Join us for a trip of a lifetime-- a true African adventure! We will climb Kilimanjaro (19,341'), the tallest mountain in Africa, one of the seven summits, and the world’s largest freestanding mountain, via the Lemosho/Southern Ciruit/Crater Camp route, one of the most scenic and successful on the mountain. AMC has led many 100% successful trips, including just last year, and will help you stand on top of the roof of Africa again this summer!

Kilimanjaro Climb Overview

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak rises majestically from the rolling savanna plain up through five microclimates with diverse ecosystems: rainforest, heather, moorland, desert, and arctic. We will see amazing views, traverse through incredible Dr. Seuss-like vegetation, and touch the glaciers as we ascend to the Roof of Africa.

We will experience Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho/Southern Circuit/Crater Camp route over 8 days and 7 nights plus two nights prior and another night after in Arusha. This Kilimanjaro itin-erary is one of the most successful treks on the mountain with 95% of the climbers reaching the summit. The route is longer than the standard approach and includes a dramatic daylight ascent and night in the crater, something that few treks offer. The slower ascent gives the body time to acclimatize to the altitude more gradually– greatly increasing the success

Climbing Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa

August 3 - 15, 2018

rate. Our two nights in Arusha at 5,000 ft and acclimatization hike to a women’s cooperative on Mt Meru at 7,000 ft will also help us adjust to the altitude. We will hike across the entire Shira Plateau, one of the Kilimanjaro wilderness areas, with stunning views of the peak and the surrounding coun-tryside. Our summit day ascent is only 6-8 hrs, rather than the typi-cal 18-20 hour slog starting in the middle of the night.

We will have some of the best-trained guides in the business, well-paid and equipped porters (this is an important issue as many porters are mistreated—our outfitter is a Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project Partner), cooks, state-of-the-art spacious mountaineering tents and safety equipment (including satel-lite phones, oxygen, and a Gamow bag), stormproof mess tent with table and chairs, and even toilet tents for our exclusive use. You will carry only your daypack. The crew breaks camp after the climbers have departed in the morning, then races ahead to set up camp by the time you arrive, in time for an afternoon snack. Our cook prepares delicious and nutritious meals that are adjusted to meet our bodies’ needs as we ascend. Each morning, the crew brings hot coffee, tea, or cocoa to your tent as a gentle wake-up call.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is difficult due to the high altitude, but many consider it to be a life-changing experience, one of the most rewarding of their lifetime. There is simply nothing like climbing above the clouds for days, getting to know our in-credible Tanzanian hosts and their culture, over-coming your limits to stand on the highest point in the continent. While this trip does not include a safari, many travel experts consider an African safa-ri to be at the very top of a travel bucket list. If you are interested, we will help you arrange one with our local guides. Before, during, and after our trip we will learn about the culture through a visit with a school and a local women’s cooperative that helps fund local projects by growing and processing coffee and other goods.

Porters ascend the Shira Plateau. Photo by Robin Melavalin

AMC group successfully on the summit!

Itinerary Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Friday August 3: Depart USA

Most flights leave the US in the evening. It is a long flight, with most connecting to Amsterdam. Many people choose to come in a day early in order to recover from the long flight more fully. We will arrange for an activity if you choose to do this.

Saturday Aug 4, 2017: Arrive in Arusha TZ at Kilimanjaro International Airport at night. Our guides will pick us up. Transfer to the lovely Planet Lodge, which is located at about 4,700 ft, one of the best rated in Arusha. The airport is about an hour away from Arusha. Get a well-deserved long sleep.

Sunday, August 5: Arusha. All meals are covered from this day onwards. This day is designed to give us plenty of time to relax, arrange our gear for the Kilimanjaro climb, and recuperate from the long journey. To aid our acclimatization and to learn more about the local culture, we will visit to Mulala women’s cooperative on the slopes of nearby Mt Meru with a short guided hike about 7,000 ft. The head guide/leader will give us a climb briefing and answer any ques-tions. We will also do an equipment check with each person to be sure that everyone is fully prepared. We will be able to leave a bag of our clothing in Arusha.

trip day of week

day August day miles gain loss altitude hours

1 3 Fri depart US in evening

2 4 Sat en route -> Arusha 4,700

3 5 Sun Arusha + walk 4,700+

4 6 Mon Forset Camp 4 2000+ 8,817 5

5 7 Tues Shira Camp 5 2000+ 11,300 8

6 8 Weds Moir 8 2000+ 13,650 6

7 9 Thurs Barranco 6 2000+ 2,000 13,500 6

8 10 Fri Barfu 5 2000+ 15,300 7

9 11 Sat Crater Camp 3.5 3,200 18,500 8

10 12 Sun Mweka 7 800 9,000 10,448 10

11 13 Mon Arusha 6 5,000 4,700 6

12 14 Tues Visit School/ Depart

13 15 Weds Arrive US

Routes on Kili. Ours is in Red.

Monday, August 6: Kili Day 1– Lemosho Glades From our lodge, we will make our way to the Londorosi gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (a few hours drive from Arusha). We will begin our hike at the Lemosho trailhead. After a picnic lunch and paperwork, we will hike for about 4 hours to the forest camp. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while birdcalls entertain the ear. You may see Black and White Colobus monkeys as well as signs of the elephants that travel in this area. We overnight at Forest Camp. Hiking: 4-5 hours. Overnight Altitude ~8,817’

Tuesday August 7: Kili Day 2 – Shira Plateau As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, our views open and we will catch our first views of the Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike, as we go up and down several ridges along the way before de-scending to camp. Here the vegetation gets very inter-esting with giant heathers, protea, and giant lobelia. Dramatic views to the valley below. Overnight at Shira Camp. Hiking: 6-9 hours. Overnight Altitude 11,300’

Wednesday, August 8: Kili Day 3 – Moir Camp. We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Along the way, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher memorial camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide). We will con-tinue on to the upper heath zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, acclimatization

hikes will be arranged in the late afternoon. Hiking: 5-6 hours. Over-night Altitude: ~13,650'

Thursday, August 9: Kili Day 4 - Bar-ranco Camp. We leave the heath zone and enter the alpine zone as we hike 4-6 hours past Lava Camp (up to about 15,000’) with its volcanic land-scape and then down into the scenic Barranco Valley to camp. The Barran-co Valley is renowned for its Dr. Seuss-like Giant Groundsel (Senecio) tree forests. Hiking: 6-7 hours. Overnight Altitude: ~13,500'

Hiking through the glades. George Robertson

Hiking past Lava Tower with Mt Meru by Robin Melavalin

Friday, August 10: Kili Day 5 - Barafu Camp. Ascend the Great Bar-ranco Wall with views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields, then traverse around to Barafu Camp. After settling into camp, we’ll have a demonstration on use of safety equip-ment such as the Gamow (hyperbaric) bag and oxygen. Hik-ing: 6-8 hours. Over-night Altitude: ~15,100’ Saturday, August 11: Kili Day 6 - Crater Camp. While other hikers are leaving camp at mid-

night for an 18-hour hike, we will sleep a full night and start hiking after a hearty breakfast. Although the dis-tance is relatively short, today’s hike is challenging due to high altitude. We climb for around 6-7 hours to Stella Point with astounding views into the Crater and of surrounding Africa, then another hour into and across the Crater to camp next to the glaciers. Alternatively, (and probably more like-ly) we will continue to the summit and have it to ourselves in the afternoon. A

double summit (both today and tomorrow) is also possi-ble, depending on group interest and energy. Hiking: 6-8 hours. Overnight Altitude: 18,500’ Sunday, August 12: Kili Day 7 – Summit and Mweka Camp. Summit day -- you made it! If we did not summit the day before, we will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft - 5,896m) around 6:00 am when it's starting to get light - perhaps hiking a short time by headlamp and reach the summit in 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If we did summit already, we will sleep later and take a few hours to ex-plore around the glaciers, and visit the crater’s ash pit. In

Heading down to Barranco Camp with wall and trail ahead. George Robertson Photo

either case, after taking in the incredible views, we’ll begin the long descent down to Barafu Hut for lunch and then to our camp at Mweka Camp for our celebratory supper. Hiking poles will help protect your knees on this steep descent. A long, but exhilarating day! Hiking: 6-8 hours. Summit ~19,341’. Overnight Altitude ~10,448’ Monday, August 13: Kili Day 8 – Mweka Park Gate to Arusha After breakfast, our crew will serenade us and we will say a tearful goodbye to many of them during a ceremony. Most trekkers are amazed by the care and tenderness by which we are treated by our new friends. We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to the remainder of our mountain crew be-fore leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at our lodge most likely be-tween 3-5 PM. Hiking: 3-5 hours Tuesday Aug 14: Arusha to home Today is the last day. We will attend a local primary school and possibly help with a project there or else-where. (Donations of school sup-plies would be appreciated but en-tirely optional and I will help organ-ize in advance for those interest-ed). This is often one of the high-lights of the trip. Those departing today will return to the lodge to re-lax and then catch planes in the evening. Tuesday August 15 Arrival in the U.S. usually around mid-day. AMC participant at school visit. Pam Wilmot Photo

ACCOMODATIONS Kilimanjaro -The tents on the Kilimanjaro Trek are four-season Mountain Hardwear moun-taineering tents designed for four people but will be comfortably shared by only two. There is plenty of room for all your gear and a com-fortable sleeping bag and mat. Arusha - We will be sharing two person rooms at the Planet Lodge, one of the highest rated in Arusha, (subject to availability). All lodging will have en suite bathrooms, wifi, beautiful

grounds including a pool. We will be able to store our extra clothes while on the climb. Toilets - On Kilimanjaro our group will have two private toi-let tents with a portable boat-style toilet. No less-than-sanitary outhouses for us! En suite toilets in all lodgings in Arusha. Showers - While on the mountain, no showers will

be available. You will be provided a bowl of hot water in the evening and again in the morning for washing hands, face, etc, except for our two highest camps, where our porters must carry up all our water from lower on the mountain. Baby wipes are suggested for waterless bathing. Our hotel has have en suite bathrooms and hot showers on demand— but be careful of the switches. Clothes Washing – There is laundry service at the lodge before and after the trek, but you should assume it will not be cheap. Due to cold weather and cloud cover on the mountain it is not likely your clothes will dry if washed on Kilimanjaro. Electricity - Note that electrical supply for domestic use is generally 240V AC/55. All installa-tions are British standard (flat plug) and all appliances should be adapted with plugs of British specification. There is no electricity on the mountain. Trip Food – Is all included in the trip price. We will be fed three hearty, delicious hot meals on the trek, plus an afternoon snack upon reaching camp. But you should also bring some trail snacks of your own. Nearly everyone brings too many of these, as our crew keeps us very well fed with delicious food! Beware that some snacks like power bars may freeze too solid to eat

Happy after a good nights sleep at Shira camp

Rooms at Planet Lodge

at altitude on Kilimanjaro. Our trek crew will provide coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. Bottled water, beverages and alcohol are an ex-tra charge in lodges. The water provided to you on the trek is ei-ther filtered or boiled. You should treat it again with purification tablets in your water bottle prior to drinking.

CLIMATE

We will be in Tanzania during the dry season (July-Sept). Even though it lies near the equator, Kilimanjaro summit temperatures at night can drop as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit (F) because of the high altitude. Temperatures vary quite a bit during the day based on how high we are and whether the strong sun is shining but are typically be-tween 30-70 degrees F during the day and from 50 to 10 degrees at night. A key thing to re-member is that a temp of 25 degrees (F) at 18,500 feet of elevation will feel much colder than at home due to the very dry air, acclimatization issues, and often mild dehydration. Warm clothing and a winter sleeping bags are required. Even in the dry season, like any large moun-tain, Kilimanjaro can make its own weather, and it can rain or snow.

The temperatures in Arusha also vary quite a bit. Daytime temperatures will vary between mid 60s to mid 80s. Nighttime temps are usually in the 60s or high fifties. Hence dressing in layers is essential!

EXPERIENCE

Hiking on a steep moun-tain is physically de-manding. Add to that ele-vations in excess of 19,000 feet, and the de-mands of the trip in-crease exponentially. The combination of physical exertion & lower oxygen levels require that we pace ourselves (pole, pole) and pay attention to proper nutrition and hydration. Participants in

AMC group has a hot lunch on the trail. Pam Wilmot Photo

AMC group look like ants near Lava Tower. Pam Wilmot photo

the Kili trek must have previ-ous hiking experience at the intermediate level or higher. Although the hiking will be at a slow pace, this is not a trip for beginners. Some of the slopes are very steep and there are a few scrambles. As we ascend, the days will feel long and strenuous, despite the moder-ate mileage. You need to be in excellent physical condition at the time of departure from the USA. You should be pre-pared both physically and mentally, and equipped with the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. In this regard, you are responsible for your own safety. Prior to your being accept-ed as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience. Please do not be offended by the questions. You will also be asked for hiking references as part of the application process. If you have chronic medical problems or a history of some-thing complicated that could flare up on a trip, you may be asked to produce a letter from your health care provider stating that he or she feels you will be able to fully participate in the trip.

SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS

We are not just a collection of individuals; we are a team climbing the highest freestanding mountain in the world! This is both physically and mentally demanding due to the amount of hiking, travel, and altitude involved. Despite these challenges, participants are expected to

contribute to the group experi-ence, be approachable by others, take genuine interest in team-mates, and be supportive and un-derstanding. Determining these attributes is also part of the screening process. On the trip, any interpersonal matter that cannot be resolved should be brought to the attention of the leader for res-olution. Participants are expected to respect and follow the leader's decisions although thoughts, con-cerns, and group consensus are

Kili looms above the heather zone. Pam Wilmot photograph

Team heads to the summit— in the daylight! Pam Wilmot photo

always appreciated and taken into consid-eration. To minimize risks we will hike in groups and not alone.

RISKS

Most people look at climbing Kilimanjaro and an African Safari as an adventure of a lifetime. However, the very term “adventure” suggests some inherent un-certainty, isolation and risk. Traveler's di-arrhea is very common in Africa (similar to other less developed areas such as Mexico and rural Asia). About 28% of international visi-tors get some sort of traveler's diarrhea in East Africa. Although the outfitter filters our water, it is still recommended to use additional treatment methods such as iodine tablets. It is possi-ble for participants to pass a bug amongst the group and having plenty of hand sanitizer gel easily accessible will help prevent this. Packing an appropriate antibiotic to treat traveler's di-arrhea is strongly advised. The antibiotics azithromycin or Cipro are recommended most often by travel clinics.

There are also risks associated with altitude sickness and with accidents while climbing Kili-manjaro. Fortunately, our outfitter has an excellent safety record and training program for their employees, which helps to minimize these risks. They carry state-of-the-art emergency equipment for high altitude illness including oxygen, a satellite phone, and a Gamow Bag (portable hyperbaric chamber) and are highly trained in mountain rescue and first aid and lead guides are wilderness first responders. Most outfitters do not provide this level of risk man-agement, and the ones that do charge much more than the AMC does. The risks of becoming ill or endangered can also be significantly reduced by proper conditioning, obtaining the rec-ommended immunizations and medication before the trip, following the advice of the leader and guides, and speaking up immediately if you start to exhibit symptoms of any kind. Much more information on this subject will follow after registration!

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common at the high altitudes we will encounter on Kilimanjaro. The occurrence of AMS is dependent upon the elevation, the rate of ascent, and individual sus-ceptibility, which is very hard to predict. Many people will experience mild AMS at some point during our trek. The symptoms of Mild AMS are one or more of these: headache, dizziness, fa-tigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nau-sea, disturbed sleep, and a general feeling of ma-laise. Symptoms tend to be worse at night and when respiratory drive is decreased. Mild AMS

Our guides demonstrate Gamow bag use

does not interfere with normal activity and symptoms generally subside as the body ac-climatizes. As long as symptoms are mild, and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a mod-erate rate. Symptoms of Mild AMS can be treat-ed with pain medica-tions for headache and Diamox (acetazolamide), a medication that speeds the acclimatiza-tion process. Diamox allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing symptoms caused by poor ox-ygenation. This is especially helpful at night. Since it takes a while for Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude (or the first morning of the climb) and continuing until descent. 125 mg. twice a day is the recommended dose that can be increased to 250 mg for the high camps. Some people may not be able to take it due to sulfa drug allergies or side-effects. We also recommend taking it for a few days in the US, well before the trip, to see how it will affect you. It is also essential that you communicate any symptoms of illness immediately to me or to the lead guide. We will carefully monitor partici-pants’ symptoms and oxygenation rates to assess any AMS symptoms. The much more serious conditions High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) may develop, sometimes very quickly, and there is no predictor as to who is most susceptible.

These conditions are emergencies and require immediate treatment and evacuation.

COST The cost of our Kilimanjaro climb is $4,399 per person without airfare, with a minimum of 9 participants to the maximum of 13. The price re-flects an 18% increase in Tanzanian Taxes levied in late 2016. Round-trip airfare is additional at approximately $1300 - $1,900*. Prices are based on double occupancy in the lodge and in trek tents, and include all ground

Hiking through the giant groundsels near Barranco Camp. Pam Wilmot Photo

Learning about the glaciers at Crater Camp. Pam Wilmot Photo

costs including park fees, lodging, and meals. The trip price does not include tips, bottled wa-ter, drinks in lodges, travel visas, and expenses involved with travel outside the scope of this trip, such as additional lodging before or after the trip, and airport shuttles at times other than specified in the itinerary. Excessive increases in government fees may need to be passed on, but this is extremely unlikely because of the recent increase, and because a cushion has been built into the price. Much more likely is that you will be receiving a refund of excess funds after the trip is over. Our trip price is significantly lower (about 40%) that others offering trips with sim-ilar amenities and social responsibility.

TIPPING

As in many parts of the world, tipping in East Africa is a symbol of appreciation for a job well done, and is part of the expected compensation of the crew. Gratuities for meals at the lodges are included in the cost of your expedition, although having a few small bills to give the people dragging luggage and cleaning rooms is helpful. US dollars are preferred. Tipping our hired guides and crew is at your discretion but is an expected way to show your appreciation of the wonderful service we expect on this trip and the very hard work performed. On the Kilimanja-ro climb you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tip for crew members, even those doing jobs that aren’t as visible (think about carrying the toilet and its contents!). The tips are usually presented on the final evening or morning of the climb. Cash is required in smaller bills (no $100s). Detailed tipping guidelines will be sent upon acceptance or by prior

request but range from $270-$430 for each person in our group, but you can use your own discretion to adjust them up or down. Most peo-ple think these amounts seem excessive until finishing the trip when they see the amount of work involved and the care and concern that the crew shows us. It is really hard to understand until you are there.

Sunsets are amazing!

Some of our amazing crew dancing and singing for us! They are incredible!

IMMUNIZATIONS

There are many recommended vaccines for Tanzania that need to be obtained before departure from the USA. Multiple visits to a doctor may be necessary for some vaccine series, which usually start 2-3 months prior to the trip. Be sure to discuss with your doc-tor malaria-preventing medication and Dia-mox for altitude sickness; both are highly rec-ommended and if you are NOT planning to bring Diamox you must discuss this with the leader. You should bring antibiotics in case of severe diarrhea; this proved highly valuable in another AMC trip in dealing with a bad stomach bug (Cipro was the cure). Your insurance may not cover immunizations, so check first. Recommended vaccinations from the Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow fever, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and polio. Con-sider using a “Travel Clinic” such as those listed at http://www.travelhealthresource.com/clinics/.

APPLICATION AND CANCELLATION

If you are interested, you should apply as soon as possible as this trip is likely to fill quickly. Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leaders' costs up to a maximum of 15% per person. Beyond this, the leader is not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion and any unspent funds will be refunded. The trip price also includes an AMC overhead fee to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure Travel, includ-ing the trip's publication in AMC Outdoors for several months, liability insurance, and staff as-sistance. The overhead fee is 20% of participant land costs; air travel is not included. The trip fee includes emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage, which is required by the AMC. It does not include insurance for travel delay, interruption, or cancellation, or for bag-gage loss. Individual travel cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

To apply, you must submit the completed Application, Confidential Medical Form, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release Form, and enclose a deposit check for $1,000. You will not actually be accepted, and your check will not be deposited, until the lead-er has determined by telephone conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. The remaining balance will be divided into 2 equal payments due on March 1, 2018 and April 1, 2018 (if this is an issue please discuss with me). Deposit checks from waitlist-ed applicants will not be cashed until they have been accepted to the trip AND they confirm continued interest. Please make payments by check payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club. When the group is complete, participants will receive the names, addresses and phone numbers of all those going on the trip. Email will be used as the primary source of communica-

Crew sings us a song upon completion, by Robin Melavalin

tion. If you have any questions or to re-quest an application, please call or e-mail Pam Wilmot, phwilmot@gmail.com or 617-962-0034.

Cancellation policy is based on several con-siderations. Cancellation will not be al-lowed to raise the cost to the other partici-pants or to the leaders. Minimum penalty schedule: $300 until March 1, $750 through April, $1500 after April 1, 2018, full price after June 1, 2018. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead, unless they can be applied toward an-other acceptable participant (minimums may be waived as well if a timely suitable replace-ment is found). Cancellation refunds will not be returned until after the trip has been complet-ed unless made very early. Cancellations are considered effective when a leader receives written notification. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended.

TRIP LEADERSHIP Pam Wilmot is a four-season leader and a member of the board of the Hiking/Backpacking Committee of the AMC Boston Chapter. She is one of the most active leaders in the chapter, leading both day hikes and backpacks primarily in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, including the 20 mile, 9,000 ft of elevation gain single-day Presidential Range traverse. An avid

hiker, Pam has climbed the Hundred Highest Mountains in New England and the New Hamp-shire 48 four thousand footers in calendar winter. Pam led the AMC Adventure travel trips: To the Roof of Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari in 2017, High Road in Paradise: Hut-to-hut in the Ital-ian Alps in 2015 and Under the Alpine Giants: Hut-to-Hut in the Italian Alps in 2013, the latter two were both 15 day 100 mile treks of different sec-tions of the Alta Via Valle D’Aosta. Pam has also led non-AMC backpacks to Olympic National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and the Sierra Neva-da. She has traveled extensively in the US, Eu-rope, and Asia, including a 7-month trip around the world, and completed a 12-day trek to the An-napurna basecamp in Nepal. She is trained as a Wilderness First Responder and certified in CPR.

Sunrise near the summit. Photo by @Bienvenido Benny Torres

Pam on solo ascent of Clouds Rest in Yosemite

Backup leader in case of emergency: Robin Melavalin, a cultural anthropologist who has been involved with educational travel for over 20 years and has led six prior AMC Adventure Travel trips, including a 2013 Kilimanjaro climb entitled “The Crown of Africa” as well as “Morocco Trek and Sights” (twice), “Hut to Hut in the Bavarian Alps” (twice), and “Kayaking and Whale Watching in Baja Sur, Mexico.”

Pre-TRIP Preparation

Once accepted on the trip, you will be sent detailed information about conditioning and prepa-ration. I will organize a pre-trip hike or two, trip newsletters, and a conference call so that par-ticipants can get to know each other, learn more about the trip, and discuss appropriate gear and preparation.

KILIMANJARO GEAR LIST

A detailed packing list will be provided once you apply or upon request prior to that. The most expensive piece of required gear is a 0 degree or lower rated sleeping bag which is available to rent from our outfitter if arrangements are made well in advance. Other requirements are sim-ilar to an early winter overnight minus the food or tent. The total weight of your gear and clothes cannot exceed 35lbs, excluding your day pack and what you wear and personally carry.

Photo credit page 1: Brydyak. Some photos purchased from 123RF.com

*Airfares quoted are to Kilimanjaro International Airport. There are cheaper fares to Nairobi, but the bus is time-consuming (up to 24 hrs each way with transfers which are not covered in the trip price.)

Successful AMC hikers descending back into the clouds. We were above them for 7 days. Pam Wilmot Photo

Questions? Call me at 617-962-0034 (before 9) or email me at phwilmot@gmail.com