The Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MOSHI
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and we’ll transfer you to the Hotel in Moshi where you will stay overnight and gear check.
Overnight in a Hotel in Moshi
DAY 2: LONDROSSI PARK GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
After breakfast, drive to the Londorosi Park Gate. Enter the lush rainforest and listen to the sounds of many exotic birds. Spot monkeys such as the black and white colobus. The drive through the Shira plateau is one of the best opportunities to see big game on Kilimanjaro. From the Londrossi park gate, trek up to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) camp. Arrive at the campsite, take a moment to set up the camp, and enjoy your dinner.
Altitude: 2,100m to 2,650m
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Distance: 7Km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Meadows
Overnight in a tent on the mountain
DAY 3: MTI MUKUBWA TO SHIRA 1 CAMP
After breakfast you will start trekking up to Shira 1 Camp. This trek is not difficult but is a steep climb and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Africa and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. The west face of Kibo volcano (usually referred as Kilimanjaro) looms above the campsite. Have lunch, set up the camp, rest or take a day hike. This hike traverses the lower moorland where large shrubs and wildflowers dominate the landscape.
Altitude: 2,650m to 3,610m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5Km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight in a tent on the mountain
DAY 4: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
After breakfast you will leave Shira Camp and start your way by hiking across the Shira plateau, for short acclimatization walks.
Because the hiking time is only about 3 hours today, use the free time to take a number of short acclimatization walks around and above the Shira 2 Camp. This camp is more exposed than the previous night’s camp. It may be windier and colder, with temperatures dropping to below freezing.
Traverse the Shira plateau. Ascend gently through the lower alpine moorland, which is notable for beautiful wild alpine flowers and the unique giant lobelia and giant groundsel (senecio Kilimanjaro) plants.
Altitude: 3,610m to 3,850m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 5Km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight in a tent on the mountain
DAY 5: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp 2 and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be. Then you will descend to Barranco Camp. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness!
Altitude: 3,850m to 4,600m and then back to 3,960m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10Km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight in a tent on the mountain
DAY 6: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall . To avoid crowds on the narrow trail, we recommend leaving the camp as early as possible. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour.
After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch.
After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting.
Altitude: 3,960m to 4,035m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5K
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight in a tent on the mountain
DAY 7: BARANCO CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
In the morning after breakfast, you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summiting.
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you must complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
Altitude: 4,035m to 4,640m
Hiking Time: 8-12 hours
Distance: 6Km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Arctic
Overnight in a tent on the mountain
DAY 8: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
Departure from Barafu Camp at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak. Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Mweka Camp.
Altitude: 3820m to 1640m.
Altitude: 4640m to 5895m and descend to 3090m
Hiking Time: 8-15 hours
Distance: 17Km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Arctic
Overnight in a tent on the mountain
DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction in altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will be driven to the hotel and later after refreshing presented with your commemorative certificates. *All fees are quoted in US $ but payable in Rands at the rate of the payment date.
Altitude: 3090m to 1650m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 10Km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Rain Forest
Overnight in a tent on the mountain
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
Expedition ends.
Cost breakdown & Essential Info
INCLUDED IN THE COSTS
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
- All Park fees
- National Park approved guides and porters
- 18% VAT
- Accommodation on the mountain (Three-man Mountain tents used for two people only on all routes except for Marangu Route as accommodation is in huts.) Stools, a mass tent and hot water for washing are provided on the mountain.
- Meals on the mountain
- Transport from Hotel to the Starting point of the mountain and return to Hotel
- 2 Ways airport transfer from JRO to the hotel in Moshi
- Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport
EXCLUDED IN THE COSTS
- Tips to driver, porters and guide
- Visas
- Insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Climbing gear – sleeping bags, shoes etc.
- International flights
- Training hikes
- Lunch and dinners at the hotel
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should have a minimum of one (1) blank visa page for entry and exit stamps.
CASH & CREDIT CARDS
We recommend travelling with some cash, and at least two different major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Access to ATM machines is available in cities close to the mountain or safari but limited to none in rural areas. Contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as confirm any foreign transaction fees.
When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations; wrinkled or torn bills are not accepted. Only exchange currency at authorized outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may be required for exit.
PHYSICAL CONDITION & EXPERIENCE
Please note you will need a Yellow Fever Inoculation; this is a must if you are coming from second and third world countries. Also, if you have had any previous history of Liver Disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must.
BOOKING
Booking confirmation must be done 120 days before the start of the expedition or adventure. A non-refundable 50% advance payment must be made after signing the Service Agreement. Clients must provide a Medical Report signed by a physician stating otherwise healthy and fit. Medical with rescue insurance is mandatory for all participants.
FOOD
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the certain area. We will take meals (breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) in lodges and teahouses along the trail or cook in the tents where applicable. We are able to accommodate most dietary requirements but please inform us in advance.
THE TEAM
We believe in delivering highest standard of client care before and after the completion of trip. A team of dedicated and experienced Guide & Sherpas will provide support during the trek and for the summit climb as well.
All guests will be given an opportunity to provide feedback.