Kilimanjaro Trek with Sergio Fitch Watkins

10 Days Kilimanjaro Trek with Sergio Fitch Watkins

Summit mighty Kilimanjaro on this dream adventure! Join MT Sobek's expert Kilimanjaro team and top mountain guide Sergio Fitch Watkins on this special follow- the-leader journey to the "roof of Africa." Hike along the forested slopes of , home to colobus monkeys, buffalo, giraffes, and elephants. Marvel at Great Barranco Valley's otherworldly senecio, groundsel, and lobelia plants and witness the stunning Lava Tower, a rocky outcrop piercing up over 15,000 feet into the sky. Magical sunsets and vistas await at our campsites en route to the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet.

Details Testimonials

Arrive: , "Utter euphoria! I think you have this trip down to a science." Depart: Arusha, Tanzania Damien B.

Duration: 10 Days "Through MT Sobek, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro Group Size: 4-16 Guests and took a safari through Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. I cannot say enough good things Minimum Age: 17 Years Old about this group! I felt like I was in great hands during every second of the journey." Activity Level: Elyse H.

. REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 MT Sobek was the first company Mountain Travel Sobek boasts highly Besides nourishing meals, to lead commercial treks up qualified guides with emergency expect a full day and two Kilimanjaro in 1974 and is the equipment and a 98% summiting nights of acclimatizing at our leader in Kilimanjaro climbs. rate — the highest on the mountain! private camp at 6,000 feet.

ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE 6 to 8 hours daily through Well-equipped high-altitude camps You'll experience the pleasantly spellbinding landscapes of featuring four-season dome tents, warm and dry climate of the lush rainforests, rocky ridges, as well as overnights at a deluxe plains and . There can and incredible flora and fauna. acclimatization camp and thatched be passing showers, drizzle, or cottages amidst tropical gardens. no rain at all at any time of year.

Sergio is a legendary trekking guide with over 30 years James Adiel Kivuyo was born in Arusha, Tanzania, and of experience and 300 trips to his name! Besides leading has been guiding since 2000. He is passionate about the our expeditions in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina’s conservation of biodiversity in African wildlife and has led , he also loves to lead some of our more challenging hundreds of walking safaris through the Serengeti. James treks in Nepal and Peru. In 2019, Sergio will be leading a 50th speaks many languages, from English and Masaai to the local Anniversary Base Camp Trek, a new hiking trip in Chile's dialect of Chagga and Kiswahili—the national language of Dientes de Navarino , and an epic hiking adventure Tanzania. His language skills help him to communicate with in the Dolomites. Sergio has acquired a loyal following, and is people from a broad cultural spectrum and he loves sharing one of our most respected guides. experiences with travelers from around the globe. James is also

Sergio Fitch Watkins a qualified Kilimanjaro guide and has assisted summit bids for over a decade.

James Kivuyo Itinerary DAY 1 WELCOME TO TANZANIA Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania and meet with MT Sobek trip leaders to transfer to camp at the foot of Mount Meru, a roughly 40 miles west of Mount Kilimanjaro. Relax and acclimatize at 6,000 feet (a key factor in our summitting success rate), and meet fellow travelers before hitting the trail.

Meals: D

DAY 2 HIKE THE FORESTED SLOPES OF MOUNT MERU Rise and shine for a hot breakfast at sunrise. After an in-depth briefing session, set off for an optional warm-up hike on the forested slopes of Mount Meru. Look out for colobus monkeys, buffalo, giraffes, and elephants and notice the region's diverse bird species that include touracos, hornbills, and parrots. Unwind to the alpenglow descending on the majestic slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Activity: 1–2 hours/2 miles optional hiking with 2,000' elevation gain; camp at 6,000'

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3 TREK THROUGH A MONTANE TO MACHAME CAMP Kick the day off with a scenic drive to the Machame Route trailhead on Kilimanjaro's southeastern slope. Pass Kilimanjaro National Park gates and start the beautiful montane cloud forest trek to the camp near the Machame Hut (10,000'). En route, pause for a hearty buffet lunch and continue the tropical climb over roots and through tangled vines of the giant forest. Warm up to a hot dinner at MT Sobek Camp's cozy dining tent.

Activity: 6-7 hours/8 miles hiking with 4,000’ elevation gain; camp at 10,000'

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4 TREK TO SHIRA PLATEAU AT 12,650' After breakfast, begin a short but arduous 3-mile hike through twisted heather bush forests, giant groundsel trees, low grasses, moorland lobelias, and black obsidian rock. End at Shira Plateau at 12,650', a stunning viewpoint onto the sweeping East African plains and Mount Meru in the distance. At the camp, revel in the first views of Kilimanjaro's Western Breach.

Activity: 5 hours/3 miles hiking with 2,650' elevation gain; camp at 12,650'

Meals: B, L, D DAY 5 HEAD EAST TO THE STUNNING LAVA TOWER Trek east towards Kibo , Kilimanjaro's highest peak crater. Make your way towards the stunning rocky outcrop, Lava Tower, piercing up from the mountain over 15,000' into the sky. Rocks and boulders line the path towards Barranco Valley at 14,300', filled with hundreds of giant senecio, groundsel, and lobelia plants. Take in the jaw-dropping views of this valley, looking out over Kibo's face, the Western Breach, and Kilimanjaro's southern . The camp is at a lower elevation than the highest point of the day, to assist with adaptation.

Activity: 6 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,650' elevation gain and 1,300' loss; camp at 13,000'

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6 DEPART MACHAME ROUTE FOR ARROW GLACIER CAMP Today you change the course from Machame Route towards the Western Breach on a path less traveled. Climb over rocky ridges and face stunning views of the Breach Wall and the Breach Icicle. En route up to the camp at Arrow Glacier, the entirety of the Shira Plateau beckons below.

Activity: 6 hours/3 miles hiking with 2,300’ elevation gain; camp at 15,300’

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7 ACCLIMATIZE AT ARROW GLACIER CAMP Time to slow the pace, acclimatize, and rest the body and mind for the final push to Kilimanjaro's summit. Go for an optional acclimatization hike or a leisurely hangout around camp over hot cups of tea and breathtaking scenery.

Activity: Hiking optional for acclimatization; camp at 15,300’

Meals: B, L, D DAY 8 CLIMB TO CRATER CAMP Today ascend 3,000 feet to the Great Western Breach, a steep rock wall leading to the edge of Kibo's crater. Arrive at the MTS Crater Camp at 18,300 feet and bask in the magical scenery of towering glaciers moving leisurely across the rocky landscape.

Activity: 6-8 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 3,000’ elevation gain; camp at 18,300’

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 9 SUMMIT THE TOP OF UHURU PEAK Today comes the unforgettable moment of success: making the final, 2-hour push to 19,341' — the top of Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak. Rejoice in surreal views of summit crater glaciers and African plains and join in for a group summit photo. Around 9am, start descending over 9,000 feet. Rest during lunch at Barafu (15,000 feet) and end the last night at Mweka Camp, nestled within a lush forest.

Activity: 8 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,060’ gain and 9,140’ loss; camp at 10,200’

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 10 BID FAREWELL TO KILIMANJARO Finish off the last 3,700 feet down the rainforest trail to the Mweka Gate for transfer to the Moivaro Lodge. Relax, enjoy hot showers, and let the rewarding experience of the spectacular journey sink in. Receive your climb certificate at the final celebratory dinner and bid farewell to fellow climbers, then head to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for homeward-bound flights. Those who prefer can join our optional 4-day post-climb wildlife safari!

Activity: 5-6 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 4,800’ elevation loss

Meals: B, L Jan 23 - Feb 1, 2020 2019

$ 6,995 per person

Additional Cost $ 1,600 National Park Fees $ 500 Single Supplement

PRICE INCLUDES PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Expert leadership from experienced adventure International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess guides baggage charges Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Meals as noted in the daily itinerary Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs Potable water and snacks throughout Airport transfers if arriving outside of Day 1 1 glass of wine or beer at welcome and farewell dinners Optional travel protection All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) All necessary camping gear All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation Arrival and departure day airport transfers