Kilimanjaro Slideshow - Trek to the Roof of Africa

Climb Kilimanjaro with my fair treatment porters and guides. Trek to the Roof of Africa for the adventure of a lifetime, Accessible for most everyone. This trek is an excellent way to determine your fitness for the Seven Summits in a quite safe and enjoyable trek with most services included. For your information packet register at http://sevensummitsquest.com/blog/KilimanjaroGuide

Carstensz Pyramid Helicopter vs Trekking Advantages

Advantages to using the Helicopter to Climb Carstensz Pyramid

Carstensz Pyramid by Helicopter. The fastest easiest way logistically to climb Puncak Jaya

No trek through the jungle

This allows you to avoid roadblocks and other types of slowdowns on the trail. This helps preserve your health and fitness without days of slogging in the wet and muddy trail. This increases the chances of making your flight out on time. This helps you avoid some evacuation issues in case of emergency - a helicopter is coming for your return in just a few days. You also don't need to bring a lot of rain and mud gear.

Reduced time for your trip

This allows you to climb Carstensz Pyramid in only a little over a week. With proper flight planning you can use up two weekends around a week and still make it to work on Monday or Tuesday. It's the easiest way to schedule in this amazing climb.

Disadvantages

Carstensz Summit of Puncak Jaya

You miss the trek through the jungle

I enjoyed mine. I've never seen such amazing scenery up close and personal. It was a wonderful experience and I'm glad I took it, in spite of the mud and non-stop rain.

You don't get to acclimatize

Trekking to basecamp at 14,000' helps you to acclimatize. If you're not in good physical condition you might consider the trek will either build you up or wear you down. You have to know for yourself. You will have a couple of acclimatization days at basecamp, but some need more time.

It's expensive

It easily almost doubles the price of Carstensz. Flying a helicopter in this wild rugged remote section of the world is risky for the pilot and owner, so it's expensive.

Making the choice

If you want some help in making the right choice, fill out this form HERE and I'll call you and we can talk about it. I can help you make the choice that fits your needs.

Coming Soon

Right now there is a helicopter Carstensz Climb scheduled for November 10th and the price is low enough I can't post it here. Fill out THIS FORM and I can call you and let's talk about it. It needs to be booked before October 1 to ensure your spot in the group. It will fill up fast at this price.

Lake Basecamp at Carstensz Pyramid

Carstensz Expedition - Filling a Group

Tagalong Expedition

For a "Tagalong" expedition you will join with another group already booked through another operator or broker. There is usually no way to know the makeup of the group ahead of time, but I can ask for information and sometimes get it. If the Seven Summits Messner List is your objective, you'll make it work. These expeditions are also typically available on short notice. There will also most likely not be an American Guide Representative with the group, if that's important to you.

Trekking with Porters in the forest of Indonesia for Carstensz Pyramid

This is generally the least expensive way to climb Carstensz.

Tagalong Trekkiing Price Right Now $16,500.00 (USD)

Tagalong Helicopter Price Right Now $26,500 (USD)

Tagalong Expedition Availability

Trekking: 13 September 2015. $500 reservation fee due to reserve your trip. $3,000 (USD) deposit must be received by 23 August 2015. Full payment balance ($10,000) must be received by 3 September. You must arrive in Bali (DPS) no later than 8 PM on 13 September. This is an 18 day itinerary.

Trekking: 14 October 2015. $500 reservation fee due to reserve your trip. $3,000 (USD) deposit must be received by 23 September 2015. Full payment balance ($10,000) must be received by 4 October. You must arrive in Bali (DPS) no later than 8 PM on 14 October. This is an 18 day itinerary.

Trekking: 8 November 2015. $500 reservation fee due to reserve your trip. $3,000 (USD) deposit must be received by 18 October 2015. Full payment balance ($10,000) must be received by 28 October. You must arrive in Bali (DPS) no later than 8 PM on 8 November. This is an 18 day itinerary.

Helicopter: 10 November 2015. $500 reservation fee due to reserve your trip. $3,000 (USD) deposit must be received by 20 October 2015. Full payment balance ($16,000) must be received by 31 October. You must arrive in Bali (DPS) no later than 8 PM on 10 November. This is an 8 day itinerary.

* Initial reservation fee of $500 payable by C/C or PayPal locks in your participation, is non-refundable, and is included in the total trip fee. $3000 deposit prior to visa application is payable by C/C or PayPal or Cashier's Check 3 weeks previous to your departure to climb Carstensz Pyramid. Once your Visa application is sent, this is non-refundable, but can be applied to another expedition. Remaining balance can be paid via Cashier's Check, ACH or by other arrangements as needed and is due 10 days previous to your departure date. This can be applied to other trips with prior discussion.

Itineraries CLICK HERE

Carstensz Trekking River Crossing on Log Bridge

Tagalong Expedition Cancellations

The Tagalong Trips are beyond my control so cancellation because the group isn't filled is a possibility, though every effort will be made to fill up the remaining spaces. If you have a group of 2 or 3 it will help to get the Tagalong Expeditions filled, and most of these are only 1 or 2 climbers short of a full group. Aside from the Helicopter trips, there is is generally no upper limit on group sizes, so it's a great way to get a discount Carstensz expedition for you and your friends.

Why is a Carstensz Tagalong Expedition Priced So Low?

These are expeditions that are already nearly full and just need a few more individuals to sign up so they can get the best prices with the least risk of there not being enough climbers. You benefit from joining a group that is more likely to be filled.

What if the group doesn't fill?

We'll know before your Visa Application and the $3000 USD is due, and we can apply your $500 deposit to another of our Carstensz Expeditions.

Please fill out this booking request form and we can discuss options by phone and email.

Booking Info Request Form

4 Day Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari

Deluxe Safari 4 Day Itinerary

Your climb of Kilimanjaro should be celebrated with a deluxe safari in the wilds of Africa, where you’ll embrace nature up close and personal under the protection of your skilled guides. There is nothing like a safari in the preserves, parks, and wilderness areas in the vicinity of Kilimanjaro.

Upcoming Trips, Expeditions, Trekking and Safari

CLICK HERE for current expedition calendars

CLICK HERE to request more information

An African safari is also an excellent way to share your adventure with a non-climbing family or friend who can meet you in Arusha when you arrive from Mweka Gate after your climb.

Typical quarters on your African Ngorongoro Serengeti Safari for the adventure of a lifetime

The Serengeti (/ˌsɛrənˈɡɛti/) ecosystem is a geographical region in Africa. It is located in northern Tanzania and extends to south-western Kenya between 1 and 3 degrees south latitudes and between 34 and 36 degrees east longitudes. It spans approximately 30,000 km2 (12,000 sq mi). The Kenyan part of the Serengeti is known as Maasai Mara.Serengeti is derived from the Maasai language, Maa; specifically, “Serengit” meaning “Endless Plains”.

The Serengeti hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, which helps secure it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world. The Serengeti is also renowned for its large lion population and is one of the best places to observe prides in their natural environment. The region contains the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and several game reserves.

Approximately 70 larger mammal and 500 bird species are found there. This high diversity is a function of diverse habitats, including riverine forests, swamps, kopjes, grasslands, and woodlands. Blue wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos are some of the commonly found large mammals in the region. — Wiki

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4 Days Ngorongoro and Serengeti Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Ngorongoro
Your Safari starts with a drive from Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After arrival you will decent into the crater for a wonderful game drive (with a picnic lunch) inside the Ngorongoro Crater. As very few animals migrate in and out of the crater with its 2000 ft. high walls, you can expect to see lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, jackals, rhinos, antelopes, many birds and other species. Your Driver/Guide will be in contact with other safari drivers and will amaze you with his skill at locating the hidden animals.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or Ngorongoro Farmhouse

Day 2: Ngorongoro – Serengeti
After breakfast you start on your way to Serengeti National Park. After stopping for your picnic lunch on a kopje (rock outcropping) in Serengeti you will continue further into the park and go on a game drive.

Overnight at Mapito Tented Camp at Ikoma, North Central Serengeti.

Day 3: Serengeti
Early morning game drive to see also nocturnal animals returning from hunting and lions awaking in the dawn A full day of game drives around Serengeti. Depending on the time of year and the migration of the herds you can expect to see wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes and many birds and other species.

Overnight at Mapito Tented Camp at Ikoma, North Central Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti – Arusha
After breakfast you proceed to Naabi Hill Gate with game viewing en route and return to Arusha (drive of 6- 8 hours**). Reach to Arusha late afternoon.

** If you wish to fly there is a supplement of $200.00 USD per person. The flight leaves at 11:00 from Seronera Airstrip so that there is time for game viewing in the morning on your way to Seronera Airstrip.

The itinerary above includes 1 night hotel in Arusha previous to safari, and 1 night after your safari.

Enjoy African Safari viewing wildlife up close in your NgoroNgoro and Serengeti Safari

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The main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 610 metres (2,000 feet) deep and its floor covers 260 square kilometres (100 square miles). Estimates of the height of the original volcano range from 4,500 to 5,800 metres (14,800 to 19,000 feet) high. The elevation of the crater floor is 1,800 metres (5,900 feet) above sea level.

Approximately 25,000 large animals, mostly ungulates, live in the crater. Large animals in the crater include the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), the local population of which declined from about 108 in 1964-66 to between 11-14 in 1995, the African buffalo or Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). There also are many other ungulates: the wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) (7,000 estimated in 1994), Burchell’s zebra (Equus burchelli) (4,000), the common eland (Taurotragus oryx), and Grant’s (Nanger granti) and Thomson’s gazelles (Eudorcas thomsonii) (3,000). Waterbucks (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) occur mainly near Lerai Forest.– Wiki

Combine with our 7 Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trekking for a discounted rate.

4 Day African Safari Cost and Deposit

• $2000.00 USD
• $300.00 USD due upon reservation to secure your spot
• $1700.00 USD due 30 days previous to arrival in Tanzania

• 

  Kilimanjaro Safari 4 Day Deposit

  $300.00Add to cart

Any combination of 2 through 5 Kilimanjaro packages = 7% discount
Any combination of 6 or more Kilimanjaro packages = 10% discount
I will contact you after your deposit with invoicing information

Kilimanjaro Trekking 7 Days Machame Route

Machame Trekking 7 Day Itinerary

You will enjoy the more comfortable and easier to acclimatize 7 day trekking on the Machame Route of Kilimanjaro. This is the route itinerary I did in 2009, reaching the summit on January 1, 2010.

Upcoming Trips, Expeditions, Trekking and Safari

CLICK HERE for current expedition calendars

CLICK HERE to request more information

Kiilimanjaro near the summit of the Roof of Africa, one of the best to be your first Seven Summits

Day One: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters, 3,935 feet
Distance: 10 kilometers

At 9am, leave Arusha for Machame Gate, where you will meet the porters, guides, and cooks that will spend the next seven days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The drive through coffee farms and villages to Machame Gate takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, wait at the gate while your head guide registers your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations.

Your destination is Machame Camp. Each day, porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival. On the first day, hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin at the end of the hike and vegetation will change to include heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, view the surrounding area and your ultimate destination, Kibo Peak.

Day Two: Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 840 meters, 2,760 feet
Distance: 7 kilometers

Although considered to be the easiest day on the Machame Route, today’s trek includes several uphill sections. Carry plenty of drinking water, as the exposed hike can be hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which you can see the plains and forests below and Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above.

As you gain altitude, notice the change in vegetation. The trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s famous high altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjari and Lobelia deckenii. After eating lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Camp, where you will relax for the rest of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east.

Day Three: Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Total Elevation Gain: 690 meters, 2,264 feet
Distance: 10 kilometers

Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization.

After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.

Barranco Camp, set among stands of Senecio kilimanjari, is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route.

Day Four: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
Distance: 7 Kilometers

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you will have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley. We generally camp on the ridge above the valley to allow for greater acclimatization.

Day Five: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet
Distance: 6 kilometers

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep as soon as you finish dinner as you will awake before midnight for your summit hike.

Day Six: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
Distance: 18 kilometers

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your headlamp. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.

The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.

At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Day Seven: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet
Distance: 10 kilometers

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

Machame 7 Day Pricing

As of August 23, 2015

• $2770.00 USD Complete as stated, note exceptions below.
• $300.00 USD Deposit due upon reservation application
• $2470.00 USD Balance due 30 days previous to arrival in Tanzania

Expedition includes 1 night hotel previous to your itinerary, and 1 night hotel after your itinerary.

Any combination of 2 through 5 Kilimanjaro packages = 7% discount
Any combination of 6 or more Kilimanjaro packages = 10% discount
I will contact you after your deposit with invoicing information

In a hurry? Kilimanjaro 6 Day Machame Trekking Option HERE

Deposit Now to Reserve Your Spot

• 

  Kilimanjaro 7 Day Machame Route Trekking Only Deposit

  $300.00Add to cart

Exceptions

• Alcohol
• Rescue and medical fees
• Souvenirs, gifts, additional purchases
• Tips, gratuities
• Additional meals, snacks etc.
• Expenses arising from itinerary exceptions or departures from itinerary
• Trip insurance, additional expenses

Carstensz Expedition Helicopter Itinerary

Immediate Availability for a Helicopter Assisted Carstensz Pyramid Expedition November 10th. 

This is the shortest way to climb Carstensz and avoid the trek through Equatorial jungle. The cost for this upcoming expedition is actually less right now than if you were to book a regular trek through one of the larger expedition outfitters. You'd be amazed. Please contact me through the form ON THIS PAGE and I'll personally call you at your convenience to assist you in making the decision.

Go-Jek, motorcycle taxi outside Sugapa Village as we leave for our Carstensz Pyramid climb and expedition trekking

Expedition by Helicopter/Private Helicopter

Day 1: Arrival in Denpasar Bali
Day 2: Fly from Bali to Timika
Day 3: Fly from Timika to Basecamp
Day 4: Acclimatization at Basecamp
Day 5: Summit Day
Day 6: Fly to Timika
Day 7: Fly to Bali
Day 8: Depart Bali

See Trekking Itinerary above for more details.

Included in trekking expedition cost:

• All required permits in Indonesia, Jakarta and Papua 
• Airport transfers in Jakarta/Bali and Timika or Nabire 
• Accommodation based on twin share in Bali, Timika, Nabire and camping 
• Domestic flights (between Bali,Jakarta, Timika, Nabire as per itinerary) 
• Chartered flight (between Timika, Ilaga, Nabire, Sugapa as per itinerary) 
• Meals as per itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) 
• Camping, dining, and cooking equipment (incl. cutlery) 
• Camping gear (shared tent, kitchen equipment, dining tent,serving table, chairs) 
• Experienced mountain guide, cook & field assistant 
• Satellite Phone for guide’s group daily report and some emergencies 
• Fixed rope maintenance on Carstensz Pyramid wall 
• Porters up to 17kgs per client (that’s 37 lbs, pack as per instructions) 
• Basically most expenses Bali to Bali 
• Helicopter from Timika to Basecamp 
• Helicopter from Basecamp to Timika

Not Included in trekking expedition cost:

• Airfare to Bali and return to your home location 
• Insurance 
• Overweight on all flights 
• Airport tax (about USD $20, but must be paid in Rupiah) 
• Personal climbing and camping equipment 
• Extra food and beverages (outside provided meals) 
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone call, hotel minibar, SIM cards, etc) 
• Evacuation or rescue cost 
• Any additional expenses due to flight delay or cancellations 
• Additional days in Bali waiting for flights home, etc. 
• Indonesia Re-entry Visa USD $25/person – Visa Upon Arrival

Immediate Availability for Upcoming Trips:

Click to Book a Carstensz Pyramid Expedition Now

Descending in sleet after a successful climb of Carstensz Pyramid in 2013. Is it your turn?

Carstensz Pyramid Trekking Itinerary

18 Days Trekking Via Sugapa Village

Day 1: I recommend you arrive in Bali on an early flight to make best use of the day. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner. If you follow my instructions you won’t have to rearrange your gear to leave your flight bag. You should try to catch a nap.
Day 2: 11.00 PM check out. Yes, that’s 11 PM. We’ll be flying to Timika on the West Papua island at 12:15 AM. At 7:00 AM you’ll arrive in Timika. You’ll enjoy a breakfast, have a 2nd gear check, since Timika is the last place you can purchase some items that you might have misplaced or forgotten.
Day 3: You’ll take off in a small charter flight from Timika to the Sugapa-Bilogai airstrip. You’ll be taken to a local official’s hut where we’ll hire porters and distribute all of our gear. You’ll travel here by Go-Jek, the Indonesian motorcycle taxi. Hang on tight for the trip from Sugapa to the Muara river, where we’ll continue on foot to Suanggama, the last village we’ll be staying in.
Day 4: Trekking from Suanggama to Camp I
Day 5: Trekking from Camp I to Camp II (Enda Tsiga)
Day 6: Trekking from Camp II to Camp III (Ebay) [pronounced E-bai]
Day 7: Trekking from Camp III to Camp IV (Nasidome)
Day 8: Trekking to Carstensz Base Camp along the lakeshore.
Day 9: We’ll take off in the dark for our climb of Carstensz Pyramid, Puncak Jaya, the highest point of the Oceania continental group. We’ll spend the night again at basecamp.
Day10: Basecamp – Nasidome camp
Day11: Nasidome – Enda Tsiga [passing Ebay – making good time downhill with lighter loads]
Day12: Enda Tsiga – Camp I Riverside
Day13: Camp I Riverside – Sugapa
Day14: Fly out to NABIRE in small planes
Day15: fly to Bali via Kaimana-Ambon-Makassar or Jayapura (route depends on available flight and day returning). Some flexibility is required because we’re not exactly certain how long travel will actually be in these remote and primitive conditions. Hence the reserved days, below.
Day 16-18: Reserved days for bad weather, flight delay, etc. It’s an excellent idea to get a flight out on the 19th day, and have a relative or friend who can make a change for you and add a couple days if they do not get a confirmation message from you upon your arrival in Nabire or Bali. Bali is a beautiful place to spend a few days relaxing, with excellent scuba diving and water sports.

Me with one of our guides for Carstensz Pyramid Trek Expedition in 2013

Included in trekking expedition cost:

• All required permits in Indonesia, Jakarta and Papua
• Airport transfers in Jakarta/Bali and Timika or Nabire
• Accommodation based on twin share in Bali, Timika, Nabire and camping
• Domestic flights (between Bali,Jakarta, Timika, Nabire as per itinerary)
• Chartered flight (between Timika, Ilaga, Nabire, Sugapa as per itinerary)
• Meals as per itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
• Camping, dining, and cooking equipment (incl. cutlery)
• Camping gear (shared tent, kitchen equipment, dining tent,serving table, chairs)
• Experienced mountain guide, cook & field assistant
• Satellite Phone for guide’s group daily report and some emergencies
• Fixed rope maintenance on Carstensz Pyramid wall
• Porters up to 17kgs per client (that’s 37 lbs, pack as per instructions)
• Basically most expenses Bali to Bali

Not Included in trekking expedition cost:

• Airfare to Bali and return to your home location
• Insurance
• Overweight on all flights
• Airport tax (about USD $20, but must be paid in Rupiah)
• Personal climbing and camping equipment
• Extra food and beverages (outside provided meals)
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone call, hotel minibar, SIM cards, etc)
• Evacuation or rescue cost
• Any additional expenses due to flight delay or cancellations
• Additional days in Bali waiting for flights home, etc.
• Indonesia Re-entry Visa USD $25/person – Visa Upon Arrival

Go-Jek, motorcycle taxi outside Sugapa Village as we leave for our Carstensz Pyramid climb and expedition trekking

Immediate Availability for Upcoming Trips:

Click to Book a Carstensz Pyramid Expedition Now