Crowned by eternal snows, the mighty Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape unlike any other mountain. Located in Tanzania, this extinct volcano looms over five ecosystems and large game reserves and is certainly one of the world's most impressive sights. The terrain is nothing short of dramatic.

	Kilimanjaro Photo: Jim Martin

Overview
As one of the most fascinating and diverse regions on earth, Kilimanjaro has attracted both climbers and nature enthusiasts with its magnetism. The ascent up this great peak is non-technical by nature and it affords a full mountaineering experience (with all the rigors and rewards) for those in strong physical condition.

Route Selection
Entrance into the African wilds begins as the group climbs Kilimanjaro via the less traveled Machame route. Climbing the Machame route is of great importance for those wishing to fully experience Africa's vast wilderness. This highly unique path affords climbers excellent exposure to the area's remote and pristine environment. The climb passes through rapidly changing environments while unveiling stunning views of East Africa's mountains and plains.

The Kilimanjaro climb is both physically and mentally demanding. Alpine Ascents spends seven days on the mountain, which allows climbers to properly rest, acclimatize and meet our goal of maximizing chances to reach the summit. To promote full exploration of the region, Alpine Ascents use porters to carry gear and food.

Safari
A journey through East Africa will prove to be a culturally rich experience. Following the expedition, the team will begin an extensive three-day safari to the spectacular game reserves East Africa. The group will travel by Land Rovers, across the Great Rift Valley, following wildebeests, lions and other indigenous wildlife.

Historical Notes
Unique Characteristics. Kilimanjaro is composed of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo (5895m), Mawenzi (5149m) and Shira (3962m). It is one of the world's highest free standing mountains: its mass rises 4800m above a rolling plain that averages 1000m above sea level. After reaching a height thought to be 5900m during its last major eruption 360,000 years abo, Kibo has been eroded by glaciers, rivers and landslides to its present height. It is believed that Kilimanjaro, like its neighbor, Mount Kenya, is losing glaciers due to global warming.

The Name. Given the stature and greatness of Kilimanjaro, there is relatively little recorded history of the peak. Even the origins of the name present somewhat of a dilemma. May people believe the name derived from the Kishwahili tribal name, Kilima, meaning mountain. The local Wachagga "Chagga" people claim to have no name for Kilimanjaro, but did name the dual peaks Kipoo and Kimawenzi.

First mention of Kili by Westerners. John Rebmann, published account in 1849.

First climbed. Hans Meyer, 1889.

Expedition Itinerary
The climb begins and ends via flights to Nairobi, Kenya. It is also possible to fly directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Day 1: Depart USA for Nairobi, Kenya.

Day 2: In transit via Europe.

Day 3: Arrive Nairobi in early am. Airport pick up and shuttle to 4-star hotel in Nairobi.

Day 4: Private shuttle pick up at Nairobi hotel. Shuttle to Arusha, Tanzania. Final gear check.

Day 5: After registering with the park service, we will meet our porters. Porters are an integral part of our African journey. They become friends and provide insight into African culture and society. Their warm and energetic nature is a wonderful aspect of the expedition. We travel by jeep to the Machame trail head. The drive winds through cultivated coffee fields and small forests of ferns and flowers. Our climb begins on the edge of a rainforest (elevation 6,000ft). Below the watchful eyes of the monkeys, we trek four-five hours to the Machame Hut (9,000ft) and set camp for the night.

Days 6-7: Leave the Machame Hut, cross a small valley and begin our ascent. The environment changes from heath forest to moor lands. These moor lands are littered with wild cactus plants called Senecios. Halfway up the trail we meet a river gorge and continue to the Shira Plateau (12,460ft). We will spend two nights at the Shira Hut, allowing plenty of time to properly acclimatize and explore the surrounding areas.

Day 8: Hike to Barranco Hut (13,500ft). From this vantage point, we will behold outstanding panoramic views. To our right stands the awesome Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. Breach Wall is famous for its climbing route, known as the icicle, first climbed in endless horizon of the African plains. Daytime temperatures are quite warm (80°), while nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing.

Day 9: We continue up the mountain, heading almost due east and rising just about 1,500ft. Our goal is to reach the Barafu Hut at 15,700ft, which takes approximately five hours. As we wind through beautiful and rarely traveled regions, we enter a high desert plateau, littered with volcanic boulders. Looking south we view the desert plains as the pinnacles of Mawenzi peak tower before us. At Barafu Hut we make preparations for the summit attempt. While our porters prepare the food, we spend our time packing and preparing for the next day's 2am departure.

Day 10: Summit day! Awake at midnight and prepare gear for the ascent. We begin the climb wearing headlamps until the predawn light is reflected off the African plains. Following a distinct ridge, we approach the crater's rim, then traverse northwest along the rim to the main summit, Uhuru Peak (19,339ft). From here we can view the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the crater's rim and the hanging Rebmann Glaciers.

As the sun rises over Africa, we are privy to a panorama of incredible views. To the north stands Mt. Kenya (17,000ft) with its unique twin summits. This is the second highest mountain on the continent. The southern exposure reveals the sprawling plains of Tanzania and East Africa and Mawenzi Peak.

After enjoying the view from the top, we begin our descent down the Marangu Route on the southeast side of the mountain, setting camp at Horombo Hut. The sunrises are exquisite as we awake below the towering mountain.

Day 11: We descend through the lush green landscape of the Marangu Route and the festivities begin. The trail gate is marked with stores and huts where we spend time with our porters, celebrating the success of the climb. Continuing our descent we enter thick jungle lands. After reaching Marangu Gate we drive to Arusha.

Day 12: Begin the safari to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world's most incredible natural wonders. Here we will encounter herds of zebra, antelope, buffalo, elephant, rhino, cheetah and hippo. As we drive through the crater we pass members of the Masai tribe, nomadic herders of the region. (The Masai travel in pairs or solo, carrying long spears for protection.) We will have the opportunity to visit the Masai village in which we observe tribal dance and local lifestyles.

Day 13: We continue to explore the nature and wildlife of the crater. In the early afternoon we travel to Tarangire National Park via Lake Manyara. We safari through Lake Manyara and observe the land of antelopes, baboons and gazelles as they are stalked by lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Lake Manyara is world renowned for its ornithology and vast game reserves. From Lake Manyara we travel to the Tarangire River. This beautiful valley overlooks African grassland, sprinkled with acacia and baobab trees. This area is known for its variety of large mammals.

Day 14: We continue a full day of safari in Tarangire, then return to our hotel for last minute shopping and a farewell dinner in Arusha.

Day 15: Morning in Arusha and depart via private shuttle to Nairobi airport. Depart Nairobi for Europe and the USA.

Day 16: Arrive USA.