Kilimanjaro at dusk.
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb and Tanzania Safari
An AMC Major Excursion, January 4-21, 2006
Tanzania is the base for this amazing 2+-week African adventure. You will climb Mount
Kilimanjaro (19,340'), a dormant volcano and largest mountain in Africa. It is also the
highest non-technical mountain climb in the world. We will experience Kilimanjaro via
the Shira Plateau route over 8 days and 7 nights. This complete Kilimanjaro itinerary is
the most successful trek on the mountain with 98% of the climbers reaching the summit.
One of the best features of the route is the longer, slower ascent which gives the body
time to acclimatize to the altitude gradually– this greatly increases the success rate.
The route has the added benefit of traveling across the Shira Plateau - a World Heritage
Site and one of the Kilimanjaro wilderness areas. It will also offers a high base camp at
18,500', which leaves a summit day of only 800 feet, rather than the more typical 18hour slog starting in the wee hours of the morning. Our outfitter will provide some of the
best-trained guides in the business, as well as porters. You will carry only your
daypack! The sleeping tents are hi-tech dome tents, which have proven totally
waterproof in rainstorms and able to withstand the high winds often encountered on
Kilimanjaro. The storm proof mess tent is equipped with tables and stools – this is
where meals are served and it is also a nice place to "hang out" in bad weather. The
crew will break camp after the climbers have departed in the morning, then race on
ahead to have the camp set up by the time you arrive. The porters carry all the group
gear (kitchen, mess tent, food etc) as well as your personal gear that is not needed for
the days hike. The cooks undergo extensive training in food hygiene to help avoid
stomach bugs.
In addition to the Kilimanjaro climb, you will experience an unforgettable 6-day, 5-night
camping safari. We will be on the Serengeti Plains in and around Serengeti National
Park, an area that harbors an astonishing wealth of wildlife, and the largest animal
migration on earth. We may have an opportunity to interact with the local Maasai
people, who live and herd their cattle outside the Park. We will also visit the
Ngorongoro Highlands and Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater is world-famous for its
wildlife-viewing opportunities, with an incredible concentration of animals (both predator
and prey) within an inactive volcanic caldera.
This trip is for adventurous, outgoing, physically fit people who wish to experience and
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learn about the diversity of Tanzania and its people. This trip is not just a Kilimanjaro
climb, it is an African experience.
ITINERARY (subject to change)
Wednesday, Jan 4, 2006 - Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES – Boston (other
departure cities possible), probably in the late afternoon/early evening.
Jan 5 - Day 2: ARRIVAL AND OVERNIGHT IN ARUSHA – after changing flights in
Europe (probably Amsterdam); arrive Kilimanjaro Airport in the late evening and transfer
to nearby Arusha to overnight in an inexpensive hotel.
Jan 6 – Day 3: ARUSHA This day is designed to give us plenty of time to relax, arrange
our gear for the Kilimanjaro climb and the safari, and recuperate from the long journey.
You can also do any shopping for gifts, souvenirs, etc. as it will be difficult to make time
between the climb and the safari. The head guide/leader will give us a climb briefing
and answer any questions. He will also do an equipment check with each person to be
sure that we are fully prepared. We will be able to leave a bag of our safari clothing in
Arusha.
KILIMANJARO TREKKING
8 days//7 nights
Jan 7 – Day 4: MONTANE
FOREST (9,000') (day 1 on the
mountain) Drive to the
Kilimanjaro National Park forest
edge. From there we walk about
3 hours through the undisturbed
forest to our camp for the night.
With luck you will be able to see
Colobus monkeys and signs of
elephant and other forest wildlife
on your walk to camp.
Jan 8 – Day 5: SHIRA PLATEAU WEST SIDE (11,300') (day 2 on the mountain) Taking
our time walking through the forest will help us spot some of the plentiful game and bird
life. The day's hike will take us up through the Montane Forest and the Hagenia forest
zone. You will see the unique environmental differences that characterize these
equatorial zones.
Jan 9 – Day 6: SHIRA PLATEAU EAST SIDE - FISCHER'S CAMP (12,950')(day 3 on
the mountain) Our hike today will be about 4 hours across the Shira Plateau, a World
Heritage Site, and one hour up the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Camp will be in
the upper heath zone in full view of the Western Breach.
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Jan 10 – Day 7: LAVA TOWER (14,300') (day 4 on the mountain) Today we will hike
approximately 6 hours to camp just under Lava Tower, a 300 foot high volcanic lava
plug that juts out of the side of the mountain. This will be our first introduction to the
alpine zone, with the only plant life being the hardiest of grasses and lichens. We will
have a spectacular view of our final ascent route up the Western Breach.
Jan 11 – Day 8: ARROW GLACIER (16,000') (day 5 on the mountain) With the
Western Breach ascent route in full view we will spend 2 hours climbing to the base of
the route where we will camp near Arrow Glacier. An afternoon hike further up the route
before relaxing in camp will help our acclimatization and improve our performance the
following day.
Jan 12 – Day 9: SUMMIT CRATER CAMP (18,500') (day 6 on the mountain) We will
wind our way up the Western Breach non-technical climbing route for about six hours to
the crater rim of the main Kilimanjaro summit massif. Those who still have the energy
on top can explore the inner crater and the ash pit before moving to our highest camp
on the crater floor. This spectacular high camp is next to the Furtwrangler Glacier with
stunning views westward toward Mount Meru and the setting African sun.
Jan 13 – Day 10: SUMMIT DAY and MWEKA CAMP (10,500') (day 7 on the mountain)
We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340') early enough in the morning to be on
the summit by 10:00am. This final ascent is only 800 feet and can be undertaken after
sunrise and a leisurely breakfast. This is quite a contrast to the 3,000 foot slog required
to summit via the other ascent routes. After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak we will
begin the long descent to Barafu Hut and down to our final camp near Mweka Hut.
Jan 14 – Day 11: ARUSHA (day 8 on the mountain & hike out) It takes about 3 to 5
hours to make the 4,500 foot descent to the Park Gate and pick-up. We will have our
lunch at the gate and say goodbye to our mountain staff before heading to the hotel in
or near Arusha. We will be able to pick up our bag of safari clothing and leave our
mountain gear/clothing in Arusha before departing for our safari the next morning.
SERENGETI/NGORONGORO CAMPING SAFARI
6 Days/5 nights
Jan 15 – Day 12: SERENGETI/NGORONGORO SAFARI Fly or drive to the Serengeti
to meet up with our safari guides and vehicles. The exact safari itinerary will be
determined later and depends on various factors including where the wildlife viewing is
best at that particular time. Probably we will fly to the Serengeti and spend the
beginning of our safari there, stopping in the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding area
as we make our way back to Arusha. Likely we will be in the southern Serengeti
(camping in or just outside the park) as that may be where the wildebeest herds are at
that time of year. Inside the Serengeti National Park, we will need to stay in our
vehicles during game drives; outside the park, we may be able to do some walking. We
also may have the opportunity to interact with the local Maasai people outside the Park.
Accommodations will be in a portable safari tent camp. The camp is light and simple
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enough to be packed up and moved easily (by small pickup trucks) so we can position
ourselves for the best game viewing. The camp is designed to blend in with the
environment to encourage wildlife to come around camp. The tents are walk-in height,
nylon dome tents made of mosquito netting with cots, mattresses and pillows. Toilet
and shower tents are provided for each two sleeping tents. Meals are served in a large
"mess" tent complete with tables, chairs and cold drinks.
Jan 16 – Day 13: SERENGETI/NGORONGORO
Jan 17 – Day 14: SERENGETI/NGORONGORO
Jan 18 – Day 15: SERENGETI/NGORONGORO
Jan 19 – Day 16: SERENGETI/NGORONGORO
Jan 20 – Day 17: RETURN TO ARUSHA/ KILIMANJARO AIRPORT We will have
access to all of our luggage and a day room to shower and re-pack near the airport. We
will have our last dinner together. Flights typically depart Kilimanjaro Airport for Europe
in the late evening. If you wish to stay on longer in Africa you are welcome to arrange
this.
Saturday, Jan 21 – Day 18: Change flights in Europe (probably Amsterdam), return to
the United States (probably arriving in the afternoon).
TRIP LEADERSHIP
Leader - Erika Bloom
I am a hike leader for the Southeast Massachusetts (SEM) chapter Hiking committee
and the Boston chapter - Young Members Committee. I am a member of the AMC
Major Excursions Committee. I was Hiking Chair of SEM from 2001-2003. I led an AMC
Major Excursion to Glacier National Park (hiking and field seminars) in 2004 and was
co-leader on a hiking and backpacking Major Excursion to Banff, Canada in 2002. I
have led numerous AMC day hikes and backpacks in the White Mountains of New
Hampshire.
My contact information is: Erika Bloom, 9 Holiday Drive, Fairhaven MA 02719.
508-996-3290 (home, before 9 pm)
508-951-1001 (cell, for urgent/time sensitive questions)
The outfitter for this trip is African Environments www.africanenvironments.co.tz,
which was officially registered in Tanzania in 1987 by an American and two Tanzanians.
Their aim is to offer safe and reliable Kilimanjaro climbs, bush walks and safaris. They
have now grown to a permanent staff of 40 people and 250 contract staff. They are a
preferred AMC outfitter and are being used for a similar AMC Major Excursion in
December 2004, as well as AMC President’s Society trips in December 2004 and 2005.
COST, REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION
The approximate cost for the trip is $4,275-4,990 plus estimated airfare of $1,650
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(Boston-Arusha; other departure cities possible). The base price range depends on the
number of people who register (minimum 8, maximum 14) and also allows for any
unexpected price increases. For example, the park entrance fees alone for this trip total
close to $1,000 per person. In the unlikely event that the parks raise their fees before
our trip, that cost will have to be passed on to the participants. Your trip fees will cover
the following items:
-
In-country transfers and flights
All accommodations
Meals (it is possible we may have a few meals not included while in Arusha)
Guides/leaders, porters and staff
Vehicles and drivers
Park permits/fees
All technical equipment (tents, kitchen gear, mess tent, etc.)
AMC Major Excursion overhead fee
The trip fees DO NOT cover the costs of tips for the guides, porters, etc. You will be
given recommendations of what is appropriate tipping before the trip. Alcoholic drinks
may not be included, depending on the location.
The approximate cost for the excursion is based on quotes at the time the trip was
submitted to the Major Excursions Committee (October 2004). Costs may differ for
different points of departure (e.g., Boston vs. Hartford vs. New York, etc.) and with
fluctuations in airfares. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increase, will be
passed on to the participants.
Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing some of the
leader’s costs, but not all of them. Beyond this, in accordance with AMC rules, the
leader may not realize a profit from this excursion. Any unspent trip funds must be
refunded to all the participants. The trip fee also includes an AMC overhead cost to
cover the administrative expenses of offering Major Excursions (publication in the
Outdoors magazine, liability insurance, etc.). This charge amounts to 10-12% of land
costs (i.e., international air travel costs are not included in calculating the overhead
charge).
A registration deposit of $800 is due with the application. You must also submit the
Confidential Medical form and the signed Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk
and Release form. The rest of the fees will be due in two installments, 120 and 90 days
in advance of departure. You may be asked to give your credit card information to have
airline tickets charged directly to your credit card, which has worked well for other trips.
Make checks payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club. Our cancellation policy is
based on the simple precept that your cancellation shall not raise the cost to any of the
other participants or the leader. Therefore, if you cancel we will refund any fees that
you have paid, less expenses already incurred, or unavoidable expenses that will be
incurred to the leader or other participants as a result of your registration and
subsequent cancellation. If you cancel after airline tickets have been purchased, then
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you own the tickets and that part of the fee cannot be refunded. You are STRONGLY
encouraged to purchase the optional trip cancellation/evacuation insurance policy that
we will make available to you upon registration.
This group size is strictly limited (minimum of 8 participants, maximum of 14). If you are
interested you should register as soon as possible. The deadline for registration is June
30, 2005.
When registration is complete, I will send all participants the names, addresses and
phone numbers of those going on the trip. I will be using email as our primary source of
communication. If you prefer snail mail and/or telephone communication, please note
that on your registration form. If you have any questions, please call me so that we can
discuss them.
EXPERIENCE AND RISKS
Most people look at climbing Kilimanjaro as an adventure of a lifetime. However, the
very term “adventure” suggests some inherent uncertainty, isolation and risk. The main
health concern for Tanzania is the relatively high risk of acquiring either traveler’s
diarrhea, a respiratory infection or a more exotic tropical infection. There are also risks
associated with altitude sickness and with accidents while trekking. The wildlife safari
will include exposure to wild animals and off-road vehicle travel. Fortunately, our
outfitter has an excellent safety and training program for their employees, which helps to
minimize the risks. The risks of becoming ill or endangered can also be significantly
reduced by obtaining the proper immunizations before the trip, following the advice of
African Environments about acclimatization periods, food preparation and general
safety, and speaking up immediately if you start to exhibit symptoms of any medical
problem. You will be given lots of information before the trip, including
recommendations for when you should consult a travel medicine clinic to start the
recommended vaccinations (which may include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever,
Rabies, etc.) and to discuss medications to prevent malaria and prevent or treat altitude
illness. Much more information on this subject will follow after registration!
Trekking is just walking in the mountains, but due to the altitude, strenuous terrain and
isolation, it is a good idea to make sure you are as healthy as possible and in very good
physical condition. For this reason, you will be required to have significant and current
hiking experience and a clean bill of health. You will be asked for a hiking reference in
case there are concerns about your abilities. If you have chronic medical problems or a
history of something complicated that could flare up on a trip, you may be asked to
produce a document from your health care provider stating that he or she feels you will
be able to participate fully in the trip.
There is relatively little political unrest in Tanzania, unlike many of its African neighbors.
If the US State Department advises Americans not to travel there, the trip would likely
be cancelled for your own safety. If you would like to read about Tanzania, please visit
the State Department’s website at: http://www.state.gov/travel/.
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When you participate in this activity you should be both physically and mentally
prepared and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the
risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. We are not responsible for your safety:
you are. Prior to registering for this activity you are asked to discuss your capabilities
with the leader. Please do not be offended by any questions.
BEING A TEAM PLAYER
We will be more than just a group; we will be a team. If you cannot accept and enjoy
being part of a group, if you are not a team player who is willing to help your fellow
hikers, then please do not register for this excursion. You may be asked to help the
group in some way if the unexpected occurs, such as a member of our group being
injured or ill. Although all of us hope to summit Kilimanjaro, the group’s safe return is
the ultimate goal.
EQUIPMENT LIST
A complete equipment/clothing list for the Kilimanjaro climb and safari will be provided
to you later but can be accessed on the African Environments website,
www.africanenvironments.co.tz (look under “Kilimanjaro climbs” and then
“equipment”; also look under “Walking Safaris” and then “equipment”. Some of the
basic equipment/clothing you will be required bring is listed below:
-Waterproof hiking boots and gaiters
-Sneakers or lightweight shoes for safari and for in camp on the mountain
-Sandals, Tevas, or flipflops for in safari camp
-Wool or synthetic hiking socks and liners
-Zero degree rated sleeping bag
-Thermarest/sleeping pad
-Medium sized pack for 15-20 lbs of gear
-Medium sized soft duffel for mountain gear (will be carried by the porters)
-Large duffel for non-mountain gear
-Synthetic hiking clothes
-Waterproof/windproof raingear (jacket and pants)
-Gloves or mittens, and mitten shells
-Hat for warmth as well as one for shade from the sun
-Personal first aid and medication kit
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-Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, bandannas, etc.
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