“…as wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white in the sun”
(Ernest Hemingway, 1936)
Very few people haven't heard of this majestic and mysterious snow-capped mountain, Africa's highest peak, standing 3 degrees south of the Equator. Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous and highest free-standing mountains in the world, rising from the northern part of Tanzania. Kilimanjaro comprises 3 volcanoes of which the most famous (and the most recent), snow-capped dormant Kibo stands at 5,895 m (19,455 ft). The rugged peak of Mawenzi (also dormant) is 5,149m (16,992 ft) and Shira (the oldest and extinct) stands at 3,962 m (13,075 ft).
The mountain is situated in the Kilimanjaro National Park entirely in Tanzania. The Kilimanjaro trek (as it is more of a "walk" than a "climb") crosses five distinct eco zones: The rainforests have an abundance of flora and fauna and is one of the most important water sources supplying Northern Tanzania. This is followed by a beautiful moorland which not only has an absolutely inspiring view but which gives protection to exotic plants like the giant groundsel and the giant lobelia. More rare plant species such as the delicate Impatiens Kilimanjaro do not occur anywhere else in the world. The next eco-climatic layer is the alpine desert where bird species such as the rare African crowned eagle, (aka African hawk-eagle) and the Lammergeier vulture (aka the Bearded vulture) may occasionally be seen at higher altitudes. The penultimate eco-zone is the volcanic scree desert - barren and sparse, the more challenging part of the trek up this mighty mountain. The ice or glacial cap at the summit is the final layer, which has made the mountain legendary (although this layer is receding due to global warming).
Very few places exist in the world where a unique combination of such zones exists in one area to support ecosystems ranging from the Equator to the Arctic.
The trek up Kilimanjaro, although non-technical and suitable for any fit and able-bodied person, should not be underestimated. It involves lots of hard work and physical (and mental) stamina!
PRIVATE SMALL GROUP KILIMANJARO TREKS
Aim 4 Africa organises private Kilimanjaro treks for small groups in order that people get to have the best experience, without having to keep up with a large group. Trekkers proceed at their own pace and have personal attention from a qualified and experienced mountain crew. Our success rates up Machame and Lemosho/Shira routes are 95% increasing to 98% with an extra day to assist with acclimatisation. On the Rongai and Marangu routes our success rates are higher (97% with the standard trek rising to over 99% with the additional day to assist with acclimatisation). Umbwe route is one we would only recommend to experienced high altitude mountaineers; whilst this too requires no technical expertise, care and consideration about ascending the mountain whilst avoiding the effects of high altitude illness is one we take very seriously. All too often we have witnessed people with other tour organisations being carried down on stretchers fighting for their lives.
We have personally done the treks up to the summit several times using different routes (Kili has been our playground whilst we were growing up!!). Our mountain crew is second to none - amiable, extremely professional, experienced and knowledgeable. Our guides and cooks are trained to recognise symptoms of high altitude illness and take appropriate action if necessary. We have a responsible tourism policy which mirrors our ethos for ethical working conditions for all of our staff including mountain porters. Our staff are paid more than the average recommended wage. This means that whilst we are not the cheapest tour operator, we know that the safety and welfare of our personnel as well as our clients is fundamentally important.
Climb Kilimanjaro with Aim 4 Africa and see Africa the way it is meant to be seen - through the eyes of those who live in this beautiful part of the world. Enjoy the landscape, the beautiful surroundings, learn about the flora and fauna on Kilimanjaro and relish the entire experience. Our services are second to none, our high attention to detail, professional and highly experienced crew and proven high success rates using different routes up Kilimanjaro will ensure that your trek up this iconic mountain is an achievement well worth remembering for many years to come.
There are several routes up Kilimanjaro the main ones being Marangu (most popular) and Machame. Others are more challenging treks - more for the seasoned mountaineer or the more adventurous.
Our favourite routes are Rongai and Londorossi/Lemosho or Shira - which are quieter, scenic and better for acclimatisation, and Machame which is more challenging. Umbwe route is only recommended for seasoned experienced mountaineers.
- Marangu Route - Machame Route - Lemosho/Shira/Londorossi Route - Rongai Route - Mweka Route - Umbwe Route
We Did It!
"Climbing Kilimanjaro was an experience of a lifetime and one that was essential
to have a good guide. We must have had the best team on the mountain. Elias
was a strong leader and inspired confidence as well as being constantly
attentive to our well-being. Benedict's cooking was of an unbelievably high
quality and we even had our own waiter! Taking the Rongai route was a good
choice for us.
What really made the holiday successful was the excellent service provided by
Aim 4 Africa. With such meticulous preparation, we had confidence that the
whole trip would run smoothly and it did!" Tim & Cheryl, UK
"Thank you to all at Aim4Africa for your terrific skills in putting together our
recent holiday in Tanzania. We had hoped it would be a holiday of a lifetime,
but it turned out to be even better! From the extreme physical pain of reaching
the roof of Africa, to the sheer vastness and wonder of the Serengeti, to the
laziness of Zanzibar, we were always comforted to know Aim4Africa was there for
us if needed. It was a real pleasure to have met Nancy and worked with her as we
refined our itinerary - her knowledge of and passion for Tanzania shines through.
This personal touch (including a wonderful surprise 50th birthday present
delivered to my hotel dinner table!) was in stark contrast to the "call centre"
approach of larger firms. I cannot recommend Aim4Africa highly enough. Outstanding!" Chris Edge & Family, UK
JOIN A GROUP AND TREK KILIMANJARO IN 2010:
Although Aim 4 Africa organises privately guided treks for a minimum of two persons, we have the following dates scheduled for those who would prefer to join a group (minimum of four persons).
Aim 4 Africa has organised the following treks for those wishing to join a group (minimum four persons) up Kilimanjaro using three of our most popular routes - Rongai, Machame and Lemosho/Shira:
6 day Rongai Route treks (2010): 25th
March-1st April,21st-28th June, 21at-28th July, 19th-26th August,
18th-25th September, 18th-25th October,16th -23rd November, 16th-23rd
December and in 2011: 14th-21st Jan and 13th-20th Feb 2011 (more dates
for 2011 to follow later)
Price in Sterling Pounds = GBP£1280 per person
6 day Machame Route treks (2010): 25th
March-1st April,21st-28th June, 21at-28th July, 19th-26th August,
18th-25th September, 18th-25th October,16th -23rd November, 16th-23rd
December and in 2011: 14th-21st Jan and 13th-20th Feb 2011 (more dates
for 2011 to follow later)
Price in Sterling Pounds = GBP£1220 per person
8 day Lemosho/Shira Route treks (2010): 20th-29th June, 18th-27th June, 17th-28th October, 15th-24th December 2010 and in 2011: 13th-22nd Jan and 12th-21st Feb 2011 (more dates for 2011 to follow later)
Price in Sterling Pounds = £1580 per person
2011 group trek dates due to be published soon - watch this space!
