Taste of Kilimanjaro
“This itinerary is perfect for those of us that want a bit of a challenge but are not interested in going to the summit of Kilimanjaro.” ~Jo Ann Taylor
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Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free standing mountain lies at your feet. If seeing Mount Kilimanjaro is on your bucket list, the Walking Connection is here to turn your dream into a reality. The mountain has many beautiful regions, none more so than the Western side and Shira Plateau. This is our goal for the adventure.
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“You don’t always have to go to the very top to do something really BIG.” ~Jo Ann Taylor
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We are looking to experience the mountain our way — by enjoying it’s different vegetation and wilderness zones but still have the rush of being on the highest free standing mountain in the world.
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Starting on the Western side this trip ascends through the Lemosho glades and Juniper forest and onto the Shira plateau with stunning views of Kibo (weather permitting). There are then options to hike either up towards Moir or across the Shira Plateau with four different vegetation zones towards the Shira Cathedral before descending back down.
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Hosted by Walking Connection co-founders, Gene and/or Jo Ann Taylor.
Highlights:
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DATES
January 4 - 10, 2018
(optional post tour safari)
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PRICES
From $3,598 pp dbl. occ.
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LENGTH
7 Days / 6 Nights
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ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate to Difficult
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TYPE
Premier (Escorted by Gene & Jo Ann Taylor)
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ITINERARY
Download & Print (PDF)
Your Walking Connection Experience Includes:
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Escorted by co-founders Gene and/or Jo Ann Taylor*
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2-Night pre hike and 1-Night post hike accommodations in Arusha
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4-day/3-Night Taste of Kilimanjaro Hike per the itinerary.
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Trained Kilimanjaro guides.
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Trained Camp Mangers, Cooks and Porters.
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3 inch mattress, (-30F) Lamina sleeping bag, thermal liner, guest tent, mess tent, table, backed chairs and portable toilet in camp
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All relevant Kilimanjaro Park fees & rescue fees. *(See Price Variation Below).
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Emergency medical evacuation.**
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Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeters.
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All accommodation as described in the itinerary.
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Daily Meals as indicated in itinerary: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner
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Transfers as described in the itinerary. All transfers and transportation to and from airports. (Must arrive or depart on the scheduled day of the itinerary. Otherwise transfers may cost extra).
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Drinks on the hike (potable water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate).
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Pre-trip “Know Before You Go” information including recommended website, reading lists, packing list, what to bring, weather and much, much more.
Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), transfer to Lodge.
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This is the perfect place after a long flight to relax and recharge. Rivertrees lies nestled in the foothills of Mt Meru and commanding a majestic view of Kilimanjaro. This picturesque country estate combines old-world ambience, rustic African elegance, excellent farm cuisine, personal service and genuine warmth from your hosts. The inn’s timeless tranquility is complemented by its contemporary comforts, rendering it the perfect spot for rest and rejuvenation: weary travelers, mountain-climbers and safari-goers alike gather here to commence or conclude their adventures.
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Gene and Jo Ann Taylor, co-founders of the Walking Connection, first visited Arusha in the 90’s and have enjoyed their stays ever since. As a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, it’s a great place to start your hiking adventure. Click the link below and you’ll be excited about starting your hike here too!
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Learn more about Arusha, Tanzania here...
Details
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Overnight 2 - Nights Rivertrees Lodge or similar
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Meals Included: No meals are included today due to possible late arrivals.
Arusha – Free Day & Hike Briefing
Idyllically situated amongst ten acres of lush greenery and riverine vegetation, Rivertrees is perfect for birdwatching, wandering in the gardens, and taking in the prospects of the adventure of a lifetime.
Optional activities can be booked to enjoy your prehike day: canoeing on Lake Duluti, Tanzanian Coffee tours, mountain biking, village walks or massage.
The Walking Connection will conduct a hike briefing with the local hike manager to make sure that you have everything you need for the hike and all questions are answered.
Details
2 of 2 nights Rivertrees Lodge or similar
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Forest Camp
Morning departure from the hotel and head towards West Kilimanjaro. Formalities are completed at Londorossi gate before driving to the Lemosho trail head where our hike begins at approximately 7,800′ / 2377 m. Verdant forest and glades typify the day’s approximate 6K hike and signs of wildlife such as elephant are quite common. In the late afternoon arrive to Forest Camp (9,500′ / 2895 m)with time to relax before dinner.
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Hiking Distance: 3.73 mi., 6K
Elevation Change: 7,800′ – 9,500′, 2377m – 2895m
Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast we depart through Podocarpus forest and ascend through Juniper forest and then on to the heath zone. Lunch is taken on route and by mid afternoon as we breach the Shira Plateau, we’ll soon arrive in camp.
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Hiking Distance: 5 mi., 8K
Elevation Change: 9,500′ – 11,500′, 2895m – 3505m
Shira 1 Camp with day hike
At over 3500 meters the Shira plateau represents a unique high altitude environment. Today we’ll set off with our guides and trek to some of the more remote areas of the plateau like the Shira Cathedral. A picnic lunch is taken with you and for the more adventurous the guides can lead you up in to the alpine zone before returning to camp in the afternoon.
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Hiking Distance: To be determined by ability
Elevation Change: also to be determined
Details
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2 of 2 - nights Shira 1 Camp
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend – Arusha
This morning you hike towards Murram gate before descending down towards Londorrosi gate. The hike takes around 4 to 5 hours and picnic lunches are provided at the gate before we transfer to our lodge in Arusha. Once we get to the lodge and take a highly sought after hot shower we’ll celebrate with dinner and a great evening together!
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Hiking Distance: approximately 7.5 mi., 12K
Elevation Change: 11,500′ – 9200′, 3505m – 2800m.
Arusha to Kilmanjaro Airport
After breakfast depart for the airport…or better yet — Come On A Safari With Us!!!
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Safari Optional Extensions Available
You have come this far… treat yourself to a 3 or 5 day safari to experience the incredible wildlife that Tanzania has to offer. Several adventures are available, ask for details: info@wakingconnection.com
Details
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Meals Included: Breakfast
Details
Trip Price:
Double occupancy: $3598/person *Please see Price Variations below.
Single occupancy: $400 single supplement
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Deposits: An initial deposit of $500 USD per person is required to reserve your space.
No space will be held without a complete deposit. Deposits may be made by check or credit card. Our tour prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuation at the time of final payment.
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Payments: All payments must be made according to the schedule & are subject to the cancellation & penalty policy. Final payment is due on or before 90 days prior to the trip. We request that all final payments be made by check. Credit card payments for final amount due may be available but all credit card company surcharges will apply. They are usually 3% of the total due. Our tour prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuation, park fee increases and increase in tax imposed by the government at the time of final payment.
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Tanzania visas: Visas are required for all U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter Tanzania. We recommend securing documentation prior to arrival. The Walking Connection will supply information for the proper paper work for all guests.
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Itinerary: Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
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Special Supplier Gifts and Items: As a local custom, vendors, suppliers, ground operators, restaurants and hotel properties may offer complimentary beverages that may or may not contain alcohol. Should you elect not to accept this gift, complimentary water may not be offered as a replacement and may only be offered for a fee. This is a local custom beyond the control of The Walking Connection.
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Travel Roommates and Single Supplements: If you have registered for double occupancy but don’t have a travel roommate, the Walking Connection will attempt to locate one for you. In the event that a roommate cannot be found, you may be charged for a Single Supplement for any portion of the trip where you will be rooming as a single.
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Travel roommates are assigned in the order in which we receive deposited and confirmed reservations. Final roommate assignments will be made and you will be notified of any Single Supplement charges due 30 days prior to the due date of your final payment.
Air Arrangements: The Walking Connection does not typically make any airline reservations, either domestic or international. BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE ARRANGEMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT US BY TELEPHONE (800) 295-9255 TO RECONFIRM THE FINAL ASPECTS OF THIS TRIP. The Walking Connection will provide you with the recommended arrival and departure airports, times and any additional information you may need BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR AIR for this trip.
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Trip Minimum: 8 Full Paying Guests: Because the Walking Connection specializes in traveling in small groups, many times we stay in small boutique hotel properties, historical Inns, private homes and bed and breakfasts. For this and contractual related reasons, some trips may require a minimum number of guests traveling together to go. FOR THIS TRIP, an additional Small Group Surcharge of $150.00 USD may be assessed or the trip may be cancelled at the option of the Walking Connection if sign ups does not meet the 8 person minimum. This trip will be guaranteed to be conducted either when we have reached the minimum number of guests or evaluated 120 and 90 days prior to departure. Also, should the minimum not be met, the Walking Connection at it’s sole discretion may elect to operate the trip with just one Walking Connection host. Please do not make your international or domestic air arrangements until trip is confirmed.
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Waiting List Policy: On occasion, Walking Connection tours sell out and a waiting list is formed. If this should happen, the following policy will apply. To be put on the waiting list, a fully refundable deposit is due with reservation. If space becomes available, you will be notified at that time and if you choose to go, the standard cancellation policy will then apply. If not, your money will be refunded in full.
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Cancellation, Penalty & Refund Policies: Should you have to cancel your tour the following terms will apply: Due to the exclusive and small group nature of this adventure, for all cancellation requests the initial trip deposit is forfeited
For cancellations from 61 – 90 days prior to the trip 50% penalty of the total trip cost.
For Cancellations and no shows 60 days before trip, no refunds.
No refunds will be made for any unused portion of the tour.
All cancellations must be made in writing and delivered to The Walking Connection via e-mail and/or United States Post Office. Your cancellation date is the date your notice is received and confirmed by The Walking Connection, not the postmark date.
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Should this trip be cancelled by The Walking Connection: 100% Refund.
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*PRICE VARIATION – Prices are based upon the current government fees for park and sanctuary entry and all taxes at the time of publication of this web page. Should the government impose any new taxes, raise the current tax or increase the entry cost to any park or sanctuary, the price increase will be passed along and charged to you. You will be notified of this increase at the time we are notified. All payments received by us are subject to the cancellation policy already published and in effect.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE THAT CONTAINS EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT, HOSPITALIZATION, EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND MEDICAL TRANSPORT BACK TO THE USA IS REQUIRED.
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It is REQUIRED that clients take out adequate insurance cover against all risks associated with adventure travel, this means appropriate travel and medical insurance prior to departure of clients from their country of origin. A climb or safari is an adventure holiday and accordingly the Walking Connection, Adventure International, LLC or their officers and employees shall be liable in way for any loss or damages expenses or costs arising from any incident involving clients that may occur whilst using any of the services provided by the Walking Connection, Adventure International, LLC or third parties contracted by the company. Insurance should at least cover: personal accident, medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation, trip curtailment, cancellation, and loss of valuables.
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For more information about insurance please call or email Gene for the Walking Connection preferred provider. CSA Travel Pro.
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Your Walking Connection Experience does NOT include:
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All international and domestic airfares with taxes not outlined in the above inclusions.
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All items of a personal nature including beverages, laundry and shopping.
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All passport and visa application fees, vaccination and medical consulting fees.
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Transfers other than scheduled day of arrival and departure per itinerary.
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Gratuities for the local guides
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Travel insurance
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Early check in & late check out of rooms
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Optional tours or items of a personal nature such as drinks
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Photographs & phone calls
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No discounts or refunds on any unused portion of the tour.
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Anything that is not expressly stated in the itinerary or on the inclusions page as included.
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Travel Insurance is not included, though we recommend it for all your travels. Please see our recommended vendor here: CSA Travel Pro.
*Please note that both Gene and Jo Ann are designated hosts and escorts for this trip if the minimum of 10 guests is met. Another host or escort may be substituted if either or both are unable to lead this adventure for any reason.
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Prep & Safety
Adventure expeditions with the Walking Connection are geared toward your success and enjoying them from “Top To Bottom,” (Canyoneering), “Bottom To Top,” (Mountaineering) and “From One End To The Other,” on multi-day treks. Key parts of that success are the preparation, physical training and extensive planning that goes into every journey before it ever begins. With the Walking Connection, you only have to do the first two; prepare yourself and physically train. We do the planning!
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Adventure expeditions with the Walking Connection are geared toward your success and enjoying them from “Top To Bottom,” (Canyoneering), “Bottom To Top,” (Mountaineering) and “From One End To The Other,” on multi-day treks. Key parts of that success are the preparation, physical training and extensive planning that goes into every journey before it ever begins. With the Walking Connection, you only have to do the first two; prepare yourself and physically train. We do the planning!
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For our Taste Of Kilimanjaro adventure, we have a goal oriented program that describes where you should be with regard to your physical capabilities in order to have the best chance at accomplishing your goal. It is designed to help you over three months and includes benchmarks for walking, hiking and endurance preparation. We provide a day-by-day elevation gain/loss chart and descriptions so that you know what to expect on the adventure.
Additionally, we provide a comprehensive pre-trip planning guide that includes a guest orientation, gear list, recommendations for everything you will will need and want on your adventure such as inoculations, what it is like to travel in Tanzania, personal safety information, etc. Finally you’ll receive a detailed “Know Before You Go,” that covers all of the logistics, your personal itinerary and more travel recommendations that will help you succeed and enjoy your adventure.
A Word About Safety
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Safety is a shared responsibility. For our part, we have meticulously planned an adventure that includes a well-traveled route operated by well-trained and seasoned professional team of guides and camp managers. They are experienced in mountain hiking and high altitude acclimatization, and they maintain ongoing training and certifications in CPR and first aid. They have first hand knowledge and experience in all aspects of hiking on Mt. Kilimanjaro and in case of medical mishap, illness or emergency, have a medical response and evacuation plan in place. As well, they are in daily contact via radio/mobile and satellite phone with the base operation at the bottom of the mountain to coordinate any immediate response that may be necessary. We also provide you with detailed information prior to your trip so that you can prepare yourself accordingly to handle the rigors of the adventure.
For your part, we expect and anticipate that you will have done all you can do to prepare yourself physically and mentally to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed on the adventure. That includes checking with your healthcare professional to be sure you are healthy, getting the appropriate inoculations and properly outfitting yourself with the appropriate gear for the adventure. Communicating with us every step of the way, from training through your journey up and down the mountain is critical for a safe and successful adventure. You’ll find us receptive to your questions and comments and able to provide you with accurate and detailed information whenever you need it.
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Travel Insurance that includes medical evacuation and transport is essential and as important as your hiking boots, passport, prescription medication. We require you to provide us with the name, policy number and specific communication/contact information should we have to contact them on your behalf. Regretfully, we cannot accept anyone on this trip who does not have insurance.
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