Our Kilimanjaro Local Climb Group trips are led by one of our very experienced Tanzanian Head Guides - who live and breath Kilimanjaro - and will have been to the summit well over 100 times. The local team provide full support on the mountain - and is made up of 30 or so in total - with other Head Guides & assistant Guides - a Cook - Camp Crew - Luggage Porters - and the important Water Team.
The full support means that you only have to carry your small 'day pack' (with items for that days' trekking) - and the porters will carry your main bag on to the next camp , and our private area where your tent will be already pitched and waiting for you.
Meals (all hot & varied & all dietary requirements!) are in the 'mess tents' - which in the evening are the hub of camp life, and where the Head Guides will do a daily de-brief and set out the next days' agenda. It's generally early to bed - as it's always an early start the following morning.
The walking pace on Kili is 'slow' - that's how you give your body the best chance of acclimatising (along with plenty of water - food - sleep) - and on the pre summit days the groups get into camp late afternoon - any can enjoy afternoon tea & snacks before unpacking bags and preparing for the evening with extra clothing - as temperatures drop fast after sunset (~6.30 pm).
The Kilimanjaro trek culminates with 'summit night' - and this is where it toughens up - and there will be plenty of support from the crew. It's a midnight departure - a 6 hour climb with the head torches on - and eventually sunrise as we head towards the crater rim. From there its still up to an hour or so to the famous Kilimanjaro sign at the summit - and that magical photo and celebration on the Roof of Africa
Our Local Climb Groups have a intimate feel about them - with group sizes of 8-12 - and you'll get to know the local crew really well. These groups are ideal for thoes who may have had some experience of trekking at altitude - and confident in their own ability.