Climb the world’s highest freestanding mountain for less in 2011
With scientists claiming that the ice caps are disappearing fast, now is as good a time as any to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. As an added incentive The Adventure Company is offering a discount of £100 per person off all of its 2011 departures.
“The exact time it will take for the mountain’s famous glaciers to melt away is widely debated but some predictions are as soon as 2020, so travellers should stop delaying. This year is also Tanzania’s 50th anniversary of independence so a time full of celebration to tie in a trek to its most popular peak,” said MD of The Adventure Company, Claire Wilson.
The Adventure Company offers five different tours to Mount Kilimanjaro ranging in difficultly. Although trekkers do not need any technical mountain expertise, they will need to be reasonably fit. The groups will also be led by experienced local mountain leaders who know every inch of the slopes and are skilled at judging the weather as well as the health and wellbeing of the trekkers.
Stand On The Rooftop Of Africa
Lemosho Route (12 days)
For the most scenic and unspoilt of the options, The Lemosho Route crosses beautiful forests and moorlands with an extra two days to the standard trips to allow trekkers more time to acclimatise to the altitude and therefore offers a better chance of reaching the summit.
PRICE: From £2449pp (incl. discount) including flights, transport, accommodation (2 nights lodge & 7 nights camping), most meals (9 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 9 dinners), all park fees and an experienced group leader.
DEPARTURE: 16 September and 21 October
Marangu Route (10 days)
This is the classic and most straightforward route up Kilimanjaro as trekkers will stay in the relative comfort of mountain huts as they travel through lush rainforest and moorland to the high altitude desert on the upper slopes.
PRICE: From £1929pp (incl. discount) including flights, transport, accommodation (2 nights lodge & 5 nights mountain huts), most meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners), all park fees and an experienced group leader.
DEPARTURE: 23 September and 14 October
Machame Route (10 days)
The Machame route is not for the faint hearted as it is arguably the most challenging option with longer and steeper day walks than other treks. But the extra efforts are rewarded on this 10-day trip with breath-taking views of Kibo Peak, the eternal ice field and Kili’s scree-covered dome.
PRICE: From £1999pp (incl. discount) including flights, transport, accommodation (2 nights lodge & 5 nights camping), most meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners), all park fees and an experienced group leader.
DEPARTURE: 2, 9, 16, 30 September, 7, 14, 21, 28 October and 26 December
Peaks of Tanzania (14 days)
Why climb just one peak when there are two on offer? This trip ventures off the beaten track to the extinct volcano cone of Mount Meru at 4,566m and offers dramatic views. The climb also allows people on the trek to acclimatise before hitting the slopes of Kilimanjaro on the Machame route.
PRICE: From £2479pp (incl. discount) including flights, transport, accommodation (3 nights lodge, 3 nights mountain huts & 5 nights camping), most meals (11 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 11 dinners), all park fees and an experienced group leader.
DEPARTURE: 10 September and 14 October
Rongai Route (10 days)
For a different perspective on the mountain, this route approaches from the northern side. With strictly regulated numbers, trekkers can get away from the crowds on their ascent as they get the only view of the Masai lands with possible sightings of monkeys, buffalo and elephant. The tour then takes in one of the classic routes on the return journey.
PRICE: From £2029pp (incl. discount) including flights, transport, accommodation (2 nights lodge & 5 nights camping), most meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners), all park fees and an experienced group leader.
DEPARTURE: 2, 9, 16, 20 September, 14 October, 19 and 30 December
To find out more about The Adventure Company’s Kilimanjaro treks, visit adventurecompany.co.uk.
