The Machame Route + Mount Meru Trekking

Mount Meru
One of the best things about climbing Mount Meru is probably the chance of a phenomenal view of Mount Kilimanjaro. This probably defines Mount Meru in the local mountain mythology, and is the misfortune of a geographic feature that by any standards is a big mountain. At 14980 foot it compares neither in stature nor reputation to Kilimanjaro, and so is sharply overshadowed. However Mount Meru is a unique feature in its own right, and very much worth the effort to climb

Machame Route
Often called the Whiskey Route. This is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having shorter walking days during the trek.
Combining trekking to the summits of the Africa's continent's highest and fifth highest peaks. Starting with the beautiful ascent of Mt. Meru - an exceptional crater rim roller - coaster warm up and acclimatization trek for the big one - Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame route.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport
Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, met by a Dove Safaris Driver/guide transfer to Impala Hotel for Dinner and Overnight

Day 2: Arusha/Miriakamba Hut
Mt. Meru Park Gate - Miriakamba: 4-5 hour
Drive from Arusha to the Mt. Meru park gate where you will be met by our game ranger and porters. Hike for the few hours to Miriakamba Hut at 8,500 ft. From here you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater. Dinner and overnight rest at Miriakamba Hut, L, D

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut - Saddle Hut
Miriakamba - Saddle Hut: 3-4 hours
After breakfast hike to up to 11,500 ft to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits you can climb a little further on Mount Meru for a scenic view of the 'Roof of Africa', Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization. Overnight at Saddle Hut, B, L, D

Day 4: Saddle Hut - Summit - Miriakamba Hut
Saddle Hut - Summit: 4-6 hours
An early rise to hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. From the summit, descend back to the 11,500 ft Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, hike down to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight, B,L,D.

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut - Moshi
Breakfast at the camp and a leisurely morning. Descend to the park gate and then transfer to Moshi and check into a comfortable hotel. Fortune Mountain resort

Day 6- Kilimanjaro Climb - to Machame Camp
From Moshi drive to the Machame route, often called the Whiskey Route. From the Machame Park gate is a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique busy lizzie flowers, begonias and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m. Ascent of 1,200m and 5 -6 hours walking.

Day 7- Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m. Herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. Ascent 840m and 4 - 5 hours walking.

Day 8- Kilimanjaro Climb - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950m. 6 - 7 hours walking and only 110m total ascent. But having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists acclimatization.

Day 9- Kilimanjaro Climb - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp
Up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley where you take a break for lunch.
After lunch hike on to Barafu Hut 4600m, having hiked a total of 7 - 8 hours and ascended 650m. You have fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak from the camp after having completed a longer day of hiking which now requires you to adequately relax in preparation of the challenging summit hike early the following morning.

Day 10- Kilimanjaro Climb - Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp
We'll trek up through the Karanga Valley, the trail turns steadily uphill, following the lava ridge to the Barafu camp. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Barafu camp (15,200 feet, 6-7 hours of walking).

Day 11- Kilimanjaro Climb - Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Just after midnight we start of a challenging trek(12-17 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at 12:30 to 1am, passing between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to the rim at Stella Point. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 deg. F (-12 deg. C) to –10 F. (-23 deg. C) just before dawn at the summit. As dawn nears, we'll summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet. Uhuru will be the culmination of - and the reward for - 6-7 hours of strenuous hiking. We'll then descend back to Barafu Camp, resting for a while before continuing our descent to Mweka Camp (9,840 feet, 3-4 hours of walking on the descent).

Day 12- Kilimanjaro Climb - Mweka Camp to Park Gate, transfer to Moshi
From Rua campsite it is a 4 - 5 hours descent through the forest to Kidia gate (depending on individual fitness) to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for night at Fortune Mountain resort

Season: the best times are January to March and June to December.

Schedule for Safari programm for : 2009 starting in Kilimanjaro:

Price per Person starting in Kilimanjaro:

US$ 2,025,-	p/Person	2 People Travelling together
US$ 1,925,-	p/Person	4 People Travelling together
US$ 1,730,-	p/Person	6 People Travelling together
US$ 2,025,-	p/Person	1 Person Travelling alone

We also organize unforgettable African safari to Tanzania National parks and Zanzibar beach holidays .
Tanzania Safaris and Kilimajaro Testimonials

Cost Includes:

• All transport by private vehicle to and from the mount kilimanjaro
• Accommodation as detailed on the itinerary.
• Services of a private mountain guide, cook and adequate porters to carry both trip provisions and client’s private bags.
• National Park entrance, accommodation and camping fees.
• All food and catering equipment Breakfasts, lunches (packed when necessary) and evening meals prepared by our own cook. Special dietary requirements are catered for with prior arrangements at no extra cost.
• Certificate of Achievement /appreciation from us.
• Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mount kilimanjaro hike.
• Crisis management apparatus .VHF 2-way radio, basic first aid kit and an on call vehicle.
• Fortune Mountain resort in Moshi on the first and last night on B&B basis
• Airport Transfer

Cost excludes:

• Travel and personal accident insurance.
• Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines.
• Personal Mountain equipment.
• Tips.
• Expenditure on alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and other personal items.
• Optional excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
• Additional optional accommodation added at the base hotel or extra days on the mount kilimanjaro added.
• Treated drinking water other than boiled.
• Extra costs incurred in case of own intentional change of itinerary while already on trek.

TIPPING:
Tipping is an accepted part of life in Tanzania, and you will be expected to tip to reward service. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around $ 45 to $ 50 for your trek guides, cooks and porters on the trek.<>/p