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. Also, confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

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

2. SHIRA ONE CAMP (FULL BOARD)

   • After breakfast at the hotel in Arusha, drive approximately 2 hours through the rural countryside to the Londrossi Gate. 

   • For the necessary park registration formalities at the Londorossi National Park gate, drive a short distance on a steep track through farmland and plantations to the starting of Shira Route. 

   • Start your ascent along the shrub forests the trail that climbs steadily with wide views of the Kibo Icefield to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau with your Tanzania mountain guide.

   Londrossi Gate to Shira One Camp (3550 m): 4-5 hours walking.

3. SHIRA HUT (FULL BOARD)

   • Follow an easy path to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut. As this camp is quite exposed, it can be substantially colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.

   Shira Camp One to Shira Hut (3,840 m): 4-5 hours walking.

4. BARRANCO VALLEY (FULL BOARD)

   • Walk on a gentle ascent and take in panoramic views. 

   • Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. 

   • After a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m), descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.).

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

5. KARANGA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

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

   • Then get on the steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo.

   • Follow the trail that continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley.

   • Finally, do a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

   Barranco Valley to Karanga Camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.

6. BARAFU CAMP (FULL BOARD)

   • Take the Traverse Route that takes you up the Barafu Ridge.

   • Walk up quite slowly to the final camp before your last ascent day to the summit. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

   Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.

7. 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. 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 amazingly fast.

   • Stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment.

   • Continue with the descent to reach Mweka Camp.

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

8. MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA (FULL BOARD)

   • Go on a gentle walk that will take you down through the rainforest 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.

9. DEPARTure DAY.

   • After saying bye to your team of guides, then 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 any other option.