Overview

Africa's highest and one of the most sought after adventure destinations on the planet...
Mt Kilimanjaro

Why MountainVision for your Kili trip...

• Kilimanjaro is MVX's sentinel trip. Over the past 10 years we have guided hundreds of adventurers to the summit of Africa, with everyone one of them praising the service and safety of each of our trips.
• We only take the "lesser-traveled" routes on Kili...and avoid the standard, overused routes.
• Our attention to detail is what sets us apart from other outfitters. We spend much of our time and effort ensuring safety, hygiene, clean and new equipment and a rich cultural experience.
• Optional visits to local orphanages, clinics and churches for those interested prior to or following the climb. This is done in conjunction with the Project MountainVision Foundation.
• We lodge only in top tier hotels before and after our climbs, 2 nights prior to climb and 1 night after climb (most outfitters only offer 1 night lodging prior to climb).
• MVX Owner/Operator Jeff Evans (Physician Assistant) is available to answer any questions regarding medical preparations and gear purchasing prior to your trip.
• We hire only the strongest and most competent porters...and we treat them with respect and dignity.
• We use new and spacious Mountain Hardwear tents.
• We hire a hotel trained chef to prepare all of our mountain meals.
• Each of our African guides goes through extensive mountain medical training.
• We are happy to arrange separate itineraries for family and friends that wish to arrive in time to join the climbers after their successful ascent of Kili and head off on safari together.

The draw of Kili...

Crowned by eternal snows, the mighty Kilimanjaro (19,340ft) is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and dominates its landscape unlike any other mountain. It is the highest in Africa and therefore one of the '7 Summits', the largest mountain on each continent. Located in Tanzania, this extinct volcano looms over five Eco-systems and large game reserves and is certainly one of the world's most impressive sights. The terrain is nothing short of dramatic as this highly unique path affords climbers excellent exposure to the area's remote and pristine environment. The climb takes us through rapidly changing environments while unveiling stunning views of east Africa's mountains and plains.

Our entrance into the African wild begins as we climb Kilimanjaro via one of the two less traveled routes on the mountain. Both of these routes have been designated as "low use hiking" zone and "camping only" zone. Climbing the Umbwe Route or the Machame Route is of great importance for those wishing to fully experience Africa's vast wilderness. While close to 75% of Kili climbers still attempt the 'Coca Cola route', we feel it is important to experience the lesser traveled trails up the mountain.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a strenuous undertaking. It has the potential to be the hardest, yet most fulfilling adventure of your lifetime. But remember the old African proverb... "Adversity is your best friend, because it introduces you to yourself."

When do you want to go...

We offer at least one Grand Expedition per year that is lead by MVX owner Jeff Evans or one of his trusted Western guides. These are generally our large groups of 15 or more. If a smaller group is more your style, we also offer year round trips lead by our head African guide, Nickson Moshi. These trips are available for any date that suits your schedule.

See our schedule of organized trips above or if you have a specific date in mind we are happy to coordinate a trip for you at no extra charge.

Post-climb add ons...

• 4-day Safari...visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. A great way to experience the wonders of wildlife after the climb. Other options available.
• Zanzibar Island...the wonderfully exotic island off the coast of Tanzania offers a great way to relax after climbing Africa's highest peak. We are happy to arrange all of the details for a jaunt to the beach.

Join us and share the Vision

Itinerary

Route profile comparison

The Machame Route-7 Days...our most popular route

Day 1 & 2
Depart Home cities on Day 1, arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport on Day 2. Depending on arrival time, welcome dinner provided. Overnight at the Impala Hotel.

Day 3
Rest day, shopping, gear check.  Breakfast provided. Overnight at Impala Hotel or Outpost Lodge.

Day 4 Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Hike time: 7.5 hrs
Elevation change: +1200m
Estimated distance: 10km
Camp elevation: 3100m
Early breakfast and pick-up at Lodge. 40-minute drive to Machame gate (5,400’) where trekking formalities take about 30 minutes.  From the gate, we begin our trek following an easy track for the first hour through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with several steep sections. The gradient eases slightly as the forest merges into heather covered ground. We will reach Machame Hut in 10 km (6.2 miles) after a 1,200-meter ascent.

Day 5 Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Hike time: 7 hrs
Elevation change: +800m
Estimated distance: 6km
Camp elevation: 3800m

From the Machame Hut we cross the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge criss-crossing a few times before reaching Shira Hut at the base of a semi-circular wall of rocks. We will have ascended 900 meters in 5-7 hours and about 6 km (3.72 miles) of walking.

Day 6 Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Hike time: 5 hrs
Elevation change: +100m
Estimated distance: 5km
Camp elevation: 3900m
From Shira Hut hike to Lava Tower and then proceed to Barranco via the Great Barranco Wall. This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through Karanga Valley as we hike high and sleep low, dropping back down to Barranco after lunch.

Day 7 Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley
Hike time: 3.5 hrs
Elevation change: +100m
Estimated distance: 4km
Maximum elevation: 4590m
Camp elevation: 4000m
From Barranco Camp we climb up through the edge of great the Great Barranco Wall. The majority of the day walking will fluctuate around the elevation of 4250m.

Day 8 Karanga Valley to above Barafu Hut (Kosovo Camp)
Hike time: 3.5 hrs
Elevation change: +600m
Estimated distance: 4km
Final elevation: 4600m
Today involves gaining more elevation, acclimatizing and resting for the summit attempt the next morning. We will camp at an isolated spot above all of the masses at Barafu. This will put us an hour closer to the summit! This day will take us 4 to 6 hrs of walking.

Day 9 High Camp to the Summit and then Millineum Camp
SUMMIT DAY!
Estimated summit time: 7 hrs
Elevation change: +1300m
Estimated distance: 5km
Final elevation: 5895m
Descent time: 5 hrs
Elevation change: -2800m
Estimated distance: 12km
Camp elevation: 3100m
We will start trekking early before sunrise (1-2 am) as the walk today will take 10-14 + hours. We will avoid the mist that sets in later in the day; the scree and snow will still be safely frozen. The 1,100-meter (3,600’) ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take us about 6-8 hours. After a brief stay at the summit of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, at over 5,898 meters (19,340'), we descend via the Barafu Route roughly 2,500 meters (8,200’) in 12 km (7.44 miles) in about 4-7 hours to Millennium Camp.

Day 10 Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Descent time: 4 hrs
Elevation change: -1250m
Estimated distance: 10km
Final elevation: 1828m
Today we descend about 1400 meters (4,592’) through the forest on a jungle path for about 10 km (6.2 miles) in 3-4 hours to reach Mweka Gate. Lunch and ceremony at Gate, then our representative will transfer you to the Impala Hotel or Outpost Lodge, depending on availability. Dinner provided as well.

Day 11
Relax, eat and shop. Breakfast provided. If not doing Safari you will depart for home around 9 pm.

Safari Option

Day 11
After breakfast, we'll transport you to the Kilimanjaro airport for your flight to the Serengeti. You'll do an afternoon game drive, then overnight and dinner at lodge in Serengeti.

Day 12
Early morning game drive in Serengeti. Depart for long dusty ride (4-5 hours) to Ngorongoro Crater, lunch in route. Overnight and dinner at lodge.

Day 13
Early morning game drive in Crater. Late morning breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara. Overnight and dinner at Lake Manyara Lodge.

Day 14
Late morning departure from Lake Manyara to Arusha arriving early afternoon at
Outpost Lodge for day room use...shower and packing. Flight home usually departs around 9 pm.

Door-to-Door Day Total with Travel

Climb only - 12 days
Climb and Safari - 16 days
Climb, Safari and 3 days of Zanzibar - 18 days

Gear List

Our suggestions in parenthesis. Use as a guide for alternative brands.

*Note: Your mountain duffel will be limited to 35 lbs. Pack wisely!

• Day Pack 
  (Mountain Hardwear Sortie)
  1,500-3,000 c.i. Remember that Porters are carrying most of the weight.
  3 liter water bladder should fit inside. Consider an extra bladder in case one breaks.
• Sleeping Bag 
  (Down- Mountain Hardwear Cloud Rest) 
  (Synthetic- Mountain Hardwear Switch) 
  You will have to choose between Down or Synthetic. There are pros and cons with both. Rated at least 10 degrees F. It will get cold overnight as we get closer to our high camp.
• Duffel Bags 
  (Mountain Hardwear Large Expedition Duffel) 
  Large expedition-size duffel. Made from either sturdy vinyl or canvas. This is the bag that will be carried on the trek with all of your gear that is not on your back. It must be sturdy and water resistant. *Also have 1 other less sturdy duffel to leave street clothes at hotel while on trek.
• Sleeping Pads Inflatable/Closed cell combo 
  Inflatable (Inflatable-Therm-a-Rest Prolite)
  Closed cell combo  (Closed Cell- Z-Lite) 
  We recommend both inflatable and foam pad combination (one of each).
• Boots 
  lightweight hikers or cross trainers (La Sportiva Zodiak) 
  sturdier hiking boots (La Sportiva Thunder GTX). Make sure they are broken in and can accomodate your expedition weight socks.
• Warm Hat 
  (Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon)
• Sunglasses 
  (Costa Del Mar Frigate) 
  A second spare pair strongly recommended
• Trekking Poles 
  Optional, but recommended
• Glove and Mitten Combo 
  1 pair of liners (Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch) 
  1 pair of windstoppers (Mountain Hardwear Gravity)
  1 pair of heavy gloves/mittens (Mountain Hardwear Elevation)
• Waterproof Pants 
  (Mountain Hardwear Typhoon)
• Waterproof Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Typhoon)
• Inexpensive Rain Poncho
• Fleece Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Jacket)
• Insulated Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Subzero)
• Cotton/Linen long sleeved shirt
• Lightweight Trekking Pant
  2 pairs (Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant) 
  Convertible pant/short are the best.
  It is culturally insensitive for women to wear shorts in some parts of Africa. Either long trekking pants or a long skirt and leggings when it is cold.
• Capaline/Polypro top/bottom
  2 sets each light and medium
• Pile Pants
  or expedition weight bottoms
• Socks 
  (2) Light, (2) Medium and (1) Heavy sets (Smartwool)
• Hygiene/toiletry kit 
  Only the basics
• Hydrating system 
  (Camelback) for approach and lower mountain only 2-3 quart capacity.
  Should fit within a sleeve in your pack. Consider bringing an extra bladder as they do get holes and break.
• Water bottle 
  (Nalgene) You will need at least 2 wide mouth bottles to take the place of water bladders for higher up on the mountain.
• Pee bottle or female spout
  Optional...especially if you have never used one.
• First Aid Items 
  Only the basics. Tylenol, Motrin, Cipro, Moleskin...etc. We provide the main medical kit with critical meds.
• Headlamp
• Summit Day Food 
  A light breakfast will be provided on summit day morning. Once we leave camp you will want to have tasty treats to nibble on through the summit night/day until you arrive back down at camp many hours later. This is the food/snack that you usually take for a long day in the mountains.
• Insect repellant with Deet
• Hat/Visor
• Sunscreen- at least 30 – 45 SPF
• Plastic Bags
  (garbage bags) 1 or 2...many uses.
  Big enough to hold critical items in your mountain duffel to add rain protection. Also a few small sandwich bags.
• Hand sanitizer (pocket size is best)
• Small camp towel or hand towel- optional.  You will be given a small amount of wash water each day.
• Spare batteries-if absolutely necessary, only a few. These add lots of extra weight.
• Ear plugs- there will most likely be someone who is snoring in a nearby tent
• Hand warmers for summit night (charcoal activated type)
• Baby wipes and/or baby powder
• Bandana-optional
• Gaiters-optional for keeping pebbles out of your shoes
• Music player-optional. Be aware that Ipod and similar hard drive MP3 devices break above 17,000 ft.
• Knife or multitool-optional
• Duct tape (put a few wraps around trekking pole for access)
• Journal-optional
• Items (gifts) you might want to give to porters after the trip…shoes, shirts, socks, sunglasses. Used items are the norm.
• If you are going on Safari...expect the morning temps to be a bit chilly. Necessary clothing will include a warm hat, gloves and jacket.
• Tip money-This is optional of course... but if you feel the service was exceptional from the African staff, the usual guideline is approximately $150 per person for the climb ($200 for smaller groups) and $150 total for each safari driver.

Don’t forget to:

• Label your gear (including trekking poles)
• Make copies of your passport (2)

Fees

*2013*

Standard Machame, Western Breach or Umbwe Expedition - $2,100

Standard Lemosho Expedition - $2,200

Grand Expedition guided by Jeff Evans- $3,500

*All fees based on groups of 2 or more.  If you are traveling alone, add $550 to the total above.

Nonrefundable deposit guarantees spot. Pay $500 with check using instructions on application or pay with credit card below. Please add a 3% processing fee to all credit card purchases.

Cost of Trip Includes

• All land travel
• Lodging - 2 nights lodging prior to beginning climb and 1 night following climb.
  Rates based on double occupancy. (Additional fee applies if you would like a single room.)
• Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport upon arrival and departure. *Note...there will be a charge of $70 if you arrive to Arusha on a different date than the stated schedule
• Transportation to and from your hotel in Arusha
• Team welcome dinner (depending on your arrival time). Team farewell dinner and all breakfasts.
• National Park gate fees
• Camping fees
• Rescue fees / Park Commission fees where applicable
• Guides, porters, and cooks salaries
• All meals while on climb, although you are encouraged to bring some personal tasty snacks to supplement
• Government taxes where applicable
• All campsite equipment excluding sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• 2-man Mountain Hardwear tents. (Additional fee applies if you don't want to share a tent.)
• 1 Western leader (on Grand Expedition), 1 African guide, African assistant guides, cook and porters

Additional Benefits of a MVX Kilimanjaro Expedition

• Grand Expedition includes a high altitude medicine specialist on the team
• We offer a Colorado 14er pre-trip training weekend (additional charge)
• We offer on-going training advice
• Participation in our live dispatches, including group photos and trip stories (on Grand Expeditions)
• There is a satellite phone available for emergencies during the climb (on Grand Expeditions)
• The food is outstanding. A hotel quality chef accompanies the team
• The client/guide ratio is low
• We cover 3 nights in top hotels, 2 prior and 1 after the climb (most outfitters only provide one night prior to beginning climb)
• We do the Umbwe and Machame Routes...what experts and locals consider the more 'interesting and satisfying' routes with less traffic
  
  

Trip Cost Does Not Include

• International airfare
• Single supplement for lodging when group size necessitates single room, or you desire a single room.
• Single supplement if you'd like your own tent while on the climb.
• If you arrive or depart on a date different from listed itinerary, you will be responsible for lodging and meals on those dates
• Additional tips for Porters and Guides (above and beyond the base tip rate included in price). The guideline is roughly $200/climber.
• $100 Tanzanian visa
• Personal drinks, snacks, food, and gifts
• Subsequent lodging and food beyond the 3 nights stated above
• Lunch and dinner on full day in Arusha
• Beverages during lunch and dinner.
• Alcohol and desserts
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of MountainVision Expeditions

Safari options

We offer multiple Safari packages to many of the most popular National Parks in Kenya and Tanzania. Whether you are adding a safari on after your Kili Expedition or headed to Africa for the sole purpose of experience the wilds of Africa, we can arrange the best adventure possible.

Our typical "post Kili" Safari:
4 day Safari with accomodations at the Wildlife Lodges and 1-way flight to Serengeti

Other packages as well as fees listed on our African Safari page.

Zanzibar costs

Costs for a jaunt over to Zanzibar fluctuate regularly. It is best to make reservations about 90 days prior to departure. Our travel agent Dana Welch can help in designing the perfect post climb beach vacation. Contact her directly.

Travel Details

Trip resources

The MountainVision Trip Resource Page is a list of valuable resources for your upcoming trip...weather forecasts, gear, health links, travel insurance, world clocks, etc...

Flights

You are welcome to work with your own travel specialist, however we at MountainVision highly recommend Dana Welch at The Travel Society. Dana has many years of expedition travel experience. She can be reached at 303.563.6225 or dana@travelsociety.com

Traveler’s Insurance

We highly recommend everyone purchase traveler's insurance before leaving the country. There are many companies that provide the proper insurance and approximate cost will be $100-$350. Our team travel agent, Dana Welch, will assist you with this. Several for you to consider are www.travelguard.com, www.sevencorners.com and www.ihi.com. 

Note: If you plan on obtaining trip insurance for your MountainVision Expedition, you will have to obtain your coverage within 2 weeks of making your initial trip deposit only if you expect to be covered for any PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS. Otherwise, you are able to obtain the insurance up to one month prior to departure.

Health Issues

If you are entering Tanzania from various locations (US not included) an international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required for entrance and must be produced at the airport upon arrival. A certificate can be obtained through a physician's office or a local health clinic. Consult your doctor or travel clinic.

Malaria: You must protect yourself from Malaria when in Tanzania. There are several options to chose from, all having various pros and cons with dosage and side effect profiles. Consult with your local travel medicine clinic or call Jeff 303.880.8707 for suggestions and information regarding the medicine that best suits your needs.

Immunizations we recommend:

• Yellow Fever (not needed in Tanzania...only surrounding countries in Africa)
• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus (up to date)
• Typhoid

Check out the CDC guidlines for Tanzania.

Great care is taken to insure the food is prepared safely and in a healthy manner. If concerned, avoid salads, ice cubes in drinks, and eat only fruits with skins, which have been peeled. Ethnic foods are naturally tempting and should not be completely disregarded. Pay attention to the preparation if possible and enjoy the opportunity to be adventurous in trying the array of unique foods offered in Tanzania.

It is prudent to rely basically on bottled water or drinks although the water in many towns and cities is purified and safe to drink. A sealed bottle will ensure the bottle has not been refilled. Don't swallow water while showering and remember to use bottled water for brushing your teeth. You will discover bottled water is readily available.

All water on the climb will be filtered and provided.

Pre-Climb Training

A good first step once you sign up for an MVX trip is to review our Pre Trip Training and Conditioning Guideline. Upon receipt of your application and deposit we will also be sending you out a much more detailed training and conditioning guideline document that includes specific gym and exercise suggestions (with photos!!!).

You may want to consider supplementing your pre trip training regiment with a product we tested and feel strongly about endorsing. Mountain Might is a new product that promotes your body in the acclimitization process by not only providing the pulmonary and hematological benefits of altitude training. Its ingredients also alter hemoglobin oxygen affinity, which improves oxygen utilization. Finally, Mountain Might delivers two peripheral altitude performance adaptations. Jeff has tried this product and stands by it as a supplement in pre trip conditioning. We are able to offer Mountain Might at a reduced cost to all MVX clients. You can purchase and read more about Mountain Might on our Products page.

We are happy to give advice on training prior to the climb. In addition, prior to any of our Grand Expeditions, we will be holding one to two optional training days in the Colorado Rockies. Each day, held over different weekends, will allow team members to get to know each other as well as test new equipment and talk through the climb with your trip leader.

Passport and Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required and can be obtained from governmental agencies or a consulate in your own country. For U.S. citizens a passport expiring no less than six months after your return to the U.S. is required.

A visa for entry to Tanzania is required. It can be purchased through Travel Document Systems. http://www.traveldocs.com/tz/vr.htm. They will charge an additional $45 for processing above and beyond the consular fee of $100. Another visa option is just obtaining your visa at the JRO airport once you arrive in Tanzania. This is typically a very quick process and somewhat cheaper than ordering your visa while still in US. The visa cost at the airport is $100. CASH ONLY!

Currency, Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks

We recommend that you take US cash in small bills as well as credit cards. You can change US currency fairly easily in Arusha (local currency is Shilling). Many places will also accept US dollars. The staff will accept US dollars for tips.

There are ATMs in Arusha. Some larger stores will take credit cards, but not all. Do not assume that you will be able to buy everything with plastic. You can change traveler's checks in banks, but this is generally very time-consuming.

Payment Schedule

A $500 deposit will secure your place on the team. Deposit due 4 months prior to departure date. Balance due 6 weeks prior to departure. If paying by check, please follow instructions on the MounainVision Expeditions Application Package. For payment with credit card, please follow instructions on Kilimanjaro Fee page.

Any Questions?

MountainVision Expeditions Office- 303.880.1930

Or contact us at info@mountain-vision.com.