Mount Kilimanjaro Trip

Safari summary

Mount Kilimanjaro is the true definition of beauty. Its a dormant volcanic mountain with three volcanic cones Mawenzi, Kibo, and Shira. Its one of the seven summits and also turns out to be the highest freestanding mountain in the whole world. The climbing experience is quite physical, tiresome and risky but the feeling of hiking till the Uhuru Peak is accomplishment you will always be proud of hence and definitely worth every effort of your endeavors.

Day 1:Arusha to Machame Gate
We will take a one hour drive from Arusha/ Moshi to Machame gate where we will complete park formalities, meet our crew of potters and begin our climb. During the first section of the route we will climb steadily and pass through magnificent, dense rain forests. However this path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and is often wet and muddily under foot.
Distance covered: 10.8 km/6.7mi
Approximate time taken: 6 hours.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Our journey proceeds further into the forest until we arrive at the point where we need to climb up the steep ascent onto the Shira plateau. Once we make it there we would be able to witness the awe-inspiring views of the mountain which will make the effort worth it. If you look back you will be able to see a majestic Mount Meru towering above Arusha town in the distance.
Distance Covered 5.4km/3.4mi
Approximate time taken 5hours.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Baranko Camp
As we walk across the high moorland, the landscape transforms the entire character of our trek. We make our way along the Southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing beneath the lava tower and final section of the Western Breach, until we finally reach our campsite. Throughout the day we have been at the high altitude of up to 4600 meters, but we've followed the mountaineering code of walk high, sleep low in order to help our bodies adjust to the altitude.
Distance Covered 10.8km/6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 8hrs.

Day 4: Baranko Camp to Karanga Camp
Our day begins with descending into the great Barranco, a massive ravine. We then ascend steeply up to the great Barranco Wall which separate us from the Southeastern slopes of Kibo. Its not a technical climb but its long and exhausting. We pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers as we head toward the Karanga Valley. From there we have a steep climb up to our nights camp at Karanga situated at 3963meters. For those who are feeling strong, we will take a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to approximately 4200meters before descending back to the camp for the night.
Distance covered 5.5 km/3.4 mi
Approx. time taken: 5hrs.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After a comfortable night sleep and a hearty breakfast we embark our journey to Barafu Camp which is located at elevation of 4640 meters. The ascent we take us through barren scree slopes devoid of any vegetation, making it a challenging and steep walk, especially due to the high altitude. Upon reaching the campsite we replenish ourselves with food and spend the rest of the afternoon resting in preparation of the long journey ahead. It is crucial to stay hydrated and warm in this condition. We have an early dinner and then attempt to get some rest as we will be walking up between 11pm to 12 am and initiate our climb toward the summit.
Distance covered: 37 km
Time taken: 3 hours

Day 6: Barafu to Uhuru Peak then Millennium Camp
At around midnight we start our ascent to the summit glaciers by walking steeply upward. Although we will be climbing the scree for 4 to 5 hours, we will gain an incredible amount of height over a short distance. The views are breathtakingly spectacular. We should reach the crater at Stelle Point (5739meters) just at the rays of the sun heat us. Within the crater we will be surrounded by the spectacular ice cliffs and the views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak and beyond we will be simply breathtaking.
After another hour of walking we will reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We will then begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending to scree slope and trucking back to the Barafu Camp for breakfast. Finally we will head down to Millennium camp for a well earned rest after a long but a satisfying climb.
Distance Covered 13.4km/8.3mi
Approx. time taken: 12-15 hrs.

Day 7: Millenium camp to Mweka Gate
We will embark on a gentle trek that will lead us through the stunning rain forest and eventually to the Mweka Gate where we will complete the necessary park formalities. In recognition of your achievement, you will be awarded a certificate that you can proudly display. Afterwards return to our hotel in Moshi where a hot shower awaits to help you relax and rejuvenate after the trek.

Distance covered 12.1 km/ 7.5mi
Approximate time taken 6hrs

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Walking safari—with armed guard

What’s included?

• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• International flights
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas