Climb Kili 9 days

9 days—Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 9 days via Machame route

$2285-2285 USD

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Safari summary

This is a 9-day itinerary to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of fellow trekking enthusiasts from all over the world. You will ascend to the roof of Africa via the wild and preserved Machame route. The Machame route, also known as “the Whiskey Way”, is one of the most beautiful routes to climb Kilimanjaro because of the diversity of its landscape.

The landscape varies each day from thick forests, groundsel trees, volcanic canyons and on the last days through seracs and ice glaciers. This will be a slightly more challenging ascent as you will ascend to the roof of Africa at a faster pace than usual. You will ascend in a total of 6 days and you will get 2 free days. 1 day before the climb to rest from your flight, prepare, bag check and meeting the group and 1 day after the climb to rest, recover, explore Arusha or simply relax at your hotel.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Itinerary

Day 1

Kilimanjaro

DAY 1: KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to ARUSHA CITY Upon arrival to JRO Kilimanjaro International airport, you will be picked up and transferred to a lodge where you will rest from your flight and prepare physically and mentally for your adventure which will begin on the next day. On this day, our guide will do a briefing during which a gear check shall be made. These essential steps will assure security for all, and increase significantly the level of success. The previously completed and submitted medical form shall be reviewed together. Do not hesitate to inquire for further information. You shall be introduced as well to your trekking mates during the briefing. You will have the rest of the day off to relax and take off the jet lag. You may enjoy your time by the poolside or just take a short walk around the gardens. If you wish to go into town for some shopping or just a visit we will be happy to arrange for transport and a guide but please note this is at an extra fee. Kindly consult with your guide for these options.

Day 2

Arusha

DAY 2: ARUSHA CITY to KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK to MACHAME CAMP Today after breakfast we will drive from Arusha to Machame Gate where you sign in and get a permit to start climbing. We join the climbing crew here and together we start climbing. Your guide will tell exactly what to expect each day: weather-wise, the nature of the trail and the wildlife that you will grow to know so well. Do not hesitate to ask your guide while you are hiking to point out any special features that might interest you. You will spend the night at Machame Camp

Day 3

Kilimanjaro

DAY 3: MACHAME CAMP to SHIRA CAMP Today is a medium paced acclimatization day. We will continue our hiking through streams, a river gorge, and moorlands. Shira Camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with an expansive view of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the scenecio and lobelia plants that grow at this elevation. We will spend the night at Shira Camp where you will have a breathtaking view of the Kibo Peak which you will be conquered in a few days. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals.

Day 4

Kilimanjaro

DAY 4: SHIRA CAMP - LAVA TOWER - BARRANCO CAMP Today, we will hike to an elevation of 15,000 feet before descending to our camp. This tendency is known as “climb up and sleep low” and it is good for acclimatization. We will pass by Lava Tower; you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will be your first introduction to the alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. Barranco Camp, where we will spend the night, is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru, the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views, the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.

Day 5

Kilimanjaro

DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP - KARANGA CAMP Elevation: Barranco (3,870m/12,700’) –> Karanga (3,995m/13,107’) Today we will be trekking on a steep slope, so we will do so slowly while enjoying a wonderful view of the area. The landscape is beautiful and you will really enjoy the trail throughout the 2 hours hike. After about 2-3hours of walking, you will take a break where you can view the Heim glacier overhanging. After a quick break we start to descend in a desert landscape as far as Karanga valley where the vegetation is alpine dessert offering a stunning contrast. We will rapidly reach the bottom of the valley where runs what will be our last source of water until Kibo, the top of Kilimanjaro. Here lies the last difficulty of the day, a steep rocky wall that we climb in laces. Twenty minutes later we reach Karanga camp... up above in the clouds. We will spend the night at Karanga camp located below Heim, Kersten & Decken glaciers, a superb place with a breathtaking view.

Day 6

DAY 6 : KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP Elevation: Karanga (3,995m/13,107’) –> Barafu (4,605m/15,109’) Today, we will hike to elevation of 15,000 feet before descending to our camp. We will pass by Lava Tower; you will have the opportunity to do some technical climbing. This area will be your first introduction to alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. We will spend the night at Barafu camp, after a delicious dinner cooked on site by our most renowned chef.

Day 7

Kilimanjaro

DAY 7 : BARAFU CAMP - UHURU PEAK - MWEKA CAMP At midnight you will begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. You are going to complete some serious achievements and goals. Hiking from six to eight hours from the camp will bring your life into perspective, and when you stand on the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world; the feeling is just purest for of achievement. The weather will tell how long you are going to spend on the top of Africa for taking pictures and rolling up your trip. From the summit will take approximately three hours hike and have a short stop for lunch around Barafu camp. Later, to proceed and make to Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration! You shall spend your last night on the conquered volcano, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 9,000’ (almost 3,000m) lower than the summit reached. It will be time to celebrate your victory with great satisfaction!

Day 8

Arusha

DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE - ARUSHA CITY Today is our last hike. The hike is steep in places and may be slippery if it is a wet day. Please use trekking poles. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your picnic lunch. We will drive to Arusha for a hot shower and an early dinner. For those of you who will return home, we shall say Goodbye.

Day 9

Arusha

DAY 9: ARUSHA CITY – JRO Airport Today you will rest and heal your blisters and fatigue. You can enjoy your time at a designated lodge or you can choose to go and explore Arusha city or you want to rest and prepare for your flight back home. Our driver will drive you to the airport to catch your flight back home. For those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you in some of the most amazing national parks or would you like a relaxing time on the spice island of Zanzibar, we could also arrange for that.

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