Mount Kilimanjaro: The Lemosho Route to the Summit

You are welcomed at Kilimanjaro International Airport by an A&K representative and transferred to Mountain Village.

Arusha National Park is an outstandingly beautiful area lying between the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, and an ideal environment in which to adapt to the demands of higher altitudes. Set out on an acclimatizing hike through the forest, accompanied by an armed ranger. Later tonight, debrief on the days hike and review the upcoming days itinerary with your expedition teammates at a welcome dinner.

Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours, Arusha National Park

After breakfast, drive to the Lemosho Glades at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here your team registers for your climb at the Londrosi Gate. After registering, drive for another hour to reach the trailhead. Hike for about four hours through dense rubber and juniper trees, St. Johns flowers, giant fig and dense forests up to the camp.

Hiking time: 5 hours (Trailhead to Forest Camp)

Awaken to magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley. With abundant bird life all around you, trek out of the forest and up into the hagenia zone through a savannah of tall grasses and bearded heather. The highlight of today’s hike is the ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foamy streams framed by giant groundsels.

Hiking Time: 7 hours (Forest Camp to Mt. Ngare, 4 hours; Mt. Ngare to Shira 1 Camp, 3 hours)

Wake this morning with a breathtaking view. After breaking camp, hike for approximately four hours through the immense alpine heather zone, approaching Kibo massif from the west and moving steadily upward to Shira 2 Camp, where you have lunch and spend the night.

Hiking Time: 4 hours (Shira 1 Camp to weather station near Shira 2)

Leave camp this morning and hike up to the Lava Tower, a three-hour trek. Of the many deep gorges (barrancos) carved into the soft rocks and ashes of Kilimanjaro, the most impressive is the Great Barranco below the Western Breach (15,100 feet above sea level). Here you are dwarfed by the immense size of Lava Tower, a freestanding weathered rock measuring 325 feet in height. Hiking Time: 5.5 hours (Shira 2 to Lava Tower, 3 hours; Lava Tower to Barranco Camp, 2.5 hours)

After breakfast, acclimatize with a hike up to the Great Barranco Wall, a journey of about two hours. Continue to Karanga Camp for rest and lunch. After lunch, a three-hour hike brings you to Barafu Camp, where you spend the night.

Hiking Time: 7 hours (Barranco Camp to Karanga, 4 hours; Karanga to Barafu Camp, 3 hours)

From your campsite this morning, you may see nearby peaks of the Great Rift Valley revealed in gaps in the cloud cover: Mt. Meru, Longido, Kitumbeni and Oldonio Lengai. Reach the Crater Rim at Stella Point, 19,000 feet above sea level and then descend several hundred feet to the crater floor, where your camp is set up and waiting for you. Spend the remainder of the day resting or exploring nearby; the area offers spectacular views of Furtwangler and Gredner Glaciers.

Hiking Time: 6.5 hours (Barafu to lunch, 4 hours; lunch to Crater Rim, 2 hours; Crater Rim to Crater Camp, .5 hour)

Today marks the final stage of your assault on the mountain — the day you summit. Begin the ascent from Crater Camp in the early morning. The steep winding path leads you to the bottom of the scree slope; after a brief rest you will continue to the summit – Uhuru Peak, 19,325 feet above sea level.

Leave the summit and begin your descent through Barafu Camp and Barafu Valley to Mweka Camp, where you spend the night.

Hiking Time: 7.5 hours (Crater to Summit, 1.5 hours; Summit to Barafu Camp, 3 hours; Barafu to Millennium Camp, 1.5 Hours; Millenium Camp to Mweka Camp, 1.5 Hours)

Continue your descent towards Mweka Gate through the Montane Forest filled with age-old trees, flowers, birds and butterflies. At the culmination of the trek, you are transferred to Mountain Village Lodge, where you have a hot lunch on the shore of Lake Duluti, a beautiful green crater lake. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your return home.

Hiking Time: 3 hours, Mweka Camp to Main Mweka Gate

INCLUDED IN GUIDED PROGRAMS: Prices are valid to December 2010 (2010 pricing details are based on current currency exchange rates and will be subject to final confirmation) and include all accommodations as noted in trip documentation; meals as specified; arrival and departure transfers (regardless of arrival and departure days); fully-guided expeditions as noted in the itineraries (including park and entrance fees); bottled water supplied during expeditions; select beverages with meals; services of an A&K Expedition Guide (please see condition noted below); handling of two pieces of baggage per person for regional flights (other conditions/restrictions may apply for specific flights especially helicopter transport; please refer to BAGGAGE section); hotel taxes; gratuities throughout, except to your Expedition Guide, drivers and camp staff, trackers, or porters.

Medical Evacuation Insurance for emergency transportation to medical care facilities, if necessary, is included for all programs and activities in the brochure.

PROGRAM EXTENTIONS: South Africa extension is  locally guided and priced accordingly.

GRATUITIES: Gratuities are included for hotel/restaurant staff, porterage and drivers. Gratuities are not included for the A&K Expedition Guide, driver-guides and camp staff, trackers, or porters, where applicable, which are at the traveller's discretion and should be based on the level of satisfaction with the service received. Recommended guidelines for each expedition are provided in A&K's pre-tour documentation.

NOT INCLUDED IN Expedition PRICES: Passenger Travel Protection Program (except medical evacuation insurance); international and regional airfares - unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the A&K Expedition Guide, driver-guides and camp staff, trackers on Extreme Adventures expeditions as outlined in the Gratuities on Extreme Adventures section; meals other than specified in the itinerary; beverages other than noted in your "Pre-Tour Documentation," activities not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional programs (which are subject to availability).

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES: All departures are guaranteed, with dates subject to a minimum number of passengers to operate (except in cases of force majeure, which could include any major world event that adversely affects international travel patterns and other circumstances beyond A&K's control). Should the minimum number of passengers not be met, A&K may be required to requote the price of the program to accommodate a smaller group. Should the smaller group size and price not be feasible, A&K Extreme Adventures will offer a full refund of all monies received.

ITINERARIES: Accommodations and expeditionary program are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond A&K's control. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. A&K also reserves the right to withdraw an expedition or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to expedition members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.

SPECIAL REQUESTS: Due to the remoteness and potentially extreme conditions present during these expeditions, the ability to accommodate special requests will be very limited.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS: Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of January 2010. A&K reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets, and/or fuel surcharges. A&K is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any expedition within this brochure. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group size may affect the published tour price.

IMMEDIATE CHECK-IN: On programs where immediate check-in has not been included in the program price, A&K does request that hotels do their utmost to facilitate this service; however, it is not guaranteed. Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have your room ready for immediate check-in upon arrival, A&K can arrange this for an additional charge. Please ask for details and prices.

EARLY ARRIVAL: You may wish to arrive a day or two before the start of your expedition to allow time to relax and refresh after your journey and to prepare for the start of your program. Please ask for details at time of booking. Departing early from the U.S. is also recommended in the winter months, due to possible flight disruptions and cancellations caused by inclement weather conditions.

ACTIVE ELEMENTS: A&K Extreme Adventures offers expeditions that require a varying degree of physical conditioning. We have rated each of these expeditions based on the level of physical strain and severe weather/climate conditions that will be faced while participating in these programs. It is important to consider the degree of difficulty for these expeditions and prepare yourself accordingly. Preparation pertains to physical conditioning, mental preparation, and making sure you have the right clothing and equipment (excluding equipment provided or offered by A&K). SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT A SPECIFIC EXPEDITION PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS AT TIME OF BOOKING.

BAGGAGE: Tour prices include the handling of two pieces of baggage per person. Weight restrictions on some routes on regional air flights may apply; details will be provided with preliminary tour documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at owner's risk throughout the expedition. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flights.

A&K'S PASSENGER TRAVEL PROTECTION PROGRAM: Our specially designed travel protection program, which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is not included in the tour price and is strongly recommended. We have included only medical evacuation insurance in the price of the expedition for all participants. Please see the insurance page in this brochure for more details.

CHILD POLICY: A minimum age of 16 years is required on all programs.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Valid passports are required for travel to the destinations in this brochure. Check with your travel agent or A&K for the latest visa requirements. Please note that non-U.S. passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry. Please note also that passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visa and immigration stamps. A&K cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. A copy of your valid passport must be submitted to A&K in order to confirm air reservations.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE: For the expeditions in this brochure with the exception of Antarctica programs, a deposit of 20% of the total expedition price per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the expedition must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.

Cancellation Charges: For all expeditions except Antarctica, cancellations received by A&K 90 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a10% per person/per expedition cancellation fee; 89 - 45 days, will be subject to 50% of the land price; 44 days or less will be subject to 100% of the land price. A 100% CANCELLATION CHARGE APPLIES TO REGIONAL AIR CANCELLED 60 DAYS OR LESS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, WHERE APPLICABLE.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR ANTARCTICA'S FINAL DEGREE AND EMPEROR PENGUINS: A deposit of $5000 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days prior to departure, the entire cost of the expedition must be made at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.

Cancellation Charges FOR ANTARCTICA'S FINAL DEGREE AND EMPEROR PENGUINS: Client deposits and payments for confirmed reservations are refund able up to 90 days prior to departure from Punta Arenas, less an administration fee of $1500 per person. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure and is norefundable. Deposits and final payment are not transferable to alternat departure dates or from one client to another.

CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR EXTRA SERVICES: Additional hotel nights and other extra services booked in connection with A&K Extreme Adventures are subject to a separate and potentially different set of terms and conditions, please ask your consultant for details.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Airfares are available upon request.

CLAIMS AND REFUNDS: Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY clause on this page. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the local destination management company verifying the claim. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused segments of the expedition or meals. A&K will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your Extreme Adventures expedition.

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL: Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any expedition or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a program with A&K, expedition members agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Program members who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their expedition guide at the beginning of their program.

LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY: Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, car, train, boat, or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.

In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.

There are many inherent risks in the Extreme Adventures, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that the Extreme Adventures take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passengers assumes all risks associated with participating in an Abercrombie & Kent Extreme Adventure.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS: It is the responsibility of The Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department's travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1.888.407.4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should The Traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, The Traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these TERMS AND CONDITIONS, to the LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself, or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.

TRAVELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS: The Traveller represents that neither he nor she nor anyone travelling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour. A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip. A&K reserves the right to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.

ALTERNATE Departures: For a minimum of four passengers wanting to travel together on a specific date that is not offered in this brochure, Abercrombie & Kent will request a special departure with our operators. Although we will attempt to accommodate your request, we cannot guarantee these programs without confirmation from our suppliers.

ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PASSENGER INFORMATION FORM.

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Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance

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• Images of Egypt & Kenya
  February 28, 2012
• Pharaohs and Pyramids
  All January - March 2012 departures
• Splendors of the Nile
  March 19, 2012

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