Overview
Mt Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world at 19,341 feet over the Tanzania plains. Hiking MT Kilimanjaro is not just for hardcore backpackers and experienced mountaineers, experts agree that anyone who is in average physical shape can climb Kilimanjaro, the best time to climb MT Kilimanjaro is during the dry season (January, February, July, August, September, October are the best months )the weather on the mountain varies widely depending on the elevation and season. There are six major routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, well maintained and each route has different pros and cons. This package is based on the Machame route which leads you through the magnificent forests before traversing a ridge leading through moorland to the Shira plateau.
NOTE: Travel insurance is required for this tour, please make sure you are adequately covered.
Safari highlights
- Discover the high-alpine deserts
- The southern ice fields
- the amazing views of Uhuru peak
- Trekking
Day 1:
Machame gate - Machame camp (5-7 hours)
After breakfast we drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro national park gate which takes about an hour, on arrival we leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail to Machame camp a distance of 11km, Elevation 5,400ft to 9400ft, lower down the trails can be slippery and muddy.
Day 2:
Machame camp - Shira camp (6-8 hours)
After breakfast we leave the rainforest on ascending path crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather, the route now turns west onto a river gorge the distance of 5km, Elevation at 9400ft to 12500ft. dinner and overnight at Shira camp.
Day 3:
Shira Camp - Lava tower to Barranco camp (6-8 hours)
After breakfast we embark on our journey from Shira plateau, to the east passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo, the direction changes to the southeast towards the lava tower (known as the Sharks Tooth) then we come to the second junction which brings us up to the arrow glacier at an altitude of 16000ft then continue down to the Barranco Hut for dinner and overnight covering a 10km distance. As we prepare for the summit day.
Day 4:
Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp (4-5 hours)
After breakfast we leave Barranco to continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall to Karanga valley campsite a distance of 5km, this is a short day meant for acclimatization.
Day 5:
Karanga camp - Barafu camp 4-5 hour
After breakfast we depart for Barafu through the junction which connects with the Mweka trail completing the south circuit at the Barafu hut that offers incredible views of the summit, a distance of 4km and elevation 13100ft to 15300 ft., spend the night here preparing for the day of the summit .the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are seen on this position.
Day 6:
Barafu camp - Summit - Mweka Hut (7-8 hours ascend/4-6 hours descend).
Very early in the morning (midnight), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, heading northwest direction and ascend towards Stella Point
On the crater rim, you may encounter snow on the way to the summit this is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella point 18600 ft. you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
We now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7:
Mweka Camp - Moshi (3-4 hours).
Elevation ft.; 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance; 10 km
Habitat; Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate where you will be awarded a certificate. At lower elevation, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village where you will meet with your drive to take you back to the hotel in Moshi.
Included
- All Transfers.
- Accommodation on full board.
- Transport in a safari tour with game viewing roof top.
- 3 meals a day while on safari.
- All game park entrance fees for clients, guide & vehicle.
- Services of a professional safari guide/ driver.
- Drinking Water
- Personalized private services.
Excluded
- International flights and taxes
- Passport & Visa applications & processing
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips and gratitude’s to drivers & guides.
- Personal laundry
- Alcoholic Drinks
Ready for an Exciting Adventure?
You’re welcome to inquire about our available safari options or customize your own unique experience. Start planning your tailor-made African adventure with us today.
