 The extinct volcano of
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most recognizable peaks. It rises
dramatically above the dusty East African plains with its impressive
snow-capped summit. It represents the pinnacle of physical achievement
for the growing numbers who want to test their powers of endurance
against the elements each year.
By sending more then 6000
successful climbers up Mt. Kilimanjaro during the past 10 years, we can
offer you the best support, guidance, information and motivation to
reach this once in a lifetime achievement.
Company background
Destination Africa Tours (DAT) has been concentrating on Mt.
Kilimanjaro since 1994, making us one of the largest and most
successful specialist operators organizing Kilimanjaro trips. Our
success is due to our commitment to provide challenging yet attainable
summit objectives,  client safety, guidance, care and quality service.
Our experienced guides have a proud
summit success rate of 98%+ and have safely guided over 6000 clients of
DAT to the top of the mountain. All our professional tour consultants
have made numerous successful summit attempts and are therefore in a
position to provide you with an in depth knowledge of the mountain.
Both the New York Times and The
Lonely Planet Guide recommend our company as the tour operator for
Kilimanjaro.
Special achievements by
clients of Destination Africa Tours
Lettie Msiza: Creating opportunities for our own staff members,
Destination Africa Tours sponsored Lettie (52 years), our domestic
worker to climb Kilimanjaro, October 2003. Unfortunately, Lettie did
not reach the summit suffering from altitude sickness, but she enjoyed
every moment of the adventure and found to be back to concur this
majestic mountain.
Kilimanjaro on Wheels: Bernard Goosen successfully conquered the summit
of Mount Kilimanjaro on 13 Oct. ‘03 IN A WHEELCHAIR!! The set the
record by taking 12 days to summit Kilimanjaro in his wheelchair.
Bernard is busy training for his 2nd attempt during March 2005. Another
3 persons also in wheelchairs will accompany him once again utilizing
DAT for this unbelievable quest.
Youngest South Africa child to summit Kilimanjaro: Antoine van Heerden
(nine-year old) conquered Mt Kilimanjaro during 2001 and became at that
stage the youngest person in history to reach the Uhuru peak.
Why climb Kilimanjaro with
Destination Africa Tours
• With one of the most comprehensive climbing Kilimanjaro guides on the
Internet, available 24 hours a day to answer all your questions
• Highly trained and registered guides with years of experience, who
will lead a team of support staff properly equipped to look after you,
on the mountain.
• The average ratio of our support staff to climber is 2 porters per
client and one guide per a maximum of 4 clients, which increases your
safety and enjoyment on the mountain.
• We arrange everything for you: flights, bookings, park fees,
transfers, accommodation, guides, porters, food and equipment, leaving
you free to enjoy the climb.
• We supply portable Oxygen and an important emergency kit, to all our
groups for the duration of their climb.
• We can offer you extended itineraries for extra acclimatisation on
the mountain.
• To increase your chance of a successful summit attempt, we have
developed a tailor made fitness program, as well as an essential
climbers final checklist. Also included is information on tips for
success, food menu, altitude sickness, route maps, route itineraries,
as well as general travel and language tips.
• The highest quality of mountain equipment for hiring
• With your booking confirmation, you will receive a comprehensive gear
list, a document explaining the reasons why we recommend certain gear,
including guidelines when buying these equipment and a document with
additional information to help you to prepare for your climb.
• Our Kilimanjaro information is designed for success and safety, which
is purely a factor of dedication, experience, and a commitment to
excellence.
• To provide you with all the information needed to choose the best and
most spectacular route for your climb
• The opportunity to combine the mountaineering with a safari or
Zanzibar extension.
Mount Kilimanjaro
KILIMANJARO is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest
freestanding mountain known to man. It is a mountain where you can hike
for 100 kilometers, gain 4 000 meters in altitude, traverse rain
forest, moorland, alpine desert, snowfields and ice cliffs, all
virtually on the equator! A truly unforgettable and fascinating
adventure.
Choosing a route
The highest point on MOUNT KILIMANJARO is the UHURU PEAK at 5895
meters. There are several routes that can be followed to reach the
summit, each of which offers many different and spectacular views of
the mountain.
Marangu Route
The main tourist route and by far the most popular route and some claim
the easiest route to Uhuru Peak. The 5-day option, which is available
on this route, makes it the least expensive route on the mountain. A
recommended six day option with an extra day of acclimatisation is
however also available. This is the only route, which provides
comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every
campsite. All the camps on this route have radio contact with the Park
Headquarters.
Machame Route
This is probably the most scenic and most beautiful route to the
summit. The 6-day route is however physically more challenging than the
Marangu route. The day walks are longer and steeper, however the summit
night is one hour shorter. The scenic traverse of the Western Breach
offers some stunning views! Only tented accommodation available, which
can be less comfortable and will require a good sleeping bag and hiking
mattress.
Comparison
between the Machame & Marangu routes
| Marangu |
Machame |
|
-
Five-day
option available
-
Six day
option offers an extra day of acclimatization (highly recommended)
-
Straightforward
with shorter hiking days
-
Summit night
about an hour longer
-
Hut
accommodation available at all campsites
-
Bottle water,
soft drinks and beer available at all campsites
|
-
Six days or
more
-
Physically
challenging
-
Day walks
steeper and longer
-
Scenic
traverse of the Western Breach offers great views
-
Summit night
about an hour shorter
-
Tent
accommodation available at all camps
-
Bottle water,
soft drinks now also available at the camps
|
Other routes
Other routes such as SHIRA, UMBWE, LEMOSHO and RONGAI, which are also
available. Information on these routes is available on request. Only
tented accommodation is available on all these routes.
When to go
There is two rain seasons in Tanzania, which you should keep in mind
when planning your expedition: the long rainy period, which runs from
April to early June, and a short and most insignificant rainy period,
during November. Summiting Kilimanjaro on a cloudless full moon night,
is with out a doubt an unforgettable experience, and planning your
summit attempt to coincide with the full moon date, could enhance your
whole trek up the mountain.
A brief itinerary description
A typical 6-day Marangu route itinerary:
- DAY 1 Transfers
from Kilimanjaro airport to town. Overnight in the hotel. Pre-climb
briefing.
- DAY 2 Driven to
Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Register name at park office and final
preparations are done for the climb. Depart for a 5-hour walk through
rain forest to Mandara hut (2 700m). Dinner and overnight.
- DAY 3 Enjoy
breakfast. A two hours walk to reach the moorlands. After 5 hours walk
through the moorlands, you reach Horombo hut (3700m). Rest, dinner and
overnight
- DAY 4 Extra day
and night at Horombo enables your body to adjust to high altitude. A
walk to the peak of Mawenzi is recommended for assistance with the
acclimatization process.
- DAY 5 After
breakfast continue your ascent through moorland, passing the last
available water point and reach the saddle located between the peaks of
Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Kibo hut (4 700m) after 6 hours walk. Rest,
enjoy dinner and overnight at Kibo.
- DAY 6 Just after
midnight you begin your ascent to summit and reach Gillman's point
(5681m). From there you continue very slowly to Uhuru peak. Around
sunrise you reach your ultimate goal - the highest point in Africa -
Uhuru peak! (5 895m). Descend, continuing straight down to Horombo hut
for lunch. Enjoy your last dinner and well-earned rest on the mountain.
- DAY 7 Continue a
4-hour walk after breakfast. Descending passing Mandara hut, down to
the park gate. Sign your name in register. Successful climbers receive
their summit certificate for making it to the top. Depart for
Moshi/Arusha for overnight and celebration dinner at the hotel.
- DAY 8 Checkout
after breakfast for a transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight
to your next destination.
A typical 6-day Machame route itinerary:
- DAY 1 Transfers
from Kilimanjaro airport to town. Overnight in tourist class hotel.
Pre-climb briefing.
- DAY 2 Drive to
Machame gate. A 5-hour walk through spectacular rainforest, will lead
you to first Uniport hut (3,048m). Walk to Machame hut for the
overnight in tents and where dinner is prepared (3,100m).
- DAY 3 Breakfast.
Ascend crossing the Little Valley, along a steep rocky ridge, covered
with heather. Route turns west to the River Gorge. Have dinner and
overnight at Shira hut (3,658m).
- DAY 4 From Shira
hut, you pass the Junction, on your way to the cone of Kibo. Continue
to Lava Tower. Traverse across to the Barranco hut. Long and strenuous
day, as the effects of the high altitude is now being felt. Enjoy
dinner and overnight at Barranco hut.
- DAY 5 After
breakfast you leave Barranco through the Karanga valley for an 8-hour
walk. Enjoy a hot lunch at Karanga valley. You can also overnight at
Karanga valley but will need to extend your hike with one night.
Therefore hiking via a 7-day route. Continue to Barafu Hut (4,600m).
Another tiring day. Rest, have dinner and camp for the night.
- DAY 6 The most
strenuous day. You are woken just after 1am for your final ascent.
Dress warmly; your guide will lead you 'pole pole' to Stella point
(5,745m). Continue to Uhuru peak (5 895m) after about 6 hours you will
summit the roof of Africa! From here you descend to Mweka hut (3,100m).
Reach the hut after 5 hours walk for the last night on Kilimanjaro.
- DAY 7 After
breakfast you do the final descent to Mweka park gate, an approximate 4
hours downhill walk. Successful climbers receive their summit
certificate for making it to the top. Return to hotel for overnight and
celebration dinner.
- DAY 8 Checkout
after breakfast for a transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight
departure.
Machame 7 day route via Crater Camp: Double summit
This option is
only recommended for those who are considerably above average physical
condition. Those participating should understand the dangers associated
with a night spent in the crater at 5730m. We summit prior to sleeping
in the crater.
- Day 1 Pre-climb
briefing. Overnight.
- Day 2 Drive to
Machame gate. A 5-hour walk through spectacular rainforest, will lead
you to first Uniport hut (3,048m). Walk to Machame hut for the
overnight in tents and where dinner is prepared (3,100m).
- Day 3 Breakfast.
Ascend crossing the Little Valley, along a steep rocky ridge, covered
with heather. Route turns west to the River Gorge. Have dinner and
overnight at Shira camp(3,658m).
- Day 4 From Shira
hut, you pass the Junction, on your way to the cone of Kibo. Continue
to Lava Tower. Traverse across to the Barranco. Long and strenuous day,
as the effects of the high altitude is now being felt. Enjoy dinner and
overnight at Barranco camp.
- Day 5 Barranco
camp - Barafu camp (4680m) - 6.8km. Overnight.
- Day 6: 1st
Summit attempt
Depart Barafu at 06h00am - Stella point - 4.75km
Stella point - Uhuru peak (5 895m) - 1.18km
Uhuru peak - Crater camp (5730m) - 930m. Overnight Crater camp.
- Day 7 Crater
camp at 05h00am - Uhuru peak
Uhuru peak - Barafu camp (4680m) - 4.4km
2 hours rest at Barafu
Barafu - Mweka camp (3090m) - 6.9km
- Day 8 Mweka camp
- Mweka gate (1640m) - 9.9km
Transfer to lodge
- Day 9 Checkout
after breakfast for a transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight
departure.
Equipment
To further enhance the quality of our services Destination Africa Tours
has decided not to utilize some critical equipment normally supplied by
local Kilimanjaro ground operators. To guarantee that you’ll only have
the best equipment available for your trip, DAT purchase new equipment
once a year, exclusively for our clients, which includes Mountain Lite
3 person tents (only 2 persons sharing), aluminium tables, chairs,
mattresses and mess tents.
Clothing for our mountain crew
As some operators send guides and porters up the mountain without
proper clothing and equipment, DAT took the leading steps in providing
our guides with adequate gear and clothing to ensure that they are able
to take care of you.
Safety
Our aim is to guide our clients safely up Kilimanjaro and for this
reason we only employ qualified and licensed guides to ensure that our
clients are in the hands of the best available guides in Tanzania.
These guides are all trained not only in all facets of mountain guiding
but also specifically in the management of altitude sickness. We also
supply portable Oxygen and an important emergency kit, to all our
groups for the duration of their climb.
Our guides and porters
Our 45 expert guides have collectively hiked Kilimanjaro well over a
thousand times. They are permanently employed by the company and are
fully licensed and trained by the National Park. Their communication
skills are well developed, and their knowledge of the flora and fauna
is remarkable. When you trek with DAT, you can count on having the
best-trained guides on the mountain who safely lead with passion and
confidence. We acknowledge that our guides are the prime reason for our
excellent summiting success rate. The equipment our porters carry is
weighed at the park gate to ensure that the recommended maximum weight
of 15kg is not exceeded. Our guides will introduce all porters and the
cook to you before you start your hike, leaving you with peace of mind
that they have a sufficient number of porters the duration of the trek.
Our cooks receive training on a regular base at the Springlands Hotel,
in order to serve you with a wide variety of meals (including a
vegetarian menu on request).
Springlands Hotel
 The Springlands Hotel
is situated in Moshi, the "head quarters" of Kilimanjaro and the only
private hotel for exclusive use of Kilimanjaro hikers. The hotel offers
70 rooms with a beautiful view of Kilimanjaro. The hotel is only 80 km
(45 min. drive) from Kilimanjaro International Airport and is
conveniently located only 30 minutes drive from the Machame and 45
minutes from the Marangu Park gates. Facilities include:
• Swimming pool
• Manicure and pedicure facilities
• Sauna
• Satellite TV
• Internet café
• Laundry
• Curio shop
• Equipment hiring
• Bicycle hiring
• Car rental
• Secure storage room to leave excess luggage
• Safety deposit box
SEE YOU ON TOP OF KILIMANJARO!!!
RATES ON
REQUEST.
Our climber’s package includes the following:
• Return economy airfares (V-class), ex Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro
International Airport, traveling with Air Tanzania
• All SA departure taxes (R1 000 pp)
• Return airport transfers between Kilimanjaro Intl Airport and town
• 2 Nights accommodation in the Springlands hotel in Moshi, with
breakfast & dinner (hikers class)
• Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb, and return
to your hotel after your climb
• All National Park gate fees
• All camping fees
• Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro rescue team fees)
• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cooks
• Salaries for mountain crew
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the mountain
• Hot drinks on the mountain
• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs & sleeping mat) Toilet tent
can be hired
• Climbing permit
• Certificate for your successful summit attempt
• Emergency Portable oxygen (for the duration of your climb)
• Government climbing taxes
• Travel info pack
Our Standard Package includes all the services listed
above for the Climber’s Package, as well as some sensible and superior
extra privileges:
Arrival services
• Complimentary meet and greet on arrival at the airport
Accommodation
• Pre and post climb, basic tourist class, accommodation in Arusha –
Tanzania’s famous Safari town - offering so much more in terms of
tourist attractions, restaurants and nightlife. Upgrade to semi luxury
OR luxury class accommodation available.
Food
• Food of a superior quality and variety offered for the duration of
your climb, three meals a day
Management of your climb and tour
• Your overall climb will be managed by a well respected safety and
accident investigation consultant for the Tanzania- and Kilimanjaro
National Parks, with many years of leadership and climbing experience
in both the Himalayas and Alps
Guides and Porters
• Salaries paid to your guides and porters as recommended TANAPA
• Senior guides extensively trained by an European mountaineer
• Proper and superior clothing and equipment for your guides and porters
Equipment
• Hire facility of specialist mountaineer clothing designed by our team
manager and fabricated in Nepal
• Lunch tents & storm proof mountain mess tents
• Storm proof sleeping tents, waterproof sleeping mat, camp table and
camping chairs (Toilet tent can be hired as a supplementary extra)
Additional safety precautions
• Uniquely advantageous acclimatization procedures developed from our
operational manager’s pioneering projects in the Himalayas and Alps
• Superior logistical arrangements that promote optimal hydration,
digestion and rest for the duration of your climb
• First Aid kit (for the duration of your climb)
Other advantages
• Free SMS messaging on the mountain to family and friends anywhere in
the world
• 3 liters of mineral water (per hiker) for the first day on your climb
• Sports energy drink and dark chocolate for your summit night
• Service standards that our competitors are typically charging US$2800
- $3000 pp for (land arrangements only)
• Celebratory dinner (evening after your climb)
• Kilimanjaro Expedition badge
Excluded from all packages:
• Items of a personal nature
• Tips for guides, porters and cook (own discretion can be used; the
average tip is US$120 per hiker on a 6 day hike)
• Entry visa for Tanzania (US$ 50 per SA passport holder)
• All health requirements (Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, Meningitis)
• Optional travel insurance (packages start from R180 pp for a 8 day
cover)
• Hiking/trekking gear (hiring facility available
|
