Pick up from the airport and transfer to Arusha for briefing, dinner and overnight at the Arusha Serena Hotel & Spa.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival and Arusha Welcome
- Day 2: Trekking Through Lemosho Route
- Day 3: Exploring Shira Plateau
- Day 4: Journey to Barranco Camp
- Day 5: Trekking to Karanga Valley
- Day 6: Continuing to Barafu Camp
- Day 7: Summiting Uhuru Peak
- Day 8: Descending from Uhuru Peak
- Day 9: Return to Arusha
- Day 10: Departure from Arusha
Itinerary
After registering at Londorosi Gate then drive to road head near Lemosho glades and start the trek through the rain forest to the Rain Forest camp (Big tree) {2440m/8000ft}. Our trek this day will be along a little used track known as chamber’s Route. In some places, the vegetation is so undisturbed by humans that it grows right across the narrow track. Flora and fauna are richer here than on other more popular routes through the rain forest (3-4hrs walking).
A full day’s trek with a height gain over 600mts/2000ft, taking us to a lunch stop at Shira Camp, a beautiful valley just outside the Shira crater at around 3050mts/10000ft. After lunch we cross in to the Shira caldera a high attitude desert plateau rarely visited by man. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with lava flow from Kibo, and its rim is eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic action. We camp at Shira one.
From the Shira plateau, we continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, Called the” Shark’s Tooth”. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
After breakfast, we leave the Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley (4200m) campsite.
After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,600 meters. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Early morning, we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters. This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka camp site at 3,100 meters. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut—The only place on this route.
Early morning, we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters. This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down Mweka campsite at 3,100 meters. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at Mweka Hut- the only place on this route.
Walk down across the rain forest to Mweka Gate for picnic lunch (or have lunch later at the lodge) and presentation of certificates and photos. After the presentation, we drive to our base lodge/hotel in Arusha for a welcome hot shower, Dinner and overnight. (2,1/2-3 hours walk.
After breakfast, day free and evening transfer to the Airport for your overseas flight.
What Included in a Trip
- Rescue fees
- Drinking water
- Camping fees
- All Park entry fees
- Tents/sleeping pads
- All meals during the climb
- Transfer to/from the gate
- Team of porters, cooks, and guides
- Pickup/drop-off at Kilimanjaro airport
- Two nights’ accommodation at a Hotel in Arusha. One upon arrival and one night after the climb
What Excluded in a Trip
- International airfare
- Visa entry to Tanzania
- Personal travel insurance
- Any activities in Zanzibar
- Gratuities to drivers/guide and camps/lodges staff (we will provide more info on this)
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- Transfers from and to the Airports
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- Half board accommodation at the hotel (for clients’ flexibility if they choose to dine out)