$2,098 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in arusha
Arrival in arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be greeted after customs and you safari manager will Welcome you to Tanzania and Transfer to your Hotel for a thorough briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and guide. Spend the night at Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
- Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Arusha to Machame Camp
Arusha to Machame Camp
Altitude gain: 5,380 to 9,350’; Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 7 miles
Drive from Arusha to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, passing by the village of Machame to meet your climb crew at the Machame Gate. As you begin the gentle ascent, the trail winds though the verdant afromontane rainforest that beards Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. Moss and tattered lichen dangles from tall branches, tree ferns rest in soft cradles, and begonias, busy lizzie impatiens, and violas bloom year-round in multiple colors on the forest floor. Many species of birds – as well as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and other creatures of the forest – can be seen and heard. The first camp is set amongst giant heather at Machame Camp.
- Main Destination:
- Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Shira Camp
Shira Camp
9,350 ft to 12,500 ft, 3 miles, approx. 4-6 hours
Leaving the glades of the rainforest behind, you continue on an ascending path along a steep ridge onto heather-clad moorland. This is known as the heath zone and, as the vegetation becomes more sparse, attractive helichrysum and lobelia are the only plants dominating the harsh mountain landscape. Various geological features can be observed, ranging from lava tubes to glacial valleys. A picnic lunch is taken on trail today. Continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. By now you can see the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers, and after a short hike you reach the Shira Camp. Your tent tonight can definitely be described as “a room with a view” looking out towards the snow-dusted Kibo peaks. Overnight Shira Camp.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp
12,500 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 6-8 hours
Today is a walk-high sleep-low day. You ascend into alpine desert towards the main peak of Kibo, where the western glaciers become clearly visible. Lunch is taken as a picnic en route. If you feel very strong there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon, passing through the strange yet beautiful ‘Garden of the Senecios’ (giant groundsel), which also features many giant lobelias. The Barranco Valley is one of the prettiest areas of the entire trail. This is long day but the next time you head to this altitude is in two days’ time, making this a great acclimatization day! Overnight at Barranco Camp.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
You now have a relatively short day to reach Karanga Camp, after conquering the intimidating Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering over 3000 feet above you then scending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in this high camp, allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp, yet in the evenings splendid views of Mawenzi Peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before resting for the evening. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 6
Summit Ascent, Mweka Camp
Summit Ascent, Mweka Camp
Depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit, and this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. Most likely by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft. Here, you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see, appearing over Mawenzi Peak.
Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit, begin the ebullient trek down. Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. With every step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs will be jelly your heart will be light. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Mweka camp to mweka gate
Mweka camp to mweka gate
Heavy breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. On the mountain, you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reach Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates, and hikers who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village). You will be served a hot lunch. Then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
