BTC 4 - Umbwe Route

Areas of Interest: Kilimanjaro National Park, Forest Caves, Barranco Hut, Barranco Wall, Heim Glacier, Kibo Rim, Arrow Glacier, Uhuru Peak, Western Breach, Lava Tower, Arusha/Moshi 

Activity: Game Viewing, Camping, Scenery, Trekking, Photography, Culture and Bird Watching

Country: Tanzania

Tanzania offers some of the best trekking in Africa.  The biggest attraction being the highest mountain in Africa and o­ne of the highest volcanoes in the world - Mount Kilimanjaro.  It is also the highest mountain anywhere that can be climbed by a regular tourist, and thousands of guests attempt to make it to the summit every year.  The hike is even more attractive because you can walk all the way to the summit without the need of ropes or technical climbing experience, but you still need the right preparation.  “Kili” as it is also known, has a huge oval base of about 50 – 60 km across and ascends almost 5000m above the surrounding plains.  The two main peaks are Kibo, the dome at the centre and Mawenzi, a group of toothed pinnacles o­n the eastern side.  A third peak called Shira is o­n the west and is less distinctive than the other two.  The highest point is o­n Kibo; at 5896m/19,340ft and is the goal for most walkers.  There are 10 hiking paths that commence o­n the lower slopes but o­nly three continue to the summit.  These include Marangu, Machame and Umbwe routes.

The best time to go trekking is in the dry season, from late June to October when the rains have ended and from late December to February or early March, just after the short rains.  It is essential to note that there is a high possibility of rain even in the dry season but it generally falls for a few hours a day; usually in the afternoon or at night so it doesn’t affect hiking much.
 
The Umbwe route is very direct to Uhuru peak and is suitable for more experienced trekkers as it is the hardest.  It has become popular in the last few years as other routes have become too popular.  When followed sensibly, it offers a pleasant walk through the lower slopes and an exhilarating final approach to the summit via the Western Breach. Although the paths are steep, the distances walked are shorter except for the summit section when you walk up to 15 hours of strenuous trudge, made even harder by the altitude and cold.

To see Kenya route map click here

To see East Africa route map click here

Price: Dependent on number of pax
Local Payment: Dependent on number of pax

SCHEDULED CAMPING SAFARIS:

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
 - Transport by special safari vehicle
 - Services of an English speaking driver/tour guide and cook
 - All campsite fees
 - All camping equipment including use of our three-person tents (each tent shared by 2 people), stools, foam mattresses except sleeping bags
 - Three meals a day while o­n safari whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian prepared by our safari cook

 WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
 - Gamepark entrance fees shown separately as 'local payment'
 - Personal travel insurance
 - Flying Doctors Service for emergency evacuation cover valid for 2 months [available in our office at US$25pp within 500km radius or US$50 within 1000kms from Nairobi ].
 - Sleeping bags [available for hire in the office at US$15 per bag per safari with US$ 40 refundable deposit]
 - Hotel accommodation in Nairobi.
 - All airport/hotel/airport transfers [but can be arranged at extra cost]
 - All airport taxes and visas
 - All personal expenses and toiletries; e.g. mineral water, toilet tissue, laundry, telephones, beverages, tips, portage, etc.
 - Any other extras not stated as included above

FOR UGANDA/ TANZANIA/ OVERLAND CAMPING SAFARIS/ MOUNTAIN/ WALKING TREKS PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR A LIST OF WHAT/ IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

1. BOOKING:

Scheduled /Camping Safaris:
 Deposit [35% of PRICE] is payable to GAMETRACKERS in advance while the balance is due and payable at least 14 DAYS prior to the tour departure failing which the seat may be re-allocated unless otherwise arranged.
 
 2. CANCELLATION:
A) Traditional Booking Payment (Wire Transfer, Bank Transfer or paying in our office)
Earlier than 30 days before departure will require 75% of deposit [as calculated above] to be forfeited.
 30 to 4 days before departure will require the full deposit to be forfeited.
 3 days before departure and in case of no-show up at all will require 75% of the full price of the safari to be forfeited.
 No show up will attract 100 % forfeiture of safari price for any booking made with or by GAMETRACKERS.

B) ONLINE BOOKING:
 Full payment is required upon booking.
 Cancellation policy will be as [2] above
 Refunds will be made less 5% deducted in the processing of the credit card [where payments have been made by credit card], and / or wire expenses [US$35] for processing the refund [if a wire transfer for the refund is preferred].

 3. PRICE POLICY:
 a) Our price is based o­n cost at the time of printing and is subject to change if conditions demand such as Government
 action, currency exchange fluctuations and increase in game park entry fees. However, if full payment has already been
 received upon booking, there will be no change to the price quoted at that time and we undertake to absorb the increase.
 b) Where kitty payment applies, this is additional to the to price and is intended to cover the cost of meals prepared during the period of the tour and all park entrance and campsite fees or as may be specified. It is payable in US dollar cash prior to departure in the office.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES:
 a) The Company applies all reasonable checks to ensure that those involved in the preparation and provision of your
 safari maintain appropriate standards.
 b) In exceptional circumstances outside the control of the Company, its agents or suppliers, such as, but not limited to, circumstances amounting to force majeure such as war, threats of war, political unrest, riots, civil disturbances, legally or illegally organized labour disputes, adverse weather conditions and acts of God, the Company or its agents or suppliers cannot be held responsible for discontinuation of the safari, any limitations or withdrawal of facilities.
 c) The use by the Company of transport or accommodation in connection with a client safari is subject to the conditions of the operators or owners of such transport or accommodation for whom the Company acts as agents.
 d) The company has semi-permanent campsites in some locations, which form part of the itineraries in a number of safaris. These campsites have limited facilities that cannot cope with the demand particularly during the peak periods. Hence in the event of non-availability due to occupation by some other clients, the alternative will be for the clients to pitch their tents as usual within the same campsite or any other budget campsite nearest.
 e) Temporary or permanent loss of; damage to, or delay of clients baggage are the responsibility of the client unless
 resulting from the proven negligence of the Company. Clients are advised to travel light (i.e. with as little baggage as possible).
 f) The Company does not accept liability for the alleged acts and/or missions of its employees, agents and suppliers for deficiencies in the standard of services and facilities supplied in connection with any foreign inclusive tour or any safari supplied or organized by the Company unless resulting from the proven negligence by the Company.
 g) The Company does not accept responsibility for the death, body injury or illness caused to the signatory to the contract and/or any other named person o­n the booking form unless resulting from the proven negligence of the company.
 h) The Company, where appropriate and with reasonable discretion, shall afford initial general assistance to clients who, through misadventure, suffer illness, personal injury or death during the period of their safari.
 i) The client is responsible for checking-in at the correct time. Accordingly, the Company cannot accept responsibility for clients missing a safari as a result of late check-in.
 j) The client acknowledges and accepts that the nature of our safari is expeditious and adventurous and that such tours
 involve a certain amount of risk for which the Company and its staff or agents carry no liability.
 k) It is mandatory that each client obtains adequate personal travel insurance to cover such personal risks as illness, personal injury or death, loss of baggage and compensation or refund for discontinuation of safari due to circumstances beyond the control of the Company, though not limited to force majeure circumstances o­nly, during the period of their safari otherwise the Company does not accept liability. Flying Doctors Service is also mandatory for rapid evacuation from the scene of an accident or emergency to a hospital otherwise the client is responsible for his evacuation by air or otherwise.
 l) The Company reserves the right to cancel a safari or subcontract it to another operator for similar services if the
 minimum number of clients required is not achieved or by reason of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond its control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised. Nevertheless notice of such cancellation will be given whenever possible and an alternative safari offered if practicable though the client is entitled to a refund of his money under the contract if he is not interested and prefers a refund. The difference, if any, between the price of the alternative safari and the initial o­ne will also be refunded.
 m) If a client chooses not to complete his safari for any reason, or a safari is discontinued for reasons as in (b) above, there will be no refund.

5. ARBITRATION:
 The contract and these conditions shall be governed in all respect by the laws of Kenya. Should a situation arise that you have a complain about any aspect of the safari, this should be reported in the office immediately (where possible) in order that we may be given the opportunity to correct the problem.

DEPARTURE CHECK-IN PROGRAM:
 - 8.30 - 9.00 a.m. - Check in our offices ready for the safari REQUIRED:
Receipt or voucher issued at the time of booking accompanied by the Booking Form filled and duly signed if not already submitted
For residents, either the Green Alien Identification Card, Work Permit or Driving Licence as proof of o­nes status in Kenya
 - 9.00 - 9.15 a.m. - Board your safari vehicle
 - 9.15 - 9.30 a.m. - Briefing session followed soon after by departure

TANZANIA AND UGANDA DEPARTURES:
These safaris do not always depart from Gametrackers (K) Ltd. Office, hence it is important to check in our office at least a day earlier for final briefing.

CAMPING SAFARIS MENUS:
 Our menus are based o­n many years of experience in safari catering. They are characterised by methods, which produce rich and highly flavoured dishes served with accompaniments designed to meet our client appetite. In the
 event of changes in our daily menus, allowance should be given, as most of the raw materials are seasonal and dependent o­n the location of the safari.