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Home7-day Scenic Trek To Peak Kibo - Africa's Highest Point From Arusha
Description
Climb to Africa's highest mountain via the picturesque Machame Route, often called the Whiskey Route. Start from Machame Gate and continue to the beautiful Baranco valley with a night-halt at Shira Camp. Observe the native wildlife en route, admire the beauty of Mawenzi peak, and soak in the glorious sunrise from Stella Point before reaching the top.
Highlights
- Enjoy a gentle climb through the original montane forest, lush with unique flora
- Observe local wildlife like elands or the occasional lion
- An optional half-hour walk to view fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera
- Appreciate the beauty of western glaciers during the ascent to peak Kibo
- Enjoy fantastic views of the Mawenzi peak
- Bask in the beautiful sunrise visible from Stella Point
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Arrive in Arusha expand_more
- Arrive in Arusha and check into Ilboru Safari Lodge.
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Day 2: Drive to Machame Route gate expand_more
- From Arusha, drive to the Machame Route gate, also called the 'Whiskey Route.'
- The Machame Park gate is a gentle climb through the original montane forest, carpeted in unique busy-Lizzie flowers, begonias, and ferns.
- Camp among the giant heathers at 3000 m.
Ascent of 1200 m with 5-6 hours of walking.
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Day 3: Machame Gate to Shira Camp expand_more
- Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3840 m.
- Herds of eland (and the occasional lion) could be spotted up here.
- The old volcanic caldera has fascinating geological features that can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon.
Ascent of 840 m with 4 to 5 hours walking.
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Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Valley expand_more
- Climb towards the main peak Kibo from the Shira camp, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders.
- Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for a mid-way camp at 3950 m.
- Having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists in acclimatization.
Total of 6 to 7 hours of walking with an ascent of 110 m.
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Day 5: Barranco Valley to Barafu Hut expand_more
- Climb up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of easy scrambling.
- Drop down again to the Karanga Valley, where you take a break for lunch.
- Hike on to Barafu Hut at 4600 m.
- Enjoy the fantastic views across the camp to the Mawenzi peak.
- Get adequate relaxation in preparation for the challenging summit hike early the following morning.
Total of 7 to 8 hours of hiking with an ascend of 650 m.
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Day 6: Barafu Hut to Kibo Point expand_more
- We start climbing the steep frozen scree at 1 AM. This is unavoidable on any route, but we aim to go past Gilman’s Point to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for the sunrise.
- Another 40 minutes, and you are at the highest point on the continent (Kibo - 5900 m).
- Return through the Mweka descent route.
Ascent of 1300 m with about 7 hours trek to the summit.
2600 m descent with 6 to 7 hours trek to the Mweka campsite (3400 m) above Mweka gate.
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Day 7: Kibo Point to Mweka campsite expand_more
- The Mweka campsite is a 4 to 5 hours descent through the forest to the Mweka gate (depending on individual fitness).
- Collect your certificates and return to Moshi for the night.
What's Included
All transport by private vehicle, to and from the mountain
Accommodation as detailed on the itinerary
Services of a private Tanzanian mountain guide
Cook
Porters
National Park entrance
Camping fees
All food and catering equipment – breakfasts, lunches (packed when necessary) and evening meals prepared by our own cook
Special dietary requirements are catered for with prior arrangements at no extra cost
Certificate of Achievement /appreciation from us
Free storage of excess baggage is not required on the mountain hike
Crisis management apparatus – VHF 2-way radio, basic first aid kit and an on-call vehicle
What's Excluded
Drinks at the lodge in Arusha
Sleeping bag
Tips
Know before you go
- Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of any African safari. We are often asked for tipping guidelines, and we recommend $15-20 USD for your guide, $10-15 for your assistant guide, chef and porters per person per day. It is one of the most direct ways to have a positive economic impact on the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry.
Meeting Point
Arusha, Tanzania
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.Price Details
| Adult | |
| 1 To 4 | USD 1700 Per Person |
This is a private tour | |