8 DAYS KILIMANJARO TZ

Safari Day 1: Arrival

Upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to a place of accommodation overnight.

Safari Day 2: From Moshi to National Park Gate

The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,800 m.) after a short walk through the attractive banana and coffee farms of Machame village. The path follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain and also the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained. We have lunch at ‘halfway clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and then continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather, close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame (3,000 m.). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo, if the evening clouds permit. (6-8 hours walking) Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Safari Day 3: Climb to Shira Plateau

A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. Here, there are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. It’s a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Cave (3,7200 m.) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. (4-6 hours walking) Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Safari Day 4: Climb to the Camp 3900m

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs, with extensive views of the plains far below. (5-7 hours walking) Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Safari Day 5: Climb to another Camp 4600m

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. Lunch is usually taken at Karanga , the last water point, in a steep valley. After lunch, the terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m.) by mid afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, before a very early night. (6-8 hours walking) Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Safari Day 6: Summit Day!

We start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six hours. We rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,100 m.) at the edge of Mweka Forest. (11-15 hours walking) Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.