Why Explore With Us? Exceptional Service Small group sizes (average 10, max 16) 6:1 average guest-to-guide ratio (one of the lowest in the industry) Personalized experiences, no two trips are the same Insider s Access Local guides (the world s best) with ~20+ years tenure Intimate immersion into culture, history, people & land The Story: unfolds with historical insights & deep local knowledge Creative Itineraries Redefining Adventure Travel No cookie-cutter tours Itineraries custom-crafted for each destination Structured activities, with room for spontaneity At The Explorer s Passage, we define adventure as immersing ourselves in the world s most spectacular scenery, while walking in the footsteps of history s greatest explorers and visionaries with the comforts, of course, of expert guides, highly personalized service and all the amenities you would expect from modern-day travel. Join us as we peel back the curtains of time and dive head first into some of the most beautiful places on the planet. We can undoubtedly say that wherever your adventure leads, you ll return home invigorated, enriched and inspired by the land, its people and its storied past. Adventurers at Heart Exhilarating activities showcase the beauty of the region Flexible pace/level of difficulty Wrap up every day with a sense of accomplishment Sleep Well. Eat Well. The best accommodations each region has to offer Tented camps with full support on remote excursions Emphasis on local fare, authentic to the region Responsible Tourism Low impact to the environment Utmost respect for the local people and culture Leave No Trace principles incorporated into each adventure The Explorer s Passage P.O. Box 1607 New York, NY 10274 Toll Free Number - 855-208-6800 Phone - 201-523-9900 Fax - 201-523-9901 Web: www.explorerspassage.com Email: info@explorerspassage.com For pricing, dates, & more details please call 855-208-6800 or visit us at: www.explorerspassage.com 1
Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Route Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Route The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and a favorite for trekkers. Despite being a tough climb compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates given the topography of the route which allows climbers to trek high & sleep low hence making it a more favorable route for acclimatization. Unlike the Marangu route which is a gradual ascent, the Machame route is has steeper trails and climbers walk longer distances. This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain. The Machame route starts in the south west side of the mountain and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes at the Shira camp. Countries: Tanzania Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) Tour Duration: 10 Days/ 9 Nights Trek Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights Accommodations: 2 Nights Hotel / 6 Nights ing Adventure Activities: Trekking Adventure Activity Level: Advanced Guest to Guide Ratio: 8-1 2 Day Primary Activities Lodging Rest City Meals 1 Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport, Welcome Dinner Weruweru River Lodge Moshi D 2 Cultural Tour, Gear Check, Trek Briefing Weruweru River Lodge Moshi 3 Trek begins, Machame Gate to Machame Machame 4 Trekking, Machame to Shira Shira 5 Trekking, Shira Cave to Barranco Barranco 6 Trekking, Barranco to Karanga Karanga 7 Trekking, Karanga to Barafu Barafu 8 Trekking, Barafu to Summit and begin descent Millennium 9 Trekking, Millennium to Mweka Gate Weruweru River Lodge Mweka Gate 10 Closing breakfast, Transfer to airport N/A Moshi B 3
Day 1: moshi Welcome to Tanzania. Get ready to experience one of the most enchanting landscapes on earth, where you will see vistas truly out of this world. You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide and your fellow explorers. day 3: Machame Gate (1,790m) to Machame (3,010m) One hour s drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot. Accommodations: ing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Trekking: 6.7 miles Time: 6 hours Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge (or alternative) Meals: Dinner day 2: CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Day 4: Machame (3,010m) to Shira (3,845m) Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance. After breakfast, we will transfer you to The College of African Wildlife Mweka and begin our cultural experience that is relevant to the Kilimanjaro region and its native s The Chagga. A walk with our local guide through an ancient underground tunnel dug by Chaggas to escape from livestock raiders and hiding places for kids and mothers during inter-tribal wars in the 18th century. Thereafter, the tour will proceed to Kibosho Church, one of the oldest churches in Tanzania built in 1893. On the way you will see and learn day-to-day chagga lifestyle, local school and chagga botanical. Finally, the tour will end up at Mangi Sina Chief, who developed the strongest empire in 1870. Note: The tunnel walk is approximately 80m - 100m. There are no lights in the tunnel simulating the original experience. However, Head torches are provided during the walk to facilitate the walk. If the guest will opt not to walk in the underground tunnel they will continue with the rest of the tour i.e Kibosho Church and Chief Sina. Accommodations: Weru Weru River Lodge (or alternative) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 4 Accommodations: ing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Trekking: 3.4 miles Time: 5 hours 5
Day 5: Shira Cave (3,845m) to Barranco (3,960m) Day 7: Karanga (3,963) to Barafu (4,640m) Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of walk high, sleep low to aid your body s acclimatization to altitude. After a good night s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit. Accommodations: ing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Trekking: 6.7 miles Time: 8 hours Day 6: Barranco (3,960m) to Karanga (3,963m) Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night. Accommodations: ing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Trekking: 1.9 miles Time: 3 hours Day 8: Barafu (4,640m) to UHURU PEAK (5,895m) & down to Millennium (3,790m) We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium for a long well-earned rest. Accommodations: ing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Trekking: 3.4 miles Time: 5 hours 6 Accommodations: ing Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Trekking: 8.3 miles Time: 12 to 15 hours 7
Day 9: Trek Millennium (3,790m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m) A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration. Accommodations: Weru Weru River Lodge (or alternative) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Trekking: 7.5 miles Time: 6 hours Day 10: Depart Tanzania This morning, gather for one last breakfast to say our goodbyes. Exchange emails, if you d like, with your fellow explorers and take a moment to reflect on incredible journey on this final day in Tanzania. Departure from Tanzania as you see fit, keeping in mind that this magnificent country offers what is arguably the most magnificent safaris in the world to embellish if you plan to extend your adventure. We bid you adieu and will be counting the days until we see you on your next TEP adventure! Adventure details Our adventures are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience. From a detailed pre-departure information package to a complimentary cocktail upon your arrival, we ve thought of everything so all you have to do is show up. During your trip, our knowledgeable guides and support staff take care of the details of your transportation, lodging, meals, and activities. We ve even scheduled in a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own. For the Mount Kilimanjaro adventure, the following inclusions/exclusions apply: WHAT IS INCLUDED Comprehensive pre-departure information package that includes trip details, all applicable forms, and packing list All lodging (hotels in cities & tents when on the trail) Most meals Experienced local trip leaders fluent in English All support vehicles and ground transportation Airport transfers Most necessary activity equipment Additional support guides and vehicles when on the trail Complimentary alcoholic beverages on the first day of the trip Drinking Water - Water is treated and filtered by cook staff and guides and available to hikers throughout the trek. National Park and other site entry fees All local taxes All dining and housekeeping gratuities and some local expert gratuities Meal: Breakfast WHAT IS TYPICALLY NOT INCLUDED Air and land transportation to and from host city Airport taxes (if any) Excess baggage charges Pre- and post-trip accommodations Optional activities and spa services Personal items Insurance of any kind Cost of medical immunizations Most alcoholic beverages Optional gratuities for TEP trip leaders, guides, and local stuff 8 9
Trip Activity Level Index Our Trip Leaders Moderate Level Adventure: This adventure includes trekking the Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. While the trip does not require technical climbing or mountaineering skills, excellent physical condition is a must, as terrain is varied, and days can be long. From start to finish we ll cover nearly 38 miles of trail at high altitude over seven days. Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner Day 2: Cultural Tour Experience Days 3-9: 7 days of trekking on the Machame Route. Expect to walk 5-14 hours per day on this segment of the adventure, at a maximum elevation of 19,341 feet. Terrain varies, and includes several steep ascents. Day 10: Departure *Note that 6 nights of your adventure are spent in camps. Our skilled Trip Leaders (8-1 guest-to- guide ratio) are here to support you throughout your journey, working tirelessly to make your Mount Kilimanjaro experience as seamless, memorable and comfortable as possible. Also note that temperatures can range from below 30 degrees (F) at night to 80 degrees (F) during the day and trails are often windy, so it s important to pack and dress accordingly. What truly sets The Explorer s Passage apart are our Trip Leaders. Simply put, they are the best in the industry, selected not only for their professionalism, contagious energy and deep-rooted expertise, but also for their ability to weave The Story behind the scenery seamlessly throughout your travels. Below, meet one of our Mount Kilimanjaro trip leaders. JULIUS JOHN MTONGORE A.K.A WHITEY, TRIP LEADER A cheerful, charismatic and professional mountain guide, Whitey, has over 13 years of mountaineering experience. In 2012, he was recognized by Explore WorldWide as the best tour leader in the world. He has summited Mt Kilimanjaro over 100 times. When he trekked Mount Aconcagua to raise funds for the Lemosho primary school, he became the first Tanzanian to summit South America s highest peak. He is a Mount Kilimanjaro expert who uplifts the groups spirit through singing and dancing. Approximate Altitude Gains & Descents for Trek Portion of Adventure Day 1 - Altitude gain: 3,940 ft Day 2 - Altitude gain: 2,690 ft Day 3 - Altitude gain: 440 ft Day 4-185 ft Day 5-2,105 ft Day 6 - Altitude gain: 3,511 ft / Descent: 6,810 ft Day 7-6,530 ft 10 11
Accommodations Adventure terms & conditions HOTEL WERU WERU RIVER LODGE IN MOSHI The Weru Weru River Lodge provides 32 spacious and fully air-conditioned rooms designed to provide exceptional comfort. Thanks to an unbeatable location, this superior quality lodge near Kilimanjaro is a perfect choice for leisure travelers seeking an unforgettable and authentic African experience in a hotel with views of Kilimanjaro. The highly experienced and professional team at our riverside lodge in Moshi, Tanzania are focused on creating truly exceptional experiences at highly affordable rates, making the Weru Weru River Lodge the best value for money hotel in the region. Surrounded by coffee plantations and only 24 kilometers from the airport, the extensive range of quality facilities and services at the Weru Weru River Lodge make it the best choice for experienced international travelers. Visit Hotel Website at: https://www.weruweruriverlodge.com TRIP ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE Our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable adventure. We take a lot of pride in our itineraries, as we have invested an enormous amount of time and energy into creating and organizing them. Sometimes, however, due to unexpected circumstances adventures don t always go according to plan. Because of this, we reserve the right to cancel or change aspects of the itinerary at any time, and for any reason. When necessary, we will substitute hotels, airlines, events, and activities. Each time we do so, we will on a best efforts basis keep the quality the same, ensuring that the category of service substituted is the same as what is in the itinerary. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Our adventure pricing is based on double occupancy. For individuals who would like their own room and/ or tent, each of our itineraries have an additional single supplement charge. If you request a roommate and we are unable to accommodate then you will receive a private room and be charged 50% of the customary single supplement charge (on most trips). The Explorer s Passage will take care of the rest. PRICE FLUCTUATIONS We will make a strong effort to maintain price. As per industry norm, the adventure price is subject to increase based on unforeseeable changes beyond our control. The changes may include a change in the cost of airfare, currency fluctuation, taxes, fuel surcharges, security costs, or unavoidable charges imposed by our activity providers. These fees are to be paid upon notification if such a situation does arise. The per person cost increase to clients is $100 for these increases and The Explorer s Passage will absorb the rest. TEP CANCELLATION POLICY If you must cancel your reservation, cancellation charges will apply. Please see our terms and conditions at www.explorerspassage.com. 12 13
FLIGHTS TEP does not have an air department. When either booking your flights on your own or speaking to a travel agent, please note that our welcome dinner begins at 6 PM local time and our closing breakfast ends at 9:30 AM local time. TEP does provide airport transfers at the start and conclusion of your adventure. TRAVEL INSURANCE Given the active, often remote and international nature of our adventures, and our strict refund policy, we require you to purchase travel insurance. We have made it easy for you to secure this peace of mind through the convenient services of TripAssure, one of the leading travel-insurance providers. Choose from a number of plan options that include evacuation, medical, and cancellation protection. To learn more, please visit https://explorerspassage.com/about/support/insurance/ or call one of our adventure consultants at 1-855-208-6800. HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A TEP ADVENTURE? To learn more or to sign up for Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure please call toll-free at 1-855-208-6800 or email us at info@explorerspassage.com. To reserve a space, an initial deposit of $500 is required. We Look Forward to Seeing You On the Trail! The Explorer s Passage P.O. Box 1607 New York, NY 10274 Toll Free Number - 855-208-6800 Phone - 201-523-9900 Fax - 201-523-9901 Web: www.explorerspassage.com Email: info@explorerspassage.com 14