Eastern Africa – this is an unforgettable foray into an imposing and unspoilt environment where we focus entirely on the natural world around us.

The mythical summit of Kilimandjaro, “the roof of the continent” at 5,896m is located roughly south of the equator in Tanzanian territory and can be seen from as far as away as 5,000m from the Maasai plains which surround it.

This immense volcano with its well-recognisable shape consists of 3 different summits: Shira to the west at 3,962m is a grouping of orange-coloured lava plateaus. To the east at 5,419m is Mawenzi, a beautiful grouping of orange-coloured jagged lava peaks to which access is particularly difficult due to the crumbly nature of the rock and to its steepness.

In the centre lies the characteristic cone-shaped Kibo where the upper edges are covered in glaciers known as “the Kilimanjaro snows”. At the summit, there is a vast semi-active plateau, the heart of which has been hollowed out leaving a deep crater. Wisps of white smoke and odours of sulphur often emanate from within.

There are many routes to the summit, but the Machame route that we will take is definitely the most beautiful and the one that affords us the best levels of acclimatisation. We will travel down via the Mweka route…

Following our climb, we will spend the night in a very nice lodge on the outskirts of Arusha,

For those who have the time, we recommend a 3-day extension to go and visit the Tanzanian Parks: Tarangire National Park, renowned for the number of elephants it has; the mythical Ngorongoro Crater which conceals an exceptional concentration of local flora and fauna; we will cross part of Serengeti National Park, one of the largest parks in Africa; Lake Natron famous for its flamingoes, located at the foot of the sacred mountain of the Maasais, Ol Doinyo Lengai, which is an active volcano.

Our final day will be spent travelling to Nairobi for our return flight to France.

FEATURES OF THE TRIP

The highlights : A high probability of reaching the summit due to our in-depth knowledge of Tanzania and of  this  

                             particular itinerary.

                             We have a local contact to deal with any problems inherent to Africa…

                             In order to avoid any problems due to altitude, a hyperbaric chamber is available.

Best time of year :   January to February - short dry season and June to October - long dry season.

Dates : Saturday 11th September to Monday 20th September 2010

Trip extension 1 : Those who wish to may also take part in the previous trip and cross Mount Kenya with us from Saturday

                                 4 September to Sunday 12 September 2010. This will help with altitude training and give you the  

                                 chance to enjoy two wonderful trips.

Trip extension 2 : For those who wish to extend their trip by an extra 3 days to visit the parks, we return to France on

                                Thursday 23 September 2010.

Number of days away : 10 or 13 if you extend your trip to visit the parks.

Number of days hiking :  6

Highest altitude of the climb : Between 1,800 and 5,895m on the Kilimanjaro.

Levels : Fitness - you need to be very fit.

               Technical ability - this is a tour that is achievable by all as long as you have been training for it -   

               5  to 7  hours steady/gentle walking per day with a vertical ascent of 1000m.

               The ascent of Kilimanjaro is the only really long  and strenuous day - 6.5 to 7 hours climbing   

               (1300m of  vertical ascent) and a 7 hour descent (2700m).

               The two most important things to help you avoid the undesirable effects of altitude and give you 

               the  maximum  chance of reaching the summit are :

               - Walking at a very slow pace, even exaggeratedly slow so that you never get tired.

               - Drinking lots of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.

Number of participants :  6 to 8 people per guide with the exception of pre-formed groups which may be larger.

Guides : A French guide accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, 2 assistant guides, a cooking team and 3 porters 

                per person.

Accommodation : In Nairobi, Arusha and in the parks we stay in comfortable lodges. 

                                 For the Kili ascent, we stay under canvas with a mess tent with camping tables and chairs. 

                                 Porters  will transport 2 canvas cabins with a camping shower and toilet.

Formalities : French citizens need a passport that is valid for more than 6 months.

Equipment to be carried : All the climbs can be completed with a day pack. Travel bags are transported by vehicles or 

                                             porters.

Local transport : Minibuses or 4-wheel-drive vehicles are used for all transfers during the trip.

PRICE :  € 2680 per person  excluding flights. + Flight to Nairobi - Kenya.

                 At the time we planned this trip, tickets cost approximately € 750.

Park extension : €1490 per person based on double occupancy accommodation.

Air Travel : Please ask us for more information.