You’ve dreamed of adventure and searched for the perfect expedition to remember forever…. this is it! A very special, specifically designed once in a life time journey.
Journeying to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable personal triumph that’s coveted by hikers worldwide. “The Crown Jewel of Africa” is pure majesty to behold. Spectacular nature, breath taking vistas and world renowned wild life are just a few of the reasons that make Mount Kilimanjaro a climb not to be missed.
In addition, our Kilimanjaro adventure experience also provides an optional wildlife safari on our last day in Tanzania.
About the expedition
Kilimanjaro stretches 5,895 meters above sea level. The mountain is located within Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. The goal of the expedition is summiting the highest point, Uhuru Peak.
On this expedition, we will climb the Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route. It is a most scenic and beautiful route, offering a moderate pitch for good acclimation. We will start at Machame Gate, which is located at the southern base of the mountain, featuring a lush, fertile rainforest. The route goes from savannah and tropical rainforest up to alpine deserts and finally across glaciers, culminating at the summit of Kilimanjaro.
It takes ample time to climb Kilimanjaro, mainly because the body needs to acclimatize to the high altitude. Therefore, an important part of a successful ascent of the summit, is not to rush up to high altitude. In Swahili, the recipe is called “Pole Pole” – which means take it slowly. Most people manage to reach the top, when they have enough time to get acclimated to the altitude. Together, we will walk mindfully.
We will sleep in tents, that are carried up the mountain by porters. The African says, the key to the success of the Machame route is its’ topography, allowing hikers to climb high and sleep low to better acclimate the body. Thus, seven days and six nights are recommended for altitude acclimatization scheduling.
We’ll be well taken care of by our African expert team who are friendly and knowledgeable. They will be leading us to the top and sharing insights about the region along the way. Our leading guide, Livingstone, is well educated and certificated with over 25 years of experience leading groups on Kilimanjaro. The porters will carry our duffel bags and camping equipment. Our chefs, well versed in local cuisine, will feed us tasty, nourishing food during our expedition. Everything will be set up for success on our journey up this magical Mountain.
This Kilimanjaro adventure is a collaboration between international travel producer and tour leader Maria Soderholm and native Tanzanian Josh Brighton, founder of the adventure based tour company in Arusha. In addition to reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, the trip is also about coming together for a cause.. Six percent of purchases for this trip will go to assisting The Street Children in Tanzania. This will include providing for their basic needs, care and education.
Join us as we walk in the footprints of famed explorers and mountaineers on our way to the top of Africa’s highest peak.
Meet your leaders
Maria Soderholm, is a travel producer and global adventure/tour guide. She organize and lead bespoke hiking trips and adventure travel experiences for groups and individuals around the world. She is ultimately driven by her passion for the great outdoors and connecting people with nature and themselves. She believes in the transformative power of travel and find the highest joy in leading people on adventures that inspire personal development.
Ulrica Norberg, is a well experienced yoga teacher, author and dedicated hiker and outdoor passionista. 2020 she came out with the book NOMAD about being one with nature and the healing aspects of hiking. One of her books is about Breath, and Ulrica will share her expertise around how we can use our mind and breath as we elevate. Ulrica will be with us as our mental coach as well as breath guide.
Maria and Ulrica are experienced collaborating together and are excellent compliments with varying knowledge and cohesive relationships. They share a deep love of nature and hiking, bringing an inspiring passion of the outdoors to every adventure they launch.
Review from a former Kilimanjaro climber together with the guide, Livingstone
I climbed Kilimanjaro in January 2018. A fantastic trip with many experiences. My pleasant guide Livingstone guided me safely and shared his knowledge of the mountain and its surroundings. The entire crew was accommodating and the service level was very high!
I am so grateful that I got to make this trip.
Ann Ledin, Luleå, Sweden
Wildlife Safari Tour
On our last day in Tanzania, we are going on an exciting Wildlife Safari Tour to Tarangire National Park with expert safari guides in a 4×4 land cruiser. Tarangire National Park is reputed to contain some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. They can often be seen cooling peacefully in the shade of old growth giant African Baobab trees and using their massive feet to dig holes in the sand in search of water. We may even see them holding off predators who are sometimes tempted to bring down a calf.
The park is also home to large carnivores: lions and cheetahs lounging in the shade, the deceptively sleepy leopard observing its’ surroundings from a perch high up in a tree, and hyenas, ever in search of food. Here, we will also find giraffes, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, mongooses and perhaps even the rare gerenuk, an East African antelope with a long neck, that is often found grazing on tall bushes while standing on its hind legs.
ITINERARY
Day 1,
June, 13
Arrive in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro International Airport
Your trip begins with an arrival flight into Kilimanjaro International Airport. We provide a private group transfer to a lodge in Arusha town (1,2 hours from the airport).
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Tumaini Cottage Lodge
Note: The group transportation departure the Kilimanjaro International Airport in the evening based on KLM flight from Amsterdam.
Day 2
June, 14
Preparation day. Recover from your flight, light hike and rest.
Our local tour guide Livingstone will brief us on our upcoming trek and do an equipment check to ensure necessary mountain gear has been covered. This day is also set aside for renting any missing gear, and to relax. We will enjoy a nice dinner at the hotel this evening.
Important note: Sort your mountain gear into two packs. Leave anything unnecessary in safe storage at the hotel. Your daily needs fit into a medium day backpack, including personal documents and money, camera, personal medical kit and supplies, (to which you will add water.) Pack no more than 15 kilos (33 lbs) for your porter to carry. This will include sleeping bag, ground mat and warm clothing for the higher mountain zones.
Meals: BLD
Day 3
June, 15
Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we have a one hour drive from Arusha to Machame gate. Here we will complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb. The initial segment of the route passes through the magnificent, dense rainforest. This area is less traversed through, so some over growth can be seen in places and it may be wet and muddy. During the day we will have climbed 1200 meters over a span of a few kilometers. This five to seven hour initial trek will serve as an apt introduction to our Kilimanjaro mountain expedition. Our porters and chef will have gone ahead to set up tents at Machame Camp and have prepared a delicious dinner in the mess tent complete with tables and chairs, ready for our arrival.
Distance covered: 10.8km/6.5 mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: BLD (breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the meals will be in the mountains)
Day 4
June, 16
Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
The route will lead us through the rainforest up to Shira Plateau which requires a steep ascent. After reaching the plateau, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Kilimanjaro with Mount Meru in the distance, rising above the Arusha Town.
Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: BLD
Day 5
June, 17
Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Trekking on high moorland, the landscape will change the entire character of the trek. We’ll traverse the southwest side of Mount Kilimanjaro and pass underneath the Lava Tower and through the final section of the Western Breach. After crossing these two points, we’ll reach the camp. Though the entire day will be spent at an altitude of up to 4600 meters, we will still be mindful of the mountaineering etiquette of ‘walk high, sleep low’ in aiding our body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
Meals: BLD
Day 6
June, 18
Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
We’ll begin the day by descending into the start of Great Barranco, which is a vast ravine. We’ll then exit the Great Barranco Wall. The wall, steep in grade, is divided from the south-eastern slopes of Kibo. The climb is over a huge rock, not technical but rather long and challenging. We’ll then pass underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers and head toward the Karanga Valley. From the Karanga Valley, the climb will be more vertical until we reach Karanga Camp, which will be our night’s camp at 3,963 meters. For those feeling strong, we will offer a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to about 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: BLD
Day 7
June, 19
Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we will set off on our trek to Barafu camp which sits at 4640m. We’ll climb across a desolated scree of slopes which has no vegetation, but really interesting formations. It’s going to be a demanding, vigorous hike with the high altitude increasing the difficulty level. After arriving at the camp, we’ll have our lunch and spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the long evening and the next day’s hike to the top. It’s important that you keep yourself warm and hydrated. After having an early dinner, we’ll get some good sleep and wake up in between 11pm and midnight to resume our climb to the summit.
Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
Approx. time taken: 3 hours
Meals: BLD
Day 8
June, 20
Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
Around midnight we will be gearing up with headlights to start the last leg of our journey to the peak. We’ll walk steeply upward to the summit glaciers, going through heavy scree for 4 to 5 hours. We will gain incredible height over a short span of time, making it to the Stella Point at 5,739 meters before the first ray of sun illuminates the sky. The view from the top is absolutely spectacular. We will be surrounded by astounding ice cliffs within the crater area, amongst views of the breathtaking jagged Mawenzi peak and area beyond.
One more hour of trekking and we will arrive at the summit of Uhuru Peak located at an elevation of 5,895 meters, the summit of Kilimanjaro! Here there will be ample time for reflection, congratulations and lots of hugs! Quite an accomplishment we will all share together, the culmination of a journey of a lifetime! After, we will want to thank the Mountain for the allowance to climb her. Then we will begin our descent down to Stella Point, and further to Barafu Camp through some heavy scree slopes and track. After having breakfast at Barafu, we’ll head down to Millennium Camp where we’ll settle in to some well-earned rest and sharing about our personal feelings of this amazing feat.
Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: BLD
Day 9
June, 21
Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we will complete park formalities and receive certificates, (which you can hang up with pride!). You did it!! We will then be met with our vehicles and return to the hotel in Arusha, where you can treat yourself to a very welcome hot shower. After, we will meet to celebrate our fantastic accomplishment with a nice dinner and conversation.
Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: BLD
Day 10
June, 22
Safari Day Trip
Today we check out early to go on a Wildlife Safari Tour together. Experienced safari guides in a safari land cruiser will take us on an adventure to enjoy beautiful African wildlife in its’ natural habitat. Late in the afternoon, after our excursion, we will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for those returning home.
Meals: BL
*There is an option if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania and fly to Zanzibar Islands, just let Maria know and she will coordinate this together with Josh.
PRICE
$3600 (in shared room/tent)
$50 additional fee/night for your own room at the lodge
$1,080 deposit (30%) is required to secure your booking (non refundable)
Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure
INCLUDED
Group transportation: To and from Kilimanjaro Airport, day 1 and day 10
The group transportation is based on KLM flight from Amsterdam on June 13th
Arrival time at Kilimanjaro international airport at 20.10
Departure from Kilimanjaro international airport to Amsterdam, at 21.10 on June 22nd
Accommodation: 3 nights at a hotel in Arusha, in shared room with two people.
Day 1, 2 and 9
Tent, shared, two people, 6 nights.
Meals:
Day 1, Arrival day, dinner at the hotel
Day 2, BLD
Day 3, Breakfast (lunch and dinner will be in the mountains)
Day 4, BLD
Day 5, BLD
Day 6, BLD
Day 7, BLD
Day 8, BLD
Day 9, BL, and dinner at the hotel
Day 10 Safari and Departure day, Breakfast and Lunch
Transportation to and from Kilimanjaro gate
Fees of certified private guides
Fees of private porterage services by a team of dedicated mountain porters
Fees of private mountain chef offering delicious high altitude cuisine – full board meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Ample bottled water and filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
Hot water for washing
Camping equipment, tent, pillow and sleeping bag. If you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, please let me know ahead so the porters don’t need to carry double.
Hiking Poles
Fair wages as decided by Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) and Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Government taxes
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit
Safari Day Trip
Game Driving in our Custom built 4×4 safari land cruiser
Current Government Park fees.
NOT INCLUDED
International Flights
Tip provided to the mountain crew (guides, porters, helpers)
Drinks ordered at your hotel before and after the climb
Tanzania Visa
Travel insurance
Yellow fever Vaccination
Personal Gear
*We reserve for any changes and price adjustments outside our control.
Policies and terms – get clear before your purchase
We strive to maintain a balance between offering our programs to the widest range of participants and running a sustainable and thriving company so that we can continue to create and share our experiences with you.
By reserving your space through placing your deposit with us, you are agreeing to the stated policies in our Agreement. Please read in full and please note:
All prices are per person in USD. All bookings include a deposit that is 30% of the total trip cost. Final payments are due 60 days before the start date of the trip to keep your spot secure.
PAYMENT
The total price of the Kilimanjaro expedition ($3600), is based on a shared room/tent
1st deposit: (30%) due upon reservation – non refundable: $1,080
2nd deposit and final payment by April 1st, 2022: $2,520
Added fee for a single hotel room: $50/night
Deposit is due upon registration!
Additional transaction fees might be added to international payments.
You will receive payment information upon registration!
Cancellation policy
If you wish to cancel your trip you must notify us in writing. Once we’ve received your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following: If cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to your departure date any payments made will be refunded minus your deposit.
Maria Söderholm reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary by our team, trip leaders, guides or partners. In the rare case of a cancellation on the part of Maria Söderholm (due to political unrest, dangerous weather, or low sign-ups), we require all participants to purchase travel insurance and highly encourage them to purchase “cancel for any reason” to protect them against the rare chance of cancellation.
Register here!
Maria Söderholm 