The Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Optional Safaris
Pam Wilmot/(Backup leader Robin Melavalin)
SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION
The Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Optional Safaris
Leader Pam Wilmot
Co-leader (Backup leader Robin Melavalin)
Tanzania
8/3/2017- 8/14/2017 + optional
Total # of days 12-18
extension to 8/20
Backpacking
Bicycling-Mountain
Bicycling-Road
Title of trip
Leadership
Location(s)
Dates
Type of trip
check all that apply
Primary type of trip
Number of participants
(excluding leaders)
Advertised cost
Airfare range if not included
When should the trip notice be
published in AMC Outdoors?
Do you wish to have your trip
listed online before it is
published in AMC Outdoors?
Smaller trips and leader
subsidization
Camping
Cultural
Family
Hiking
Paddling-Canoeing
Paddling-Sea-Kayaking
Skiing-CrossSkiing-Downhill
Snorkeling
Country (Nordic)
(Alpine)
Trekking (e.g., hutWalking
Other – please describe
to-hut)
Trekking (e.g., hut-to-hut)
Select one of those checked above.
Minimum 9
Maximum 13
$ 3700 (+ 3550)
Does it include airfare? Yes
No
$ 1400-1900
Will leaders assist participants with flights? Yes
No
First Appearance: Month July
Year 2016
Last Appearance: Month May
Year 2017
Note: AMC Outdoors is only published in Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.
Yes
No If yes, please list the approximate month and year when it should
be posted on line. May 1, 2017
Is this proposal for a small group trip – i.e., less than 14 participants and 2
leaders or 7 participants and 1 leader? Yes
No
If yes, why is a small group proposed?
If a participant fee increase of more than 15% is proposed, please explain why?
LEADER AND CO-LEADER INFORMATION
Leader name
Leader address
Leader email
Leader phone
Pam Wilmot
32 Goodrich Road Jamaica Plain MA 02130
phwilmot@gmail.com
Home 617-522-6167
Work 617-426-9600
Wilderness first aid
training
CPR training
Prior leading experience
WFA
Trip one
Form Revised September 2015
AWFA
WFR
Cell 617-962-0034
(preferred)
Expiration: 3/2019
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 3/2018
If this is your first Adventure Travel trip as a Leader you must be present at the AMCATC meeting at which the trip proposal is considered.
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Feel free to list additional
trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate experience related to the trip you are
proposing.
High Road in Paradise: Hut to Hut in the Italian Alps, AT Trip #1539 August 15-29, 2015
10 participants
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 7
The Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Optional Safaris
Trip two
Trip three
Other related trip
experience
Pam Wilmot/(Backup leader Robin Melavalin)
Under the Alpine Giants: Hut to Hut in the Italian Alps, AT Trip #1325 August 2-17,
2013, 9 participants
45 mile Kings Canyon backpack (5 day 2014 personal trip lead, including all logistics), 50
mile Olympic National Park traverse backpack (5 day 2010 personal trip lead, including
all logistics), Sierra backpack (5 day 2011 personal trip lead and logistics), Annapurna
Basecamp Trek (10 day 1988 personal trip organizer), Chang Mai Thailand Trek (5 day
1988 personal trip organizer), upcoming June 2016 Mt Rainier Climb--not outfitted
Co-leader name
Co-leader address
Co-leader email
Co-leader phone
Wilderness first aid training
CPR training*
Prior leading experience
backup only-- Robin Melavalin
Home
Work
Cell
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration:
CPR
BLS
Expiration:
If you are a new co-leader you must submit an application to be an Adventure Travel
leader or co-leader prior to submitting this application. Also, it is strongly
recommended that you be present at the AMC-ATC meeting at which the trip proposal
is considered.
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Please indicate if you were
the leader or co-leader.
Trip one
Trip two
Trip three
Other related trip experience
Scouting
Have either of you led this trip
before or traveled to this area?
Languages
Does either the co-leader or
leader speak the local language?
Couples
Do the leader and co-leader
have a significant personal
relationship?
Private trips Do either of you
lead trips that are private - not
sponsored by the AMC?
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:
Outfitter is very experienced and one of the principals is an AMC leader.
Co-leader: Yes
No
Leader: Yes
No
Not applicable:
Yes
No
If yes, please list who has agreed to be your back-up in case one or
both of you need to drop out. This is required for approval!
Yes
No
If yes, please note that you cannot advertise AMC and private
trips together unless there is a clear distinction between the two in any materials
you send out.
LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF TRIP
Summary
Please provide a description
of the trip and the activities
planned. If available, please
include or attach an itinerary.
Form Revised September 2015
We will fly into Kilimanjaro Airport and be taken by our guide to our lodge for a 2-night
stay. We will hold a group acclimatization walk and cultural experience at a women's
cooperative on the slopes of Mt Meru on day 2. On day 3, the group will embark on an 8
day, 7-night trek to summit the roof of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340ft/5,895m), one of
the Seven Summits. We will be treated to a full moon during our climb and a partial
lunar eclipse on our second night on the mountain. Our route is the Lemosho Southern
Circuit with a daylight ascent, an overnight at the Crater next to the glaciers, and more
time than typical to acclimatize. The route is not offered by most outfitters because of the
extra costs involved. At the conclusion of the trek, we will stay one night at the same
lodge. The next day, we will visit a local school and then participants will either depart
for the USA or proceed to an optional 7-day safari and cultural exploraion in Tarangire
National Park, Ngorogoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. The additional cost of the
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 2 of 7
The Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Optional Safaris
Accommodations
Please describe your plans for
accommodation(s)
Meals: Please describe your
plans for providing meals. If
the budget includes any funds
for leader meals not shared
with the group please justify.
Local Transportation
Please describe your plans for
local transportation
Will leaders or participants be
drivers of motor vehicles?
Permits or permissions
Does the trip require special
permits or permissions?
(required on many U.S.
federal lands and national
parks)
Special equipment
Does the trip require special
equipment?
Special experience
Does the trip require special
skills on the part of the
participant?
Pam Wilmot/(Backup leader Robin Melavalin)
safair is ($3550). We will see many of the "Big Five" including elephants, and lions, and
will follow the wildebeast migration, called the 8th Wonder of the World, one of the
greatest spectacles on earth, hopefully even as it crosses the Mara River. We will also
observe Masai culture in action along the way. On the way back to Arusha for our flights
we will visit Lake Eyasi and the hunter-gather tribes that live there. Family members and
friends who are not interested in Kilimanjaro are welcome to join us for the Safari.
Accomodations will be in hotels/lodges in Arusha, mountaineering tents while on
Kilimanjaro, and lodges and tented lodges while on the optional safaris.
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners will be provided by the outfitter or lodge. The only
exeptions are the travel days with no meals on arrival day (typically evening) and
breakfast only on departure day. Beverages and snacks are provided on the mountain but
not in town or on safari, except while in Mahale.
Will be provided by the outfitter in 4x4 vehicles, also for those on the optional
extensions, flying back from Serengeti and to and from Mahale National Park
Will leaders be drivers?
Will volunteer participants be drivers?
If so, MVR checks will be needed. See Appendix S1.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will need to do to obtain them:
Yes, there are permits required for Kilimanjaro and all national parks. All will be
obtained by outfitter and are included in the price of the trip. Visas are required for all
participants and are not included in the price (currently $100).
If no, please describe the process you went through to find out that they were not
required:
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you
will ensure that people know how to use it:
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe
how you will ensure that the participant has this experience?
Recent, intermediate to advanced hiking experience and camping experience required for
Kilimanjaro. Participants will be screened via phone to assess their experience, fitness
and how they responded to altitude on previous trips, if any. No hiking experience
required for the safari.
Pre-trip activities
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will do:
Do you plan to get your group Leader will organize one or more day hikes or overnight trip so people can meet and
together before the trip for an
prepare, and also so the leader can assess abilities and check gear. Outfitter will either
activity or social event?
attend one of our outtings or attend a conference call that I will organize. We may also
have a social outing.
In addition to the unique flora and fauna, participants will learn about the
Conservation, education and
volcanic geology and local cultures. Our porters and guides will be indigenous.
recreation
How will this AMC-AT trip meet the
The group will also have the chance to learn about the many environmental
mission of the AMC?
impacts that local communities and hikers make on the environment and how
www.outdoors.org/about/mission.cfm
tour operators and the local park administration deal with them. We will practice
Leave No Trace principles. We will visit a local women's collective and learn
about the local Meru tribe and their customs and culture. There will be an
opportnity to visit local schools and villages and learn about the diverse cultures
in Tanzania, and the impact of colonialization on current affairs. Optional safaris
include visits to several tribes and will help further our understanding of this
complex country.
TOUR OPERATOR AND GUIDE SERVICE INFORMATION
This section should be completed if the trip will be using a tour operator, outfitter, guide service, travel agency or
Form Revised September 2015
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 7
The Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Optional Safaris
Pam Wilmot/(Backup leader Robin Melavalin)
other such company or person(s) for a significant part of the trip or for the entire trip. Any person(s) or companies
that are handling a significant portion of trip funds or arrangements need to be vetted. If there is more than one
tour operator please provide this information about each such entity.
Will this trip require a tour
Yes
No
operator or guide service
Please describe their services. If you are using a tour operator for the entire trip,
during part of or for the
please describe why you will be using them rather than doing this trip on your own:
Yes, this trip requires an outfitter, because one is legally required by the Tanzanian
entire trip?
government to climb Kilimanjaro. The use of local guides and porters is a mainstay of
the local and national ecomomy and is the ethical choice as well as the only legal one. I
have selected Serengeti Pride Safaris (SPS). For safety and logistical reasons, it is
imperative to use a reliable outfitter for Kilimanjaro. SPS is experienced and uses topnotch equipment including emergency supplemental oxygen and gamow bags. SPS also
provided the quote with the best price for the services provided (I obtained 5 quotes).
They also outfitted AMC's last Kilimanjaro climb and the group was very happy. This is
a one-leader trip because SPS provides all services, from when we arrive at the airport in
Tanzania to our departure, and if the AMC leader was incapacitated the outfitter could
lead the group. The SPS guide will be briefed on use of AMC emergency contact phone
numbers.
Name of tour operator/guide Serengeti Pride Safaris.
service
www.serengetipridesafaris.com/
Tour operator website
SPS has not a a significant accident or lost any clients. They have a very high summit
Safety record
Please provide information
success rate. SPS lead guides have Wilderness First Responder training and assistant
about their safety record.
guides have WFA training and have been participating on different seasonal
mountaineering trainings conducted by the Kilimanjaro national park management. A
key focus of this training is to enable SPS Leaders/ guides to identify AMS signs and
symptoms early enough to minimize risks and to undergo a appropriate evacuation plans
when needed. Lema Peter, proprietor of SPS, was the guide who led the first AMC
president's society trip with Andy Fallender to Kilimanjaro. He also helped coordinate
the evacuation for the AMC tragedy on Kilimanjaro a few years ago, although with
another outfitter. SPS was the approved guide for the 2010 Erik Madsen Kili trip and the
2011 John Crist trip (was cancelled) and the 2013 Kili trip led by Robin Melavalin. Most
of the SPS guides, chefs, and porters are people Erika Bloom (one of the founders of the
company) and Lema know in person. Lema has been working with many of them for
over 11 years. SPS's safety equipment, risk management plan, and very well experienced
climbing team show that client safety is a priority.
Insurance
Do they have liability
insurance?
Emergency response
Please describe the outfitters’
response plan in the case of an
emergency.
Form Revised September 2015
Liability? Yes
No
Maximum amt: $ TBD
Are they willing to list AMC as an
Yes
No
additional insured?
Serengeti Pride Safaris Emergency Action Plan/accident scene management:
Prevention: The two biggest concerns in this category are illness (altitude or other) and
accidents (natural or vehicular). We try to prevent problems as much as possible. We
have choosen a longer Kilimanjaro climb route, thereby minimizing risk of serious
altitude illness by ascending gradually. This proposal is based on a route used by
previous AMC groups, the Lemosho (Shira) Souther Circuit/Crater Camp route. This is
an 8-day/7-night route that is good for acclimatizing. SPS chefs are trained in mountain
cuisine and hygiene to minimize stomach bugs. They filter or boil drinking water, and
also have clients use their own disinfecting drops or tablets in their water bottles. They
also work closely with clients to identify and treat early on the first signs of any
problems, whether stomach bugs or altitude issues, so we try to resolve them and prevent
them from becoming a major issue. We change routes if there is a specific safety
concern about any route at any time.
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 7
The Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Optional Safaris
Pam Wilmot/(Backup leader Robin Melavalin)
Head guides all have many years of experience (100 times or so at the summit, or more),
WFR training and are trained to identify, respond to, and treat accidents or illness,
and to make early decisions to evacuate a client to definitive medical care if needed.
They carry Gamow (hyperbaric) chambers and oxygen in case of altitude illness
requiring treatment while preparing to evacuate off the mountain. They will provide
membership in either Flying Doctors or Knight support, local African organizations that
provide air ambulance services. There are hospitals available in Tanzania, although
serious problems may need evacuation to Nairobi, Kenya. The Kilimanjaro National
Park rangers help coordinate rescues/evacuations, but we have all resources available to
do this ourselves, and aim to have an evacuation finished before the rangers arrive. This
includes having staff in town that we can mobilize to start up the mountain to the
trailhead or even up the trails at the drop of a hat, if there is a problem on the mountain.
Helicopters can only get to certain areas of the mountain and in certain weather
conditions, so often evacuation has to be by trail and then by vehicle. SPS will have
radios and cell phones for emergency communication (cell phones are increasingly the
most effective method of communication from Kilimanjaro!). They will also bring a
satellite phone on the mountain.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks and hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it may affect your trip.
Devise a plan to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary. Please be very specific for each section
if applicable.
Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildlife (bears, snakes, etc.)
Climate/terrain
Potential hazards
The trip presents risks for terrain, altitude, wildlife, and weather.
Response
SPS guides have years experience leading Kilimanjaro climbs and wildlife safaris,
including extensive training in emergency measures and high altitude medicine. The
itinerary and pace strictly are designed to maximize acclimatization. The staff does have
medical training and extensive emergency equipment including supplemental oxygen
and Gamow bags. In extreme cases, evacuation is possible and helicopters can be used to
fly people to the nearest hospital, weather permitting. All participants will be urged to
purchase additional evacuation insurance for the trip and to visit their doctors about
altitude concerns and about getting medication to speed acclimatization (Diamox),
malaria profilaxis, and required vaccinations. Altitude risks and the need for Diamox will
be described in prospectus.
Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism
Foreign Country
Potential hazards
Tanzania is a stable developing country, but there is a possibility of petty theft.
Response
The State Department travel advisories will be monitored closely, although Tanzania has
been stable for decades. Also, SPS will monitor any unrest and safety considerations.
Travel insurance will be highly encouraged for all participants. As for theft, petty crime
does occur. Participants will be advised not to bring valuables and to carry important
documents, expensive camera equipment and money with them at all times. Tanzania's
official languages are English and Swahili.
Road conditions, drivers, insurance
Transportation
Potential hazards
Possible accidents during transportation to and from the airport, at start/end of the hike,
and during safari.
Response
SPS will be providing all transportation and drivers. All are experienced and used to the
road conitions which can be very rough. Because this is the dry season, mud should not
be an issue. Participants and leaders will not have to do any driving during the trip.
Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity
Participants
Potential hazards
Participants may get altitude sickness and may not be prepared physically for the
extreme altitudes.Fitness is not an issue for the optional safaris.
Response
Participants must be in excellent physical shape with recent intermediate hiking and
camping experience. Previous hiking experience at altitude is preferred. Porters carry all
our gear except daypacks on the mountain.
Form Revised September 2015
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 7
The Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Optional Safaris
Other
Potential hazards
Response
Pam Wilmot/(Backup leader Robin Melavalin)
Conditions unique to this type of trip
Tanzania is a developing country with many health concerns, such as unsafe drinking
water and diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.
Participants will be advised about required and recommended vaccinations and safe
drinking water practices. SPS will prepare its food to the highest standards and use the
cleanest hygiene practices possible. Participants will be encouraged to get all
medications and immunizations that are recommended by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Give as much detail as possible and list any special
communications equipment you may need to ensure the safety of your participants. DO NOT LEAVE THIS BLANK
SPS has radios, a satelite phone for the Kili climb, as well as cell phones for contact with
Emergency communication
Phone contacts, language,
the main office and emergency communication. SPS staff speaks English well, as that is
documentation, distance from
an official language of the country Evacuation can be quite a distance and may require
emergency services
helicopter or plane to Niarobi.
SPS will carry cell phones and radios and a satelite phone on Kilimanjaro.
Emergency equipment
What sort of emergency first
aid or communication
equipment (satellite phone,
two-way radios) do you plan
to use, if any?
SPS, in conjunction with Tanzania park service, would coordinate any evacuation. SPS
Evacuation
Please describe your plan for
includes a local evacuation company's services with all their treks. Evacuation could be
evacuation from the
to Arusha, or to Nairobi, Kenya if more extensive medical care is needed.
backcountry location if
applicable?
Arusha has clinics and hospitals. Serious or surgical cases might be evacuated to
Medical care
Please describe the medical
Nairobi, Kenya. SPS and their evacuation company would coordinate decisions as to
care available in the area(s)
where to take people, in conjunction with our AMC med evac. insurance provider once
where you will be traveling
in an area where such decisions can be made.
and list names and telephone
numbers for these facilities.
COST AND BUDGET DETAILS
Foreign currencies
For int’l trips list each foreign currency, the
current $US dollar exchange rate and what
contingencies you have if that rate changes. If
a tour operator or agent is being used, what
currency is the agent to be paid in?
Group Trip Deposits
What deposits will be required
from you by airlines, hotels, tour
operators, etc., and when?
Group Trip Refunds
What is the latest date you can
cancel and still receive a full
refund of any deposits?
Form Revised September 2015
1 USD = 2,183.22 TZS (Tanzania Shilling) on March 25, 2016
The Tour operator will be paid in USD. The trip is all-inclusive, except
for beverages in Arusha or on Safari and personal items or itinerary
deviations. There are no other fees or costs in the TZS. A small portion
of the trip contingency money will be carried in TZS for emergencies,
although many business accept or prefer USD. Participants will be
responsible for own currency conversion for purchases and tipping.
Currency fluctuations will not affect the trip cost. The outfitter has
agreed not to change prices due to currency fluctuations. Increases in
park fees or other government fees, if any, will be passed on, however,
Outfitter requires $500 per person non-refundable booking deposit once we reach the
minimum number of participants. The balance is due 30 days prior to the trip for the
Kilimanjaro portion. Payment for safari bookings will be required earlier.
Outfitter is able to delay booking deposit until the trip has reached a minimum number
of participants. At that time, deposits are not refundable.
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 6 of 7
The Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Optional Safaris
$1000 with application. The balance is due in 2 additional payments: 1/2 February 1,
2017, 1/2 April 1, 2017.
Participant deposits
What are the initial deposit and
your schedule of payments by
participants to you?
Cancellation policy
What will be your cancellation
policy for the participants?
Minimum numbers
Will you still run the trip if you
do not get the minimum number?
Reference web links:
AMC-ATC Home Page:
Forms:
Deadlines:
E-Mail Addresses:
Club House:
AMC-ATC Chair:
Form Revised September 2015
Pam Wilmot/(Backup leader Robin Melavalin)
Cancellation by an accepted participant will not be allowed to raise the cost to the
other participants or to the leaders. Published MINIMUM penalty schedule: zero
before the trip has obtained the minimum number of participants, or December 1,
2016, whichever is sooner. $500 December 1, 2016 through February 1, 2017, $1000
after April 1, 2016. If actual costs are higher, they will be included in the assessment.
We will reserve the right to REDUCE cancellation penalties if costs incurred can be
passed on to a suitable replacement participant.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe conditions:
Leader may run the trip with fewer than 9 participants, and extensions with 6,
depending on whether the outfitter can reduce costs and the leader's ability to pay at
the time.
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/application/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/committee/proposals/
nholland@outdoors.org
scohen1234@gmail.com
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 7 of 7