Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro (5896m) is not only Africa’s highest point, it is the highest free standing mountain in the World. Kilimanjaro is a huge crater known as Kibo over 2km wide with several distinct cones – the highest being Uhuru Peak. The name Kilimanjaro is believed to come from Swahili, Kilima meaning ‘hill or little mountain’ and Njaro meaning ‘white’ or ‘shining’. Towering over 4500m above the rift valley and the surrounding landscape, it makes for an impressive sight.
The Journey (Thursday 13 - Sunday 23 September 2012)
This 11 day itinerary includes seven days of walking on the Machame trail, the most scenic route to the summit. Seven days on the mountain allows for great acclimatisation and maximises chances of a successful summit attempt. The route provides spectacular scenery and a wide variety of different landscapes. We start in scrub-lands thick with African wildlife and then move into lush forests followed by flowering alpine tundra. Above 4500m the landscape changes to snow and rock as we approach the summit. This trek is suitable for people with a good level of fitness who enjoy a challenge. The sense of achievement and view from the roof of Africa make all the hard work and effort well worth it!
Day 1 (Thursday 13 September)
Depart Dublin for Kilimanjaro International Airport. Overnight flight
Day 2 (Friday)
Arrive in Tanzania in the afternoon and transfer to Arusha. Overnight hotel.
Day 3 (Saturday)
Drive to Machame Gate (1490m) and trek through Montane Forest to Machame Camp (2980m) - 7 hrs trekking.
Day 4 (Sunday)
Trek from Machame Camp above the tree line to Shira Camp (3840m) - 6 hrs trekking.
Day 5 (Monday)
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3950m) via Lava Tower - 7 hrs trekking.
Day 6 (Tuesday)
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4000m) through the alpine desert - 5 hrs trekking.
Day 7 (Wednesday)
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4550m) and prepars for tomorrows summit attempt - 5 hrs trekking.
Day 8 (Thursday)
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5896m) - the summit of AFRICA - and then descend to Mweka Camp (3100m) - 15 hrs trekking.
Day 9 (Friday)
Trek to Mweka Camp and drive to Arusha, 3 hrs trekking. Enjoy a well deserved rest by the pool and a cold drink at the bar at the hotel in the afternoon and evening!
Day 10 (Saturday)
Morning free to relax at the pool, afternoon depart Tanzania
Day 11 (Sunday)
Arrive in Dublin in the afternoon
How to participate
With the support of the ORBIS fundraising team, you'll be asked to raise a minimum of €5000. We have some great suggestions to help you achieve your fundraising goal, and we will be with you every step of the way.
As an ORBIS team member, you will receive International return flights from Dublin to Tanzania, all transport in Tanzania, all accommodation, all meals and drinking water (except in Arusha), guide and porter fees, permit fees and an expedition t-shirt.
The costs exclude travel insurance, tourist visa, spending money, medical vaccinations, drinks and tips.
If you feel you might be up for the challenge or you would like more information on fundraising and training, contact Diane on 01 293 3060 or email diane.weatherup@ie.orbis.org
