 |  |  |  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WESTERN APPROACH | THE GRAND TRAVERSE | UMBWE ROUTE | MACHAME ROUTE | |
| BY THE NUMBERS | ||||
| Trekking Days | 9 | 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Days door to door | 13 | 14 | 10 | 11 |
| Total miles | 45 | 55 | 34 | 43 |
| Summit success rates | 98% | 98% | 96% | 95% |
| Guide to climber ratio | 1:3 | 1:3 | 1:3 | 1:3 |
| Gear/luggage weight limits | 33 lb + personal daypack | 33 lb + personal daypack | 33 lb + personal daypack | 26 lb + personal daypack |
| Total elevation gain | 14,703 | 12,294 | 15,177 | 16,932 |
| Maximum group size | 12 climbers | 10 climbers | 12 climbers | 15 climbers |
| Starting price | $5,990 | $8,490 | $4,690 | $3,990 |
| SUMMIT EXPERIENCE | ||||
| Summit bid details | Daytime; 8-10 hours | Daytime; 8-10 hours | Nighttime; 10-15 hours | Nighttime; 10-15 hours |
| Stay at Crater Camp? | Select Departures (conditions permitting) | Yes (conditions permitting) | No | No |
| BEFORE YOUR TREK | ||||
| Kilimanjaro Preparation Guide | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes; electronic version |
| Robust planning support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-trek lodging | Planet Lodge (1 night), Ndarakwai Ranch (1 night) | Ndarakwai Ranch (2 nights) | Rivertrees Country Inn (2 nights) | Rivertrees Country Inn (2 nights) |
| Pre-trek acclimatization day | Wildlife viewing on private conservation reserve | Wildlife viewing on private conservation reserve | Wildlife viewing in Arusha National Park | Free day (no scheduled activities) |
| ON YOUR TREK | ||||
| Why choose this route? | Ample acclimatization time on a scenic, less-traveled route | Maximum acclimatization time and added amenities on the most remote route | The most physically challenging route with a quick, scenic ascent | Budget-friendly option on one of the mountain’s most popular trails |
| Acclimatization time | Very Good | Excellent/Maximum | Adequate | Adequate |
| Mountain lodging | Mountaineering tents | Upgraded tents with mountaineering cots & foam mattresses | Mountaineering tents | Mountaineering tents |
| Safety precautions | Certified Wilderness First Responder Guides carrying (and trained in the use of) Gamow bag, oxygen, litter, pulse oximeter, and more, per Thomson’s safety standards | Certified Wilderness First Responder Guides carrying (and trained in the use of) Gamow bag, oxygen, litter, pulse oximeter, and more, per Thomson’s safety standards | Certified Wilderness First Responder Guides carrying (and trained in the use of) Gamow bag, oxygen, litter, pulse oximeter, and more, per Thomson’s safety standards | Certified Wilderness First Responder Guides carrying (and trained in the use of) Gamow bag, oxygen, litter, pulse oximeter, and more, per Thomson’s safety standards |
| Meals | Prepared fresh daily + snacks | Prepared fresh daily + snacks | Prepared fresh daily + snacks | Prepared fresh daily + snacks |
| Water | Unlimited purified water | Unlimited purified water | Unlimited purified water | Unlimited purified water |
| Private toilet tents | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dining tent amenities | Camp chairs w/arms and backrests, LED solar lighting | Camp chairs w/arms and backrests, LED solar lighting | Camp chairs w/arms and backrests, LED solar lighting | Camp stools with backrests, LED solar lighting |
