Welcome to Kilimanjaro!
Kirchoff Fitness Adventures provides a once in a lifetime experience in global travel which will not only challenge your body, but will open your mind and soul to other cultures. Our commitment to getting you physically prepared along with giving back to the local communities around the world guarantee that when you travel with Kirchoff Fitness Adventures you will have a truly unique experience whether you are trekking in Nepal or Kilimanjaro, or Cycling in Vietnam, or kayaking in Croatia.
Kirchoff Fitness will be teaming up with Ria of Barking Zebra Adventures, to bring you a true adventure of a lifetime. Our climb of Kilimanjaro ascends the challenging and breathtaking Machame Route. The great advantage of choosing the Machame Route is the initial 2-day steep ascent that eases the altitude stress in the following days. The support of local porters allows our team to carry only light packs letting us focus on the experience of climbing Africa’s tallest peak.
Hike 7 days through spectacular landscapes through various temperate zones with sweeping provides views across the Maasai Steepe, Mount Meru, the majestic Barranco Valley and a variety of habitats. The trail starts from the southern base of Kilimanjaro and enjoys some of the finest forest and moorland scenery on the mountain. The descent path for this route is the Mweka Route.
Following the Kilimanjaro Climb we return to Arusha to meet with a local women’s group who works to empower women/girls through education and economic empowerment. We will have a unique opportunity experience Tanzanian culture while connecting with other women from Arusha.
Then we will embark on a safari to Tanzania’s famous National Parks where we witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles found anywhere on earth.
ARE YOU READY TO BE IN THE BEST SHAPE TO EMBARK ON AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME?
DAY | DATE | LOCATION / ACTIVITY |
---|---|---|
Day 01 | Fri, Sep 21, 2018 | USA Departure |
Day 02 | Sat, Sep 22, 2018 | Kilimanjaro Airport Arusha Arrive to Planet Lodge in Arusha |
Day 03 | Sun, Sep 23, 2018 | Arusha Gear check and rest |
Day 04 | Mon, Sep 24, 2018 | Machame Gate (5,700 ft) Machame Camp (9,750 ft) Transfer to Machame Gate, Kilimanjaro Trek |
Day 05 | Tues, Sep 25, 2018 | Shira Camp (11,500 ft) Kilimanjaro Trek |
Day 06 | Wed, Sep 26, 2018 | Barranco Camp (12,950 ft) Kilimanjaro Trek |
Day 07 | Thurs, Sep 27, 2018 | Karanga Camp (13,200 ft) Kilimanjaro Trek |
Day 08 | Fri, Sep 28, 2018 | Barafu Camp (14,950 ft) Kilimanjaro Trek |
Day 09 | Sat, Sep 29, 2018 | Summit (19,340 ft) Millenium Camp (12,530ft) Kilimanjaro Trek |
Day 10 | Sun, Sep 30, 2018 | Mweka Gate (5,360 ft) Kilimanjaro Trek, transfer to Planet Lodge |
Day 11 | Mon, Oct 1, 2018 | Arusha Service Project |
Day 12 | Tues, Oct 2, 2018 | Tarangire National Park Safari |
Day 13 | Wed, Oct 3, 2018 | Tarangire National Park Safari |
Day 14 | Thurs, Oct 4, 2018 | Arusha Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport |
Day 15 | Fri, Oct 5, 2018 | USA Arrive home to USA |
Tour Summary: Itinerary in Brief
DAY 01 | FRI, SEP 21, 2018
DEPARTURE FROM USA
We recommend flying KLM through Amsterdam directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
DAY 02 | SAT, SEP 22, 2018
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Planet Lodge
ARRIVAL TO TANZANIA
Meet and greet with a Barking Zebra representative at the Kilimanjaro airport. Transfer to Planet Lodge near Arusha for dinner and to overnight. You spend 2 nights here to re-cooperate after the long international flight.
Please note: that the included transfer follows the KLM schedule. If you are arriving on another carrier a private transfer can be arranged at an additional cost.
Next day you meet with Barking Zebra guide for a detailed climb orientation and a final gear check. In the afternoon relax and acclimatize
DAY 03 | SUN, SEP 23, 2018
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Planet Lodge
PREPARE FOR KILIMANJ ARO CLIMB
Following the morning team orientation meeting, we spend most of the day organizing and packing all of our gear. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool.
DAY 04 | MON, SEP 2 4, 2018
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Planet Lodge
MACHAME GATE 5,700 FT MACHAME CAMP 9 ,750 FT
After breakfast, we depart to Kilimanjaro National Park. Driving past the banana and coffee plantations, we arrive at the trail-head-Machame gate, where you will sign in at the National Park office. Our trek will start by immediately entering the rain-forest. We begin hiking through the dense forest to the Machame Camp (9,800’), where we spend the first night. Enjoy listening to many exotic birds in the canopy above and spotting black & white colobus monkeys.
Hours of trekking: 6-7
DAY 05 | TUES, SEP 25, 20 18
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp
SHIRA CAMP 11,500 FT
This morning we leave the last glades of the rain forest behind. Vegetation gets sparser as we ascend into the heath. After a couple of hours we pass the first Lobelia and reach the Shira Plateau – a high altitude desert plateau.
Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. A slow and steady ascent allows for our bodies to acclimatize to the higher altitude as we cross Shira Plateau.
If the weather is clear we enjoy spectacular views of the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Hours of trekking: 4-5
DAY 06 | WED, SEP 26, 20 18
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp
BARRANCO CAMP 12,9 50 FT
We begin by hiking east across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. Heading east toward Moir camp we’ll go underneath the Arrow Glacier and Western Breach Wall. We walk among the giant lobelias and groundsels, vegetation that is unique to the high altitudes of East Africa. Our camp is set at the base of
the great Barranco Wall, a steep canyon emerging from Kilimanjaro’s southern side (12,800’)
Hours of trekking: 6-8
DAY 07 | THURS, SEP 2 7, 2018
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp
KARANGA CAMP 13,200 FT
An early departure after breakfast allows us magnificent views as we traverse beneath the Southern Breach Wall. Our first challenge to hike up the Baranco Wall a 500 ft lava flow. Our traverse takes place at elevations between 13,000’ and 14,500’ with stunning views of crevasses. Our camp is situated on the edge of the Karanga Valley below the glaciers of Kilimanjaro.
Hours of trekking: 4-5
DAY 08 | FRI, SEP 28, 20 18
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp
BARAFU CAMP — 14,9 50 FT
As we begin trekking today the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we work our way to Barafu Camp. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili. The camp is set on an exposed ridge at approximately 15,000 ft. After an early dinner and a team meeting to discuss our summit attempt, we
retire to our tents in preparation for our summit push.
Hours of trekking: 3-4
DAY 09 | SAT, SEP 29 , 2018
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp
SUMMIT 19,340 FT MILLENIUM CAMP 12,5 30 FT
We set out just after the midnight for the glacier zone atop Kilimanjaro. We’ll walk slowly, drink plenty of water and refuel with small snacks to keep our energy high. Climbing approximately 3,000 feet today we will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro second volcano cone.
Now the toughest part is over, as we hike along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak – the highest point of Kilimanjaro. We celebrate our achievement with cheers and hugs before descending to Barafu camp. Gaiters and trekking poles come in handy for the loose gravel going down. After a short rest at Barafu we continue to Mweka Camp for dinner and to overnight.
Hours of trekking to summit: 7-8
Hours of trekking to Millenium Camp: 4-5
DAY 10 | SUN, SEP 30 , 2018
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Planet Lodge
MWEKA GATE 5,360 FT
Descend back through the rainforest and enjoy a farewell lunch with your group at Mweka Gate before heading back to the hotel for a welldeserved shower!
After we load up the gear, our bus takes us back to our hotel to rest and celebrate.
Hours of trekking: 4-5
DAY 11 | MON, OCT 1, 20 18
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Planet Lodge
SERVICE PROJECT
Activities/ meals with service project to be determined.
DAY 12 & 13 |TUES-WED, OCT 2-3, 2018
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maramboi Tented Lodge
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, drive to baobab-covered plains of Tarangire National Park in your private customized Land Cruisers and a picnic lunch.
Tarangire National Park is the hidden gem of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit known for its diversity of wildlife. It holds breath-taking views and offers an authentic bush experience. It is home to a diverse collection of fine wildlife; and with a low number of visitors, it’s quiet and peaceful.
Large herds of elephants (sometimes reaching numbers of 100), zebras, wildebeest, and oryxes are reliably spotted during this time…as are their predators. Enjoy two nights at a permanent tented camp located only 15 minutes from the Tarangire gate. Next day we return to the park for a full day game drive.
DAY 14 | THURS, OCT 4, 20 18
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Planet Lodge
LAKE MANYARA ARUSHA KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This morning set out to Lake Manyara National Park. This small park sits right at the base of the Eastern Great Rift Escarpment and offers a microcosm of the safari experience to be found in Tanzania. The diverse landscape includes lush ground water forest hosting baboons, monkeys and canopy dwelling birdlife. Grassy floodplains
play home to larger mammals like buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and giraffe.
After lunch drive to Arusha to reunite with your Kilimanjaro gear. Shop for last minute souvenirs or relax in your dayroom at Planet Lodge before your evening home-bound flight.
DAY 15 | FRI, OCT 5, 20 18
ARRIVE TO USA
GOODBYE KILIMANJARO!
Trip Cost & Payment
TOUR INCLUDES:
On Mt. Kilimanjaro:
- Kilimanjaro National Park, Conservation and Rescue Fee
- Professional guides, trained as Wilderness First Responders
- 4 month training program
- 6 group training hikes June- early September 2018
- 24-hour local support team in Arusha
- Emergency equipment: oxygen, portable stretcher, oximeter, comprehensive medical kit
- Guides carry two different types of mobile communications: radios and cellular phones
- Enrollment with Flying Doctor’s Evacuation Insurance
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Unlimited drinking water on the mountain
- Camping Equipment – including Mountain Hardware sleeping tents
- Portable toilets
On Safari:
- Private use of 4 WD – Toyota Land Cruiser
- All park, camping and conservation fees
- All regional and scheduled services as specified
subject to change without notice until paid for services - 24-hour local support team in Arusha
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- All transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Applicable Government taxes – correct at the time of quotation – subject to change without notice
TOUR EXCLUDES:
- All international flights to and from Tanzania
- All relevant visa fees and departure taxes
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad on Kilimanjaro
- All items of a personal nature such as alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, additional meals, and activities not specified, etc.
- Communication costs such as phone calls and faxes
- Medical and travel insurance
- All gratuities
TRIP COST
$6,500 (10-14 members)
Single Supplement $450
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
At time of reservation: $1,500
90 days prior to departure: (balance due)
*other payment options available
CANCELLATION & TRANSFER FEE SCHEDULE
At the time we receive the cancellation; all moneys will be refunded less the following cancellation charges, deducted from the total land only price:
Up to 91 days prior to departure: Deposit
61-90 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 65% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Within 90 days prior to departure, it is not possible to change your departure date and cancellation fees will apply. Please note that no partial refunds will be given for unused meals, hotel rooms, airport transfers etc., for any reason whatsoever. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
- Kirchoff Fitness Adventure Travel will attempt to adhere to your itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, etc.) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. Kirchoff Fitness reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time for such reasons or for safety of participants. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant.
GOVERNMENT TAXES & PARK FEES
Any increase in Tanzanian government taxes or park fees affecting the cost included in the adventure price will be passed through and paid for by the traveler. Any increase in the adventure price due to a government tax rate hike and park fees shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of fees already paid for the adventure.
VISA
All travelers must have a valid passport with minimum 6 months validity. A visa to Tanzania can be purchased at any Tanzanian embassy prior to your adventure or at any entry point in Tanzania. Current price for U.S. nationals is $100 US.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. We highly recommend coverage for medical expenses, baggage loss, and trip cancellation. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for non-refundable payments should you need to cancel your trip due to a covered sickness or injury to yourself, a traveling companion, or family member, or for other unforeseen circumstances. It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the traveler to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependents and traveling companions for the duration of their trip to Africa. Kirchoff Fitness will take no responsibility for any costs for loss of personal luggage, money, and goods, medical expenses, theft, damage or cancellation or curtailment of the adventure. The traveler will be charged directly by the relevant service provider for any emergency services they may require.