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7 Summits

Kilimanjaro, as seen from Karangu Camp (13,000') on the Machame Route. Shawn Olson

• Climb one of the Seven Summits
• Climb Africa's highest mountain
• Experience the thrill of high altitude climbing
• Explore East Africa's culture and varied ecology
• On safari, enjoy some of the best game viewing on the continent.

Kilimanjaro is one of the best-known mountains of the world, and it has been an alluring destination for adventurers for more than a century. The peak has remarkable power to elicit a sense of adventure and exotic travel, and as one of the Seven Summits, it remains a strong draw for climbers and trekkers alike throughout the world. The New York Times recently named it one of The 53 Place to Go in 2008.

Immense, volcanic Kilimanjaro is an island of multiple micro-climates, surrounded by the dry, African plains. It stands in north-eastern Tanzania, just a few miles from the southern border of Kenya, and is just 250 miles (400 km) south of the equator. Much of the pleasure of climbing the peak is in the wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems that you experience, with great contrasts ranging from rainforest to sub-alpine grasslands to an alpine zone of cliffs and glaciers. Kilimanjaro's visual impact is strong as it dominates thousands of square miles, towering as the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

This expedition is a very enjoyable, non-technical climb that encompasses expansive views across Africa, passage through diverse cultural areas and ecosystems. Porters, cooks, and local guides accompany the group, allowing you to enjoy the experience and focus on the climb. Your AAI guides assist you with the climb, oversee the local staff, and provide an additional level of safety for you during the climb.

The program is nine days long (including the arrival and departure day), and the optional safari can range from three to seven days. The safari includes travel through Lake Manyara National Park, the wonders of the Serengeti, Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the market of Mto Wa Mbu where Maasai sell their traditional crafts. In terms of wildlife, we see both resident and migratory species that include scores of varieties of birds and a full range of large African mammals. The game viewing is some of the best on the continent.

After the safari, you can also can also break up the long journey home with some climbing in France or Switzerland, or complete ascents of two of the Seven Summits in a month by combining this with a climb of Mt. Elbrus (the tallest peak in Europe).

On the summit of Africa. Nathan Evenson

We climb the mountain by the picturesque Machame Route, considered by many to be the most beautiful route on the mountain. Most of the climb itself is actually trekking on well-formed trails, though there are a few sections of steeper, non-technical terrain. Our camps are at sites established by the Tanzanian National Park Service, and each camp provides outhouses and is staffed by a rescue team in case emergency evacuations are necessary.

We use five camps as we gradually move up the mountain, and their altitude (ranging from 9,843 to 15,100 feet) will help us acclimatize gradually before making our summit bid. A typical day includes three to six hours of climbing. Summit day is typically between 5 and 8 hours, and begins just after midnight with a plan to enjoy the magnificent colors of sunrise near the summit.

Besides its beauty, a benefit of the Machame Route is that it includes two days of "hiking high and sleeping low," a strategy proven to help with successful acclimatization.

Climbers descend after a successful summit on Kilimanjaro.

The American Alpine Institute has long been the standard for safety and excellence in mountain guiding. In our 33 years of experience, we have been committed to providing the highest quality mountain trips. On Kilimanjaro, we work closely with what we believe to be the best local outfitter in Tanzania.

Here are reasons we believe our Kilimanjaro Expedition to be of the highest quality:

• Dedication to safety
• Gourmet food
• Local knowledge
• Outstanding African support staff
• 7-day itinerary maximizes chance for success
• Extra day for summit in case of bad weather

The expedition fee includes:

• AAI and local mountain guides
• All expedition organizational requirements
• Airport transfer from Kilimanjaro International airport to hotel and return
• Hotel in Moshi based on shared rooms (single room supplement available)
• All lodging and food while on the expedition (also on optional safaris)
• Group climbing equipment, food, tents, stove, and fuel in Kilimanjaro region
• Transport to and from the trailhead
• All support staff for the climb: Porters, drivers, etc.
• Park fees (subject to change without notice)
• Bottled water

The expedition fee does not include;

• Personal clothing and equipment
• Entry Visa for Tanzanian and/or Kenya
• Travel insurance or any rescue costs
• International round trip travel costs into and out of Tanzania and/or Kenya
• International vaccinations
• Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
• Bottled beverages
• Tips and Gratuity

Sunrise over Africa, from just below the summit on Kilimanjaro. Shawn Olson

• Course minimum: Our prices of $3980 (Oct-Jan) and $5150 (June - Sept) reflect a group minimum size of 3 people.
• Custom dates are available. Trips beginning on December 26th will summit on New Years Day. For more information, please call (360)-671-1505, or inquire at info@aai.cc about these options.
• Private groups: No minimum group size and flexible dates (please contact AAI for pricing).
• African guides only: For those wishing to economize, we also offer this expedition with our top African guides (no AAI guide) for $3120/person (3 person minimum). We believe our local guides to be among the best in Africa, and each receives a high level of training and certification in first aid, ecology, high altitude sickness. They are experts on Kilimanjaro itself. This option offers flexible dates as well. Please inquire at info@aai.cc about this option.

Visas
All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived. Check for updates before traveling. Visas can be obtained on arrival for most nationalities.

Equipment Notes
We will supply all group gear (e.g. tents, stoves, utensils etc), while expedition members are to provide their own personal clothing, day pack, duffel bag, footwear, and sleeping bag/pad.

Safety Communications and Insurance
To safeguard members of the expedition we will be carrying a satellite telephone. We require expedition members to carry additional insurance for evacuation and repatriation as well as normal travel medical expenses. Contact us for expedition insurance advice.

The Rebmann Glacier, as seen from just below Kilimanjaro's crater rim. Shawn Olson