Tanzania -Kilimanjaro climb 9 days -29th June 2023

When the first recounts of a snowcapped mountain south of the equator in Africa reached Europe, they were believed to be hallucinations and folk tales. The stories, though, inspired the first explorers; centuries later, Kilimanjaro, majestically rising above the African plains, still attracts thousands of climbers and nature lovers from around the world who aspire to set foot on the top of Africa.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging but achievable dream for non-climbers, most frequently described as a high-altitude trek since it does not require any technical climbing skills or highly specialized gear. The trail is impressive, as it takes you through five distinct ecological regions and climate zones: the lower slopes, the forest, the moorland, the highland desert, and the summit. You will start in a dense forest area, possibly with muddy forest floors, which is Kilimanjaro’s most fertile zone. Then vegetation becomes shorter as you pass by giant Groundsels and Lobelias with a great blue sky shining above. Above 4,000 meters, you will be climbing in the highland desert where seasons interchange within the same day: summer by daytime and winter by night. Finally, above 5,000 meters, you will face semi-arctic conditions: subzero temperatures at night and blistering sun during the day.

With this itinerary, we invite you to explore one of nature’s greatest wonders, challenge your limits, and put one of the Seven Summits under your belt.

Trip Highlights:

Get ready to...

·       Climb one of the 7 Summits and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

·       Enjoy hiking through different climate zones that range from lush slopes and forests to moorland, alpine desert, and the summit.

·       Learn about the unique flora and fauna of the mountain.

·       Feel incredible thrill and excitement when standing at the top of Africa, enjoying magnificent views only a few can see.

·       Hone your hiking skills, as well as the stamina, commitment and patience needed to succeed in such an expedition.

Facts

·       Level: Challenging.

·       Activity: Trekking/hiking, camping.

·       Duration: 9 days total / 7-day climb

·       Route: Machame Route

·       Highest Altitude:  5,895 m

Difficulty Analysis

Although climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills, one should not underestimate the difficulty caused by the mountain's high altitude. At the top, climbers are deprived of half the oxygen one breathes at sea level, affecting stamina, digestion, appetite, breathing, and sleep. As such, interested climbers should be in excellent physical shape and strongly desire to succeed in this adventure.

To achieve this goal, Rahhalah's team will support you every step of the way. First of all, to further assist you in understanding whether you are fit enough to participate in this climb, Rahhalah's expert team will assess your fitness levels before your registration and, once you register, will help you prepare a training routine to guarantee the success of your trip. Then, while on the mountain, our highly experienced guides will help you reach your maximum potential – maybe even push you a bit beyond your perceived limits. All arrangements – equipment, porters, quality and quantity of food, water, and camping set-ups – plus our trained teams on the mountain will guarantee your adventure is safe, exciting, and successful.

Our operation up on the mountain

·       Rahhalah’s ground handlers and local guides are highly experienced and skilled, with the ability to smoothly facilitate and manage your days on the mountain, making your climb successful, memorable and enjoyable.

·       Our itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). The higher the altitude, the less the oxygen in the air. Your body needs some time to adapt to this thin air environment, so, for a safe trek, it is absolutely essential to allow enough time for acclimatization while gaining altitude.

·       Our adventure consultants, guides and assistant guides have a Wilderness First Responder Rescue certification and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification, as well as National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) training, and, as such, they are one of the strongest and most capable teams on the mountain. We carry an oxygen tank and first aid kit all the way up the mountain, so there is never a compromise on any safety protocol.

·       We avoid the crowded (and cheaper) routes on the mountain and the badly maintained shelters. Instead, we carry North Face or Mountain Hardware winter tents that will keep you warm and dry even in stormy weather.

Sustainability

●      We run a low impact operation, and we leave no traces behind, contributing to the protection of the local land, its people, and culture.

●      All our local guides and staff are appropriately employed and adequately equipped with proper footwear, warm clothing and sleeping gear. We stick to porters’ weight limits set by Kilimanjaro National Park regulations, and all our staff are trained in first-aid response so they can promptly respond in case of emergency. Also, we make extensive use of local products and, thus, maximize the economic benefits for the local communities.

●      As you possibly know, 1% of our revenue is directed towards the support of a local cause. This is our pay-back promise.

Our route

Machame route

Known for its stunning scenery, Machame Route is one of the most popular routes up on Kilimanjaro. Slightly more strenuous than the famous Marangu Route, Machame offers an exciting challenge with extraordinary views.