The Ultimate Achievement - Kilimanjaro
What can be more personally satisfying than standing atop the highest peak in Africa? Jackpot safaris outfits these climbs with the very best equipment and our own guides and porters to give you the climber, the best chance of reaching the summit. We specialize in the less frequented, more scenic routes such as the Machame, Western Breach, Rongai, Lemosho glades or Shira but are also more than happy to organize a Marangu ascent as well! There is no guarantee of success but our percentage of climbers to reach the summit is amongst the best of all operators!
Why Jackpot safaris?
Jackpot Safaris and Tours is one of the few Arusha-based companies that have a specific climbing and trekking license to operate on Kilimanjaro. We do NOT sub contract. Therefore, everything is run by Jackpot safaris so we control your trip
- We provide you with a comprehensive pre-climb briefing by one of our professional safari and trekking consultants, and you will be given pre-trek briefing notes to take with you.
- Your safety is our number one concern, and our guides are in 24-hour contact with our base, in the event of an emergency, we can act immediately.
- Our cooks know how important their role is and will provide you will a healthy, carbohydrate rich diet, one that is not only nourishing but delicious.
- Our tents are top quality high-altitude tents. Our equipment is of the best standard and regularly maintained and replaced. We provide comfortable foam mattresses and complimentary four-season sleeping bags upon request.
- Your luggage will be placed in our specially designed waterproof bags carried by your porters, giving it that extra protection if it is wet on the mountain.
- Jackpot safaris will provide you with all the necessary Pre-Departure information to ensure you are well prepared for your journey. Equipment lists, tips for the mountain, as well as what to expect,
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR THE CLIMBERS
A. PHYSICAL FITNESS
Although Kilimanjaro is not a technical mountain climb, it is a major challenge and the rigours of altitude should not be underestimated. Remember that Uhuru peak is 500m higher than Everest Base Camp!! The pace of your ascent coupled with good acclimatization will help you on the climb but it is essential to be mentally and physically prepared before you start. Regular hikes are one of the best ways to prepare, increasing frequency and length, as you get closer to the trek. All aerobic exercises such as cycling, running, swimming and funnily enough aerobics are good for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Generally, any exercise that increases the heart rate for 20 minutes is helpful but don't over do it just before the climb.
B. ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMITIZATION
Altitudes are generally defined as follows:-
o High altitude 2,400m - 4,200m
o Very high altitude 4,200m - 5,400m
o Extreme altitude above 5,400m (Uhuru peak is 5,895m)
During the trek it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the extremities (toes, fingers) and a mild swell of ankles and fingers.
These mild forms are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours.
C. PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT 
The following first aid materials are important: -
o Painkillers (Aspirin/Tylenol)
o Antihistamines
o Blister treatment
o Imodium or other antidiarrhoeal tablets
o Plaster/Band aids
o Antiseptic wipes
o Dressings, especially pressure relief for blisters
o Talcum powder
o Malaria tablets
o Sun block for skin and lips
o Antacids
o Cold cure sachets
o Oral rehydration salts/sachets
o Insect repellent
o Sanitary towels
o Etc.
D. OTHER HEALTH TIPS
All contact lens wearers should take care to remove the lenses at night, as the eye needs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. The rarefied conditions of altitude reduce oxygen levels and in extreme cases a Corneal Oedema can develop.
E. EMERGENCY EVACUATION
In the event of an emergency on the mountain the rescue team plus one of the assistant guides will descend with the casualty to the park gate. At the gate the casualty will be transported, cared for and the necessary arrangements will be made for medical treatment if needed.
F. PHOTOGRAPHY
Cameras whether Video or film, need to be protected against the severe cold weather either in warm pouch or the interior pockets of your clothing. Do not keep in your backpack at higher elevations. A selection of lenses will aid the final results although weight and bulk will obviously influence your selection. A polarized or neutral density filter is recommended, as is slide film rather than print. Bring your own film as it can be hard to find and expensive in Tanzania.
For digital equipment, check with the manufacturer's specifications for temperature range (especially battery life), water tightness and general hardiness.
MT. KILIMANJARO - GLACIOLOGY
Glaciers and Glaciology 
Glacial recession is clearly visible on the two pictures of the southern ice fields that were taken from near the Barranco Hut, the first in 1984, the second in 1998. The most evident changes have occurred on the Heim Glacier. In 1984 this is seen to have a "dog leg" in it; it reached down lower than any of the other glaciers in this, the central part of main southern ice fields. In 1998 it is seen its upper reaches to have a much bigger gap separating it from its neighbouring glacier to the right. The bottom section, below the original dogleg, is totally missing and represents a loss of ice extending about 300m vertically. More recent photographs show a further reduction in the glaciated area.
At one stage most of the summit of Kilimanjaro was covered by an ice cap, probably more than 100 meters deep. Glaciers extended well down the mountain forming moraine ridges, clearly visible now on the southern flanks down to about 4000m. At present only a small fraction of the glacial cover remains.
The remnants of the ice cap can be seen as the spectacular ice cliffs of the Northern and Eastern Ice fields, and the longest glaciers are found on the precipitous southern and south-western flanks. If the present rate of glacial recession continues the majority of the glaciers on Kilimanjaro could vanish altogether in the next 50 years.
A recent study carried out on the snows of Xixibangma and Kilimanjaro has reinforced observations. It is now estimated that Kilimanjaro has lost 85% of its ice cover (by mass) since 1912.
Packing List for Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru
Clothing:
Fleece jacket
Waterproof, breathable jacket
Waterproof, breathable pants
Shorts (for first and last day only)
T-shirts (for first and last day only)
Down jacket
Thermal underwear (recommend expedition weight, especially for summit)
Balaclava (to cover face at night & on summit attempt)
Gloves / Mittens
Sunglasses (Alpine glasses will be needed for summit)
Wool socks
Socks (liners or for sleeping)
Hiking boots (waterproof, ankle height)
Light shoes or sandals for camp
Cap/hat for sun protection and warmth
Towel / wash cloth
Underwear
Equipment:
Sleeping bag (rated 15 degree or warmer)
Backpack or duffel bag (Ideally waterproof. Bags okay as many porters carry them on their heads anyway)
Daypack (large enough to hold shells, lunch, water and snacks)
Water bottles (insulated so it won't freeze on summit and enough to carry 3 litres)
Trekking poles (especially for going downhill)
Headlamp and batteries (2 new sets of batteries. They die fast in the cold)
Other:
Digital camera
Video Camera
Spare Batteries
Spare Memory Cards
About Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is 128km from Arusha town, which covers an area of 755sq km. (about 470sq miles), and Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania. Rising in absolute isolation, at 5895 meters (19,339 feet), Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and one of the most accessible high summits to climbers. No climbing experience, ropes, special climbing equipment or training is required. All that is required is proper clothing and determination to succeed.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year but the best is considered to be from August-October and January to March. It is wet in the rainforest during the rains in April, May, June and November. December through to February are the warmest months.
Due to the fact that mountain stands alone, rather than as part of a range, the climactic zones that you pass through on your climb contain unique and isolated species of plants and animals that have evolved in isolation and occur nowhere else, providing a truly 
unique experience and opportunity to observe and photograph them.
At 5895 Meters, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest, as well as the youngest, of the three volcanic peaks of East Africa,
The oldest lava may be only some 1 Million years old, and small-scale activities on the Kibo peak have probably taken place within the last couple of hundred years. Kilimanjaro is a “Central Vent” type of Volcano, which gives it an oval shape in plain view.
The dimension of its base are about 80 x 48 km., elongated in the East – South – East direction. The older rock of its three main peaks are broadly similar, being mainly trach basalt, dark grey rocks containing lighter coloured feldspar crystals. The younger rock of Kibo is, however, of a different composition, and includes nephelirites and nepheline – synites which contain glassy crystals of nepheline.
Of the four peaks, Shira to the west at 4006m is the lowest as well as the oldest of them. Its original crater has undergone considerable erosion, leaving only part of the former rim. Mawenzi to the east rises 5149m and has a steep craggy profile, due in part to intensive action of glacial ice. Kibo, the central peak is the youngest and best preserved of the three. Its crater area has a complex structure consisting of a number of more or less concentric features. There is an outer caldera not larger than 2.5km in diameter, resulting from an eruption followed by the collapse inwards of part of the summit. The highest point, Uhuru peak is on the southern rim of Kibo Caldera. Within the caldera is an inner cone some 820m cross, which also contains another cone and crater called the Reusch Crater, some 340m in diameter.
Kilimanjaro Climb
make your way up through the forested terrain, with luck, you may see
Columbus monkeys. Your first day’s camp is at an altitude of 10,000 feet. You will be awakened at approximately 6:00 AM with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. As you leave camp, weather permitting, you will be greeted by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak. With abundant bird life all around you, trek out of the forest today and up into the Hagenia zone, through a savanna of tall grasses and bearded heather, ghostly landscapes of volcanic lava, caves and foamy streams framed by giant groundsels. Today’s hike will be about six hours in length. Your final destination is the Shira Plateau, where you camp at 12,500 feet.
Day 3: Shira Camp.
A view of the entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning. Today’s route takes you steadily upward to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 feet) and then descends toward Barranco Camp through the immense canyon called Grand Barranco where groundsels are once again encountered. Here there are numerous small waterfalls, which are fed by streams from the mountain to form a river. The hike today is again about six hours long and your camp is at an elevation of 13,000 feet.
Day 4: Barranco Camp.
You will have a bit of real trekking today as you travel along the Barranco Cliff; however, this will be a light day (about four hours of trekking) with no increase in elevation to allow you time to rest and adjust to the increasingly higher altitudes.
Day 5: Karranga Camp.
Another short trek and day of acclimatization as you near the mountain’s peak. Today’s hike of four to five hours to Barafu Camp (15,200 feet) will be mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi Peak towering majestically to the right and Kibo Peak overhead, seemingly just out of reach. You will be encouraged to turn in early this evening as tomorrow will be your longest day.
Day 6: Barafu Camp.
Your day begins when you are awakened at midnight
to start the final ascent. You will make your way up a winding path
flanked by Ratzel and Rebman glaciers. After about six hours of
hiking, you will reach Gilman’s Point, at 18,630 feet on the rim of
Kilimanjaro crater. Watch the sunrise and then, if you wish,
continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet); the air is
purified and the climb takes at least two hours. You then begin the
descent to 10,200 feet and your last campsite on the mountain. Total
trekking time today will be about thirteen hours.
Day 7: Mweka Camp.
Continue your descent to the base of the mountain where you arrive, exhausted but exhilarated, to meet your Drive to Arusha,
Price per person $1350 USD
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Kilimanjaro Climb - Umbwe Route 6 Days
The Umbwe route is one of the shortest but steepest routes to the Southern Glaciers, affording one views of the forests, valleys, magnificent vegetation and glaciers. However, climbers must be pre-acclimatized prior to attempting this route (especially if one opts to summit via Western Breach) as you gain altitude very quickly over a shorter distance. Alternatively, you could summit via Barafu.
Group Size: 2 -16
Activities:
- Non-technical Climbing
- Sigh Seeing
Accomodation:
Mountain tents, 5 nights;
Umbwe Route Features:
- The hardest and most direct route especially when coupled with the Breach Wall to the summit
- Least popular route on the summit; totally of the beaten trail
- Beautiful scenery of the landscape and surrounding area
- Accent route only
- Joins the Machame Route at Barranco Camp
- Summiting options include via Western Breach Wall and Barafu Camp
Animal life: Below 4,000m: Blue monkeys, Colobus monkeys (pictured below), Baboons, Antelopes, Mongoose, Civets, Elands, Elephants and Buffalo, Wild-Dogs, Leopards, and even Lions on the Shira Plateau. Birdlife: Buzzards and Eagles
Best time to visit:
Late June to October and late December to early March
Itinerary via Barafu:
Day 1:
Umbwe Gate - Umbwe Cave Camp
Ascent: 1,640 meters to 2,939 meters
Distance: 11.8 km
Day 2:
Umbwe Cave Camp - Barranco Camp
Ascent: 2,939 meters to 3,972 meters
Distance: 7 km
Day 3:
Barranco Camp - Karanga Valley
Ascent: 3,972 meters to 4,002 meters
Distance: 5 km
Day 4:
Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp
Ascent: 4,002 meters to 4,660 meters
Distance: 5 km
Day 5:
Barafu Camp - UHURU PEAK - Mweka Camp
Ascent/Descent: 4,660 meters to 5,895 meters then to 3,100 m
Distance: 20 km
Day 6:
Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate
Descent: 3,100 meters to 1,660 meters
Distance: 10 km
Price per person $1350 USD
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Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route 7 Days
Arrival – Kilimanjaro international airport. Pick up at Kilimanjaro international airport to one of the hotel in Arusha - Distance: 50 km
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Hut (9,300’).
Drive to Machame gate (5,400’) where trekking formalities take about 30 minutes. From the gate, we begin our trek following an easy track for the first hour through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with several steep sections. The gradient eases slightly as the forest merges into heather covered ground we will reach Machame Hut in 10 km (6.2 miles) after a 1,200-meter (3,936’) ascent and 5-7 hours of walking.
- Hike time: 7.5 hours
- Elevation change: +1200 meters
- Estimated distance: 10 km
- Final elevation: 3100 meters.
Day 2: Machame Hut to Shira Hut (12,300’).
From the Machame Hut we cross the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge crises-crossing a few times before reaching Shira Hut at the base of a semi-circular wall of rocks. We will have ascended 900 meters (3,000’) in 5-7 hours and about 6 km (3.72 miles) of walking.
- Hike time: 7 hours
- Elevation change: +800 meters
- Estimated distance: 6km
- Final elevation: 3800 meters.
Day 3: Shira Hut to Barranco Hut (12,800’).
From Shira Hut hike to Lava Tower (15,000’) and then proceed to Barranco via the Great Barranco Wall. This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through Karanga Valley as we hike high and sleep low, dropping back down to Barranco after lunch. Today’s hike will take most of the day Barranco campsite located on elevation of 3950 m.
- Hike time: 5 hrs
- Elevation change: +100 meters
- Final elevation: 3900 meters.
Day 4: Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley (14,800’).
From Barranco Hut we climb up through the edge of great Barranco 95 percentage of that day walking will be on elevation of 4250 m. We will break our day at Karanga valley campsite at elevation of 4,000m walking time is 4 to 5 hours on this day.
- Hike time: 3.5 hours
- Elevation change: +100 m
- Estimated distance: 4 km
- Maximum elevation: 4590 m
- Final elevation: 4000 m.
Day 5: Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut (4,600 m).
Today involves gaining a little more elevation, acclimatizing and resting for the summit attempt the next morning. This day will take us 4 to 6 hrs of walking.
- Hike time: 3.5 hours
- Elevation change: +600 m
- Estimated distance: 4 km
- Final elevation: 4600 m.
Day 6: High Camp to the Summit and then Rau Camp (10,500’). Summit day!
We will start trekking early before sunrise (1:00-2:00 am) as the walk today will take 10-14 + hours. We will avoid the mist that sets in later in the day; the scree and snow will still be safely frozen. The 1,100-meter (3,600’) ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take us about 6-8 hours. After a brief stay at the summit of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, at over 5,898 meters (19,340'), we descend via the Barafu Route roughly 2,500 meters (8,200’) in 12 km (7.44 miles) in about 4-7 hours to Mweka Camp.
- Summit time: 7 hours
- Elevation change: +1300 m
- Estimated distance: 5 km
- Final elevation: 5895 m
- Descent time: 5 hours
- Elevation change: -2800M
- Estimated distance: 12km
- Final elevation: 3100 m.
Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate (6,000’).
Today we descend about 1400 meters (4,592’) through the forest on a jungle path for about 10 km (6.2 miles) in 3-4 hours to reach Mweka Gate. Our driver will transfer you back to Arumeru river lodge. Stay overnight on bed and breakfast basis.
- Descent time: 4 hrs
- Elevation change: -1250 m
- Estimated distance: 10km
- Final elevation: 1828 M.
Price per person $1400 USD
Kilimanjaro Climb - Marangu Route 6 Days
Day 1: Marangu gate to Mandara Hut.
1700 m to 2740 m, 5500 ft to 9000 ft, 7 km, 4-5 hours, Montane Forest. After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment located at 9000 ft/2740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colombus monkeys.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Camp.
2700 m to 3700 m, 9000 ft to 12,100 ft, 11 km, 6-8 hours, Heathland. After about 1 hour, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You will start to feel the affects of the altitude. If you wish to extend you trek, here you can spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Day 3: Horombo Camp to Kibo Camp.
3700 m to 4700 m, 12,100 ft to 15,400 ft, 10 km, 6-8 hours, Alpine Desert. Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into "moonscape". Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb. 
Day 4: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo.
4700 m to 5895 m (and down to 3700 m), 15,400 ft to 19,300 ft (and down to 12,100 ft), 4 km up/14 km down, 10-15 hours, Alpine Desert. Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 a.m.), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's point located on the crater rim at 18640 ft/5861 m (4-7 hours).
Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa: 19340 ft/5895 m (1-2 hours). Unbelievable views at every turn. Get your picture taken at the summit to show your friends. From here, we now descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment for dinner and a tired but happy overnight (1-2 hours).
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. "Pole pole" (Swahili for "slow slow" or take it easy) An optimistic attitude will get you there!
Day 5: Horombo to Mandara Hut.
After breakfast, climb down with packed lunch or break for lunch to Mandara Hut, dinner and overnight Mandara.
Day 6: Mandara Camp to Arusha. 3700 m to 1700 m, 12,100 ft to 5500 ft, 18 km, 5-7 hours. After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700 m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m).
At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to the Hotel in Arusha Don't forget to tip your guides and porters.
It is time for celebration and a feeling of accomplishment that may be unsurpassed in your lifetime.
Price per person $1250 USD
Mount Meru
Mount Meru is one of Africa's most beautiful volcanoes, and it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park. This prime location gives climbers the opportunity to spot some of the birds and wildlife that inhabit the
area. The ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater.
Mount Meru Trek (3 nights/4 days)
Day 1- Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (2514m)
The trek follows the trails, often well-used game routes, through the forest towards the crater floor, and then climbs steeply up to Miriakamba Hut. Buffalo may be seen just after Momella gate on the wide, open plain. Further on there is an impressive Fig Tree Arch, streams and waterfalls. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2- Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3570m)
Trek continues up to Elephant Ridge where lunch is taken and there are spectacular views down into the crater and up to the main cliffs below the summit. From Saddle Hut the peak of Little Meru can reached in approximately an hour and offers impressive and imposing views of the summit and the sheer cliffs of the crater’s inner walls. Overnight at Saddle Hut.
Day 3- Saddle Hut – Meru Summit (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514m)
Depart Saddle Hut around midnight to reach the summit for sunrise over Kilimanjaro. This exhilarating trek follows the narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall. Descend to Miriakamba Hut for overnight. (Possible excursion to Rhino Point at guide and groups discretion).
Day 4- Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate
Trek down to the crater floor and then on to Momella gate where your transport will be waiting.
Price per person $600 USD
