Mount Kilimanjaro

Feel proud conquering Africa’s tallest mountain Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the world’s most iconic peaks and is situated in the Northern part of Tanzania, in the Kilimanjaro National Park.

It covers an area of 100 kilometers long and 65 kilometers wide. You get to see the various climatic conditions starting from the bushland on the bottom of the mountain to the arctic ice region on top of the mountain.

You have the tropical rain forests, the evergreen forests, the moorlands
and the alpine desert regions in between

This tour uses the Machame route

DAY 1.

Moshi Machame Camp

We will take a 50 to 60 minute drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good
idea here since the trail can be muddy and slippery.

• Elevation: 5,400ft to 9, 400ft.
• Distance: 11km.
• Hiking Time: 5 – 7hrs.
• Habitat: Rain forest.

DAY 2.

Machame Camp Shira Camp

After breakfast, we leave the rain forest and continue our ascent, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. Wecontinue west onto a river gorge until we get to the Shira campsite. We now rest, have dinner and spend the night.

• Elevation: 9,400ft to 12,500ft.
• Distance: 5km.
• Hiking Time: 4 – 6hrs.
• Habitat: Moorland.

DAY 3.

Shira Camp Lava Tower Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo, then South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.”
Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit.

• Elevation: 12,500ft to 13,000ft.
• Distance: 10km.
• Hiking Time: 6 – 8hrs.
• Habitat: Semi Desert.

DAY 4.

Barranco Camp Karanga Camp Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. We leave Karanga up to the Barafu Hut. At this
point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles as well as the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. We camp, enjoy dinner, rest for the night and prepare for the summit day.

• Elevation: 13,000ft to 15,000ft.
• Distance: 9km.
• Hiking Time: 8 – 10hrs.
• Habitat: Alpine Desert.

DAY 5.

Barafu Camp Summit Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. This is the most mentally and physically challenging
portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be ewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point,you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) .
• Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent.
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.
• Habitat: Arctic.

DAY 6.

Mweka Camp Moshi

After breakfast, we continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
From the gate, we continue another hour to the Mweka
Village from where we drive back to Moshi.

• Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft.
• Distance: 10km.
• Hiking Time: 3 – 4hrs.
• Habitat: Rain forest.

The cost includes:

• Transport to and from the base of the mountain.
• Accommodation in camps as per the itinerary.
• Meals and treated water as specified in itinerary.
• Entry fees.
• Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook.
• Successful climb certificate.

The cost excludes:

• Sleeping bags.
• Laundry.
• Beverages/drinks.
• Climbing gear.
• Accommodation before the trek.
• Anything related to traveling to Kenya.
• Personal items.
• Anything else not detailed in the itinerary.

The above price is for each person in a group safari. An extra charge of USD100 per day applies if you prefer a private safari.