Meru, Kili Machame, Amboseli Park

Mount Meru (14,980 feet), with its impressive horse shoe crater, provides you with a fantastic goal to achieve and the perfect altitude acclimatization prior to attack Kilimanjaro. A double shocker for the solid hiker, supplemented by one whole safari day in the splendid Amboseli reserve.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Nairobi
• Day 2/  Drive to Arusha (Tanzania)
• Day 3 to 6/  Momella Gate; Namanga and Arusha, ascent of Little Meru (12,533 feet) and Mount Meru (14,980 feet). Aïshi
• Day 7 to 12/ Ascent of Kilimanjaro in 6 days via the Machame way:  Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet), descent to Barafu, then on to the projecting ledge of Mweka Hut and Loitokitok
• Day 13/  Amboseli game drive (safari), lodge
• Day 14/  Morning game drive (safari), Nairobi. Depart from Nairobi.

To acclimate us to altitude, we ascend Mount Meru (14,980 feet), a superb volcano with it's impressive horse shoe crater reserving beautiful views on Kilimanjaro. The ascent and the descent accomplished via different routes, which hold many surprises: the "cone of ash" (a newly developed crater), "the enormous fig tree", "the frayed edge",all on top of the amazing vegetation and animals... Then the apotheosis, with the ascent of Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa at 19,340 feet high, and its main summit, Kibo, is crowned by its 8,200 foot large crater culminates in Uhuru Peak (Peak of Freedom in Swahili).
The Egyptian, Ptolemee, mentioned the existence of a "white mountain" in the middle of Africa and until 1861, nobody believed in it until an expedition was carried out by the German baron, Klaus von der Decken, and the English botanist, Richard Thornton,who made it possible to note that there does indeed exist a snow-covered summit in the middle of the continent. Finally, on October 6, 1889 Hans Meyer, Ludwig Purtscheller and their guide, chagga Yohana Lauwo, arrive at the top of what is now a national park: national Kilimanjaro Park.
Via Machame (popularly Whisky way!) is the way of trained hikers. Landscapes are very varied - forest, volcanic canyons, mineral landscapes strewn with giant Seneca trees -, dominated permanently by the large glaciers on the southern slope of Kilimanjaro. During the ascent, the view on Breach Wall is breathtaking, a steep and frozen wall of almost 3000 feet, which we avoid by a great horizontal crossing in order to reach the final slopes, which in and of themselves have an  appreciable stiffness, which we can not resist undertaking.
And a splendid finale, such as on a postcard, we observe the African fauna at the foot of Kilimanjaro.

Day 1/  Arrival Nairobi
After arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International airport, we will be met by a representative of Mountain World Travel and transferred to the Fairview Hotel (or similar) where we are booked on a half board.

Day 2/  Nairobi - Arusha  
Transfer between Nairobi, capital of Kenya and Arusha, the small city at the foot of Kilimanjaro, via Namanga customs office, border between Kenya and Tanzania. A pause here allows us to meet the local people, to see some masaïs coming to do their shopping at this impromptu market. The road is splendid between the two cities, beautiful plains, some small summits and often if the weather is clear, Kilimanjaro in the background. Arrival in the afternoon at the hotel in Arusha and a free afternoon for you to spend.

Day 3/  Arusha - Momella  -  Miriakamba hut
Short transfer to the door of Momella (4,921 feet). To note:  Mount Meru is in Arusha National Park where it is possible to see good numbers of African animals. We begin our trekking while going up to the refuge of Miriakamba (8,202 feet). We follow a particularly beautiful route, which crosses Ngarenanyuki River, passes by Maio Falls (water falls) and it's Tree Arch (peculiar natural arch formed by a tree), then at the foot of the "cone of ash", the most recently formed crater of Mount Meru from where smoke still occasionally escapes. Normally, there are many animals here in this sector.
Dinner and night in hut.
5 H  walk.

Day 4/  Miriakamba  Hut - Little Meru - Saddle Hut
Via an excellent path, we reach the Saddle hut, located on a very broad pass between Mount Meru and Little Meru. Afternoon ascent of Little Meru (12,533 feet) and return to the hut.
Dinner and night at hut.
5 H walk

Day 5/  Mount Meru (14,947 feet) - Miriakamba Hut
After a short night which ends at 2 am, the final ascent to Mount Meru's summit which is 14,947 feet high. From the summit, at around 6 am, we can enjoy a magnificent view of the snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro peaks and the vast plains which play host to Arusha National Park. We descend to Saddle Hut for a late lunch before proceeding to the Maria Kamba hut for overnight.
Dinner and night at the hut.
8 H walk

Day 6/  Miriakamba Hut - Momella gate - Aïshi  
Descent to Momella Gate via the most direct route. Transfer to Aishi (1. 30 h drive), a small village located at the foot of Kilimanjaro (3 H walk). Afternoon of relaxation and a well deserved night of rest. The hotel, built in an immense garden, is very pleasant; it is a true moment of happiness to admire the slopes of Machame that we will climb and the top of Kilimanjaro from the superb heated swimming pool. In the neighborhoods: coffee and banana plantations, small villages, and some water falls.
3 H walk

Day 7/  Aishi - Machame Gate - Machame Hut   
Transfer by vehicle to the village of Machame, then on to the official entry door of the Kilimanjaro Park (5,905 feet). Some papers to fill out and ready to go! In a luxuriant forest, all while following a well traced path, it will take us the afternoon - quietly - to then drop our bags in front of the huts, called Machame Hut (9,842 feet).
Dinner and night in camp.
4/5 H walk.

Day 8/   Machame Hut - Shira Hut  
With yet another hour to go in the humid forest, which unfortunately burned in 1997 (it is thus regaining health!), another environment atmosphere awaits us: the path circulates a moor situated in altitude with giant Seneca trees. Beautiful view on Kibo. Shira Hut (12,598 feet) will be used as refuge.  With our team, we will install our camping site. (water is rare on this plateau swept by the winds).
Dinner and night in camp
5 H walk

Day 9/  Shira Hut - Barranco Hut
On the path circulating the moor ; we face the imposing mass of Kibo, which offers a particularly interesting view on the North glaciers. The path goes up initially to 14,764 feet, then just downstream from Lava Tower Hut, it branches off and starts to go down again in the direction of the Large Barranco depression to our camp at 12,959 feet. This short stage is important for perfecting our acclimatization to altitude.
Dinner and night in camp
6 H walk.

Day 10/  Barranco Hut -  Barafu Hut
During a portion of the day, we follow the Kibo South Circuit, a kind of balcony path which circumvents, at an altitude of approximately 13,800 feet, the southern slopes of Kili. From our camp, we move towards the large wall of Barranco. At a distance, it seems almost impossible to pass, but a judiciously well placed path makes it possible to negotiate the few 1000 feet of climb on this uphill face. We are then "almost" at the foot of Heim and Kersten Glacier. An easy downhill way leads us into the small valley of Karanga. Pause for the lunch buffet. It is the last water point... before Horombo! The path then goes up a small embankment before  becoming perfectly horizontal (13,615 feet of altitude) until a four way crossing: on the right, descent to Mweka, straight ahead, Horombo, and on the left, the ascent that we will follow  which leads to Barafu Hut (15,092 feet).
Dinner and night in camp
6 /7 H walk.

Day 11/  Barafu Hut - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Hut
We arrive here on D-Day, the day of the summit. Early morning departure (1 H am!). The ascent is steep, at the beginning on rock breakings then gradually on a great slope of stones and ashes. The path is less marked than on the "normal" route. It is advisable to follow the slow rate/rhythm and the steps of the guide very carefully. After 5 hours of climbing, we finally arrive at the level of the summit plateau, at the point named Stella Point: 18,701 feet high. There remains a short hour before treading upon the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet). Descent via the same route to Barafu, then, continuing downhill always downhill, via a very steep path to the projecting ledge of Mweka Hut, located at around 10,171 feet of altitude.
Dinner and night in camp
10 to 12 H  walk

Day 12/ Mweka Hut  - porte du parc -  Loitokitok
We are still following the steep downhill path which leads to the end of a track, more or less suitable for motor vehicles, where we find our own vehicles. Transfer (2 H) to the Kenya sides of Kilimanjaro, in the small village of Loitokitok, a quiet end of the afternoon and the possibility of visiting the village.
Dinner and night in cottage.
3 to 4 H walk.

Day 13/ Amboseli
After a leisurely breakfast on the verandah of the cottages, we drive to Amboseli. This park is popularly known as "the home of elephants" for its large herd of the species, sometimes herds of 200 being spotted. Besides elephants, it is also home for the buffalos, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and the antelopes, as well as the predators: the lion, the cheetah and occasionally, the leopard. Lunch, dinner and overnight will be at the Serena Lodge.

Day 14/  Amboseli - Nairobi
Today you will embark on an early morning game drive in search of the predators before they hide away from the heat of the day. Later you may relax in the Hotel pool followed by an early lunch.  Proceed to Nairobi for the flight home.

- If last day your flight leaves Nairobi earlier than 9.00pm you have to stay an extra night in Nairobi.
- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

- During ascents and hikes, every participant walks with a light back pack.
- On summits, transport of the group and individual's luggage is insured by a porter's team.
- At the start, you will be issued a bag to carry your personal belongings: sleeping bag, change of clothes, personal pharmacy.... The weight of it is limited to 20 pounds maximum.
Your traveling bag is entrusted with our local representative during your ascent. It will be returned to you after the climb, for the duration of the trip.

The guides
- a Western English-speaking professionnal and trained mountain guide
- an English-speaking professional Kenyan or Tanzanian guide (depending on the location of the summit)
- some guide assistants (flexible number depending on the group size)
- a local guide depending on the area
- for transfers and safaris, one or more guide-drivers; excellent drivers who are also African fauna specialists.

The local team
- a kitchen team : cooks and assistants
- a porters/carriers team during treks and ascents
Note: during summit ascents, many members of the local team will stay with the group. This team might regularly change during the trip, without hindering the dynamics of the organization at all.

- Minibus and 4x4 vehicle transfers in private tourism vehicles
- During photo Safaris or Game Drives inside National Parks or Animals Reserves, 8 to 12 place Minibus or 4x4 vehicles.
To note: during wild game drives, all of our vehicles are equipped with large sliding roofs for an excellent vision for all passengers, and perfect for photographing or filming in all directions. For safety reasons, it is forbidden to leave the vehicles any time during safaris.

- In Nairobi, Arusha and Aishi : nice standard hotel, 4 stars, double occupancy bedrooms, with swimming pool.
- At the bottom of Kilimanjaro routes: nice standard lodges and hotels
- During ascents and treks: 3 people sleeping tents, but double occupancy use of these tents, mattresses, community tent for meals and evenings: or huts (dormitories equipped with mattresses), water for cleaning purpose close by, except at Kibo Hut and School Hut.
- During safaris: “De Luxe” lodging, with swimming pool, based on double room occupancy.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Meals
Downtown: in restaurants, generally the hotel's restaurant one. Most of the time, meals are served buffet style.
Note: in Nairobi, dinner is “a la carte” in any of the hotel restaurants. We have pre paid US $ 25; you are responsible for drinks and other items over and above the $25.
On terrain: meals are prepared with local products. In the morning, copious breakfast; lunch, picnics or sometimes a warm dish; diner, soup, main dish and dessert.
Snacks while on route.
During treks, dry fruits, cereal, chocolate and cookies are provided.

Drinks
During ascents, water is boiled by our team. During safaris, transfers and at restaurants, mineral water is provided.

Our team will propose you excellent fruits during your trip in East Africa: oranges, pineapples, bananas, papayas, mangos, avocados...

Organization in Africa can be, by certain aspects, diverting for travelers. The kitchen and porter bearing teams are very numerous. They change regularly and function allocation can seem random. Even if you are surprised by this different concept of organization, reassure yourself... each task is achieved and your belongings will always arrive safely back to you, no matter who is in charge of them! In the same way, to appreciate your voyage fully be patient because the concept of time and guest service in Africa differs from our Western standards.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control.
Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Nairobi 
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Visas, 50$ for Kenya (at Nairobi airport), 50$ for Tanzania (at the border, Day 2)
• Drinks (except mineral water during meals)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).
If your flight leaves Nairobi earlier than 9.00pm you have to stay an extra night in Nairobi.

Our preferred airlines to fly to Nairobi:

• Skyteam (Delta, Northwest, Continental, Air France - KLM), operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Nairobi, through Amsterdam or Paris.
• StarAlliance (United, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Nairobi, through Frankfurt, Munich.

Formalities for US, Canada, EU, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after your anticipated return date. A visa ($50) is necessary for both countries; it can be purchased upon arrival at the border.
For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements (Kenya)
and
US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements (Tanzania).
For other nationalities, please contact the Kenya and Tanzania embassy of your country.

Vaccination against yellow fever is obligatory for these destinations.
We also advise you to be up date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever.
Vaccination against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is strongly recommended.
Visit: US Department of Health

A treatment against Malaria is strongly recommended for those traveling to the countries of East Africa.
However, for this voyage, as we are always above 4900 feet of altitude, and it is unlikely to be in contact with a mosquito carrying Malaria, simply wearing protective/repellent/adapted clothing seems in and of itself to be quite effective.
It is, however, best to consult your health care practitioner, in any case. If you do opt for a vaccine, it is given as a prescription which is adapted to each person and each voyage. A regulation is necessary to obtain a treatment against Malaria adapted to each person and each voyage. It is important to scrupulously follow the prescription directions.

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness:
For all the trips with summits, we conceive our routes by respecting the best possible "stages of altitude acclimatization", however the make-up of the country can require an abrupt climb. A hyper baric chamber is provided during committed treks in very high altitude, for emergency treatment of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). And so, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 6
At least 4 months prior:  Hike over 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, carrying a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds AND you should be engaged in another intense sports activity that develops endurance on a year round basis.  

 

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).