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We specialize in longer, higher probability
Kilimanjaro expeditions. At Black Mamba, we
feel that your climbing success and enjoyment are
greatly enhanced by taking one of Kilimanjaro's
longer routes, such as the Machame or Lemosho
route. These routes are not quick
hikes: 6 to 8 days on the mountain is a
challenge, especially since these routes require
camping the whole way up. However, when you
stand triumphantly at the summit, with the whole
continent beneath your feet, you will feel a sense
of accomplishment that nothing else can compare
with.
Since our porters will carry your packs, food
and tents, you are free to enjoy each vigorous
day's climb with just a daypack filled with some
water and a camera. Most days on the
mountain, we will arrive at camp at around
lunchtime. After a nice warm lunch, you are
free to relax and enjoy the scenery, although our
climbmaster may urge you to join him on an
acclimitization hike to about 200 - 250 meters (600
- 800 feet) higher than camp. Acclimatization
will help you reach your goal--Uhuru peak, the
highest point in Africa.
Whereas there are many approaches to summit
massif, there are only 3 main routes to the Uhuru
peak. Kibo hut to Gillman's Point, Stella
Point and the summit is the most highly trafficked
route. Therefore, we prefer to take either
the Barafu route to Stella Point, or the Western
Breach from Arrow Glacier Hut.
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Lemosho Route - 8
Days
This route, favored by American expedition
companies, is the most gradual climb up the
mountain and therefore has, arguably, the highest
chances of success.
Starting on the far Western edges of the Shira
ridge, we climb up through the Lemosho rainforest,
overnight and then cross over the ridge and onto
the Shira plateau. We spend two days crossing
the plateau before reaching Lava Tower Hut.
From Lava Tower (4600m), we climb to Arrow Glacier
Hut and then up through the great Western
Breach.
We will spend the night in Kibo crater, wake up
at dawn, have a hot breakfast, and then summit
around 8 to 9am.
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Machame Route - 7
Days
This popular route begins on the Southern ridge
of the mountain, climbing through the rainforests
to the Machame Hut. We proceed up to Lava
Tower Hut (4600m) before either crossing the Great
Barranco Valley to Barafu Hut, or ascending to
Arrow Glacier Hut and summitting via the Western
Breach.
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Extended Mweka Route - 8 to 9 Days
This difficult route gives you some of the most
spectacular views of the mountain. We will
start at the Mweka gate, climbing up through the
rainforest to Mweka Hut. Following along the
route to Barafu, we divert at "The Crossroads" into
the Great Barranco. This breathtaking valley
includes unique vegetation not seen anywhere else
on the mountain.
We proceed to Lava Tower Hut and then follow the
Western Breach route into the crater and the
summit.
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Marangu Route - 7
Days
The fastest and most direct route up the
mountain. This makes it a very popular route, and
also the least expensive way to reach the
summit.
However, the route is quite crowded, chances of
success are low (less than 50%), and it offers you
the least impressive views of the mountain.
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