Mt. Kilimanjaro - January 2010 Summit.

Here’s a little bit about the trip… At 19,340 feet (5,895m) Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa...The base of the mountain is nearly 50 miles (80km) long and 25 miles (40km) and contains three peaks in various stages of erosion...Shira on the west side, Mawenzi on the east and Kibo in the center...The youngest peak, Kibo, is covered by three large ice fields and is the location of the highest point on Kilimanjaro... Two of the lead guides we will be with, have summitted 99+ times, and have guided people from ages 10-83!!!!! GROUP SIZE: 14 8 days on Mt. Kilimanjaro Optional : Safari at Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater COST : $2989 for 8 days on the Mountain : $1875 for 5 day safari (Optional add-on to the mountain) this includes park fees, food and local transportation while in Tanzania. Airfare to Tanzania is NOT included. **Deposit Due August 01 2009** The Deposit is 15% of the cost. Kilimanjaro Climb Route: 8 day/7 night Shira/ Lemosho We leave the US on December 26th, the actual climb begins on Dec 29th. Mountain day 1 ( Forest Camp, 9,000 feet)—we will drive to Londrosi Gate/Lemosho Glades in Klimanjaro National park to start the hike. We will walk for 4 hours through the forest to the camp site. Lunch is provided… hopefully we will see Colobus monkeys. Mountain Day 2 (Shira Camp, 11,000 feet) – the hike will be 6-9 hours depending on the group’s pace. We climb to 11300 ft, to acclimatize, then descend a little to camp. Mountain Day 3 (Moir Camp, 12,950 feet) – we hike for 4-6 hours on the shira plateau Mountain Day 4 (Lava Camp, 14,300 feet) – we hike for 4 hours, and camp just under Lava Tower, a 300 ft high volcanic lava plug that juts out of the side of the mountain. Mountain Day 5 (Arrow Glacier Camp, 16, 000 feet) – the hiking pace will be a little slower because of the altitude and the terrain. Mountain Day 6 (Summit Crater Camp, 18,500 feet). – we will wind our way up the western breach route to the crater rim of the main Kilimanjaro Massif. Although this route doesn’t have any technical climbing, though it is rather steep. Sometimes there is snow and ice, and the guide will use an ice axe to make footholds for you. Once at the crater, if time permits we will explore the inner crater and the ash pit. Mountain Day 7 (Summit, then down to Mweka Camp, 10500 feet) – we will start our assent to the summit (19340ft) around 6 am and get to the top in about 2 hours. After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak, we will begin the long descent down to Barafu Hut for lunch, and then to our camp at Mweka Hut. Hiking poles will help protect your knees on this fast, steep descent. A long day. Mountain Day 8 – Mweka Park Gate – we will make the final descent to the trail head today, only 3-4 hours hiking. Here we have lunh and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mt. Kilimanjaro. If you won't be going on the safari, you will fly back home on January 7th Optional safari Safari day #1 - Enjoy a game drive and – if a ranger is available – a short hike in Arusha National park around 7,000 feet elevation. This is a hidden jewel of a park - close to town but uncrowded and beautiful. Mount Meru rises majestically above, and Kilimanjaro looms in the distance. This day is great to help acclimatize for your Kilimanjaro climb. Safari day #2 – Drive to Karatu/Ngorongoro area. Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Safari day #3 – Early morning departure for our game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater is world-famous and for good reason. An amazing variety of animals make for great game-viewing here year-round. If we're lucky, we'll spot the endangered rhinos that make the Crater their home. After our game drive in the Crater, drive to Serengeti National Park. Safari day #4-5 – Full day Game drive exploring the vast Serengeti National Park. The expansive plains of the Serengeti harbor a great diversity of animals - a feast for the eyes! Predator and prey alike fascinate us with their natural behaviors and interactions. Fly back home on Jan 10th.[/i] please plan on getting trip insurance!!