Every mountain is matchless from each other, and this makes it important to be well informed before deciding which one to climb. In Tanzania, most climbers like to climb Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Day 1 – Arrive at JRO/ Arusha
After arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport/ Arusha Airport, we take you to the lodge for lunch and overnight stay. We will gather in the evening for a pre–climbing briefing and climbing equipment check. We will also confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance as well.
Day 2 – Shira One Campsite
After breakfast, we take a ride to Londorossi National Park Gate in order to complete the necessary registration formalities before we drive a short distance to Shira Gate (9,200 ft) where we begin our trek. It takes about 4–5 hours climbing steadily through shrub forests and stands of giant heather to reach the rim of Shira Plateau (11,000 ft). The views across the surrounding plains open up as we approach our first camp, Dinner and overnight at Shira one Camp (11,600 ft).
Day 3 – Shira Two Campsite
Today is an easy day to help acclimatization and to explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We take about 4–5 hours to walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (12,300 ft), a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mount Meru as she floats among the clouds.
Day 4 – Moir Hut
The morning walk is a steady climbing away from the moorland of Shira Plateau to reach the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills, with expansive views in all directions. This takes about 5–6 hours. After having lunch in our camp close to Moir Hut (13,800 ft), there is the option of a more strenuous afternoon walking to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (15,400 ft). We can explore the area beneath the Northern Ice fields, a remote place rarely visited by tourists with unusual views of Kibo Peak. Few visitors get to this remote corner of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 5 – Lava Tower
Let us enjoy a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at our campsite based at Lava Tower (14,900 ft), there is a steep but spectacular afternoon hike on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach of Mount Kilimanjaro. This afternoon excursion is highly recommended, especially for acclimatization purposes and for the superb views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach. The walk takes about 5–6 hours.
Day 6 – Barranco Hut
A steep descent into the bottom of Barranco Valley (12,800 ft) leads us to the famed Barranco Wall and its steep climb. At the top, the undulating trail crosses the flanks of Kibo Peak with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. The terrain is volcanic scree with pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows and a powerful sense of the mountain wilderness. Our next campsite will be Karanga Campsite (13,100 ft), the last water point on the approach to Mount Kilimanjaro Summit. This hike It takes about 5–7 hours .
Day 7 – Barafu Hut
After morning breakfast, we all follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views but that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. The hike to the hut takes about 4–5 hours . There is a short acclimatization hike to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,700 ft). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.
Day 8 – Kilimanjaro Summit – Mweka Camp
We will start our ascent by torchlight about 1:00am so that 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 (18,800 ft), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
For those who are still feeling strong can do the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu Hut is surprisingly fast and after some refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final camp, Mweka Camp (12,500 ft). The trek takes about 11–15 hours
Day 9 – Mweka Gate and the Drive Back to Arusha town
After breakfast, proceed with a sustained descent on a well constructed path through a lovely tropical forest alive, with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to Mweka National Park Gate (5,400 ft) and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka Village, where you will be transferred back to Arusha town. The walk takes about 5 –6 hours. Stay overnight at Planet Lodge, Arusha or similar Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
Day 10 – Departure Transfer
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid-day, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up from Mweka gate and transfered back to your hotel for a well deserved shower!
Price Includes:
- Meals and greet service
- Airport pick up
- Mountain guide and porters,
- Emergency evacuation insurance,
- All park fees
- Camping fees/Hut fees and rescue fees
- All pre and post climb accommodation as mentioned from the itinerary,
Price Excludes:
- All things of personal nature
- Tips and gratitudes for Driver Guide and Safari Cook
- Visas
- flights
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurances
