorogoro Crater

Early morning game drive in Tarangire National Park then make our way towards the Ngorogoro Crater.  Lunch at Bashay. PM at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Bashay Rift Lodge

Bashay Rift Lodge is built on top of a hill. In the heart of a coffee plantation, the lodge enjoy a breath taking view (360 °) on the region extending the Ngorongoro foothills to the edges of the Rift Valley (Lake Eyasi).

Meals: B,D & L

Day 12: 28th June – Full days game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, a full day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater with a special bush lunch.

Dinner and Overnight at Bashay.

The Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, once a gigantic volcano, is the largest intact caldera in the world. Within the rim there are an estimated 30,000 animals, making this one of the densest concentration of wildlife within Africa.  With a permanent water source, rhino, elephant, hyaena, wild dog, black maned lion and leopard can be seen here as well as large herds of zebra graze on the grasslands that cover the crater floor, alongside wildebeest, gazelle, eland and buffalo.

Meals: B,D & L

Day 13: 29th June – Now it really is time to head home

After breakfast drive back to Arusha with a gorgeous final lunch at Arumeru Lodge before transferring to the airport.

Meals: B & L

Prices include :

•              Meet and greet at your hotel in Arusha

•              Private 4×4 with qualified English-speaking driver-guide and unlimited mileage.

•              Equipment in 4×4 : wildlife books and guides, 1 pair of binoculars, cooler box or fridge stocked with bottled water

•              Full board throughout safari

•              All park, crater, & concession fees as per itinerary

•              Return transfers

Prices do not include :

•              Visas

•              Drinks

•              Tips

•              Personal Travel Insurance

See you in Tanzania !