Climb Overview | Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, a journey that promises not just a summit triumph but an immersive experience in Tanzania’s natural wonders. Our expert-guided trek begins at the iconic Machame Gate, winding through diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. As you ascend, be prepared for awe-inspiring views of glaciers and vast plains. Our carefully crafted itinerary allows for acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Detailed Itinerary This itinerary is a general guide; actual trekking times and camps may vary. Adequate acclimatization is crucial, and the itinerary allows for gradual altitude gain. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and a dedicated team, you’ll not only conquer Kilimanjaro but forge lasting memories against the breathtaking backdrop of this majestic mountain. Join us for a transformative adventure that goes beyond the summit—a true exploration of self and nature. Day 01 | Arrival Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where our operations Manager or our Kilimanjaro climbing experts will meet you outside the arrival hall and usher you into a waiting transfer car that is private for you. You will be transferred to a hotel in Moshi in the base town for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, where you will check in. Overnight at Chanya Lodge. Dinner and Breakfast. Day 02 | Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m) Hiking time: 7 hours Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers Habitat: Montane Forest After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi town (1400m) and driven to Machame gate. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. Day 03 | Machame Camp (2980m) – Shira Camp (3840m) Hiking time: 6 hours Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers Habitat: Moorland After an early morning breakfast, you will start your ascent leaving the rainforest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. You will cross many streams and walk over a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau that leads to Shira Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp. MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast ACCOMMODATION: Shira Camp Day 04 | Shira (at 3840m) – Barranco camp (at 3950m) Hiking time: 7 hours Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers Habitat: Semi-desert Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi-desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects of the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath. After lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sun setting MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast ACCOMMODATION: Barranco Camp Day 05 | Barranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (3950m) Hiking time: 4-5 hours Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres Habitat: Alpine desert After an early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. This is an ideal hiking day for acclimatization. MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast ACCOMMODATION: Karanga Camp Day 06 | Karanga Camp (3959m) – Barafu Hut (4600m) Hiking time: 2-3 hours Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers Habitat: Alpine desert The following breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp (3959m). The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00! MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast ACCOMMODATION: Barafu Camp Day 07 | Barafu camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m) Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka Distance: Approximately 7 kilometre ascent and 23 kilometre descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent
