Itinerary

1. ARRIVE IN TANZANIA.

   • Stay at the Arusha Safari Lodge, which is a beautiful hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for the adventure.

   • Gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. Confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

   Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Bed, dinner and Breakfast-included.

2. MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME HUT (FULL BOARD)

   • Start from the Machame gate (1830m), walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level. 

   • Enjoy your first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo with your Africa trek guide if the evening clouds permit. 

   Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.

3. MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

   • Go on a short climb up a steep ridge with your Mountain guide to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a Picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

   Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m); 4-6 hours walking.

4. SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO VALLEY (FULL BOARD)

   • Today, walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch, the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.).

   • Descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.).

   Shira Camp to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.

5. BARRANCO CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP (FULL BOARD)

   • Take a steep climb up the eastern wall that leads you just below the Heim Glacier, where you may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. 

   • Then, take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. 

   • After a short break for a hot lunch, take a steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as you prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

   Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 7-9 hours walking.

6. BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

   • Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. Begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree that has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. 

   • Rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two hour round trip from here, along with the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, descend to Barafu is amazingly fast, and stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment.

   • Continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp.

   Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.

7. DESCENT – MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA (FULL BOARD)

   • Go on a gentle walk that will take you down through the rain forest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, drive back to Arusha Safari Lodge.

   Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.

   Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Bed, dinner and Breakfast-included.

8. DEPARTING DAY.

   • After saying bye to your team of guides, you need a private departure transfer, which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or anything else to be discussed with the guide.