You’ve dreamed of it most of your life, maybe since reading Hemingway’s “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” an adventure climbing a mountain like the enchanting Kilimanjaro. And now it can be yours with a team of expert guides and porters to meet your every need, from the luxury of the experience to your climbing safety.
One of the easiest mountains to climb for the non-climber. You don’t need to be a seasoned explorer or climber to enjoy this trip, and if you are, you can test your own limits to reach the peak. As you hike this trail teeming with wildlife and dense jungle, you’ll navigate five ecosystems, from thick forest and heather to alpine desert, as you push to the glorious summit.
Inclusions:
- Airport transfers by private vehicle
- 3 nights in Moshi
- Guided climb with expert guides and porters
- Camping accommodations with meals and park fees
- Insurance, equipment, transportation, and allowances of guide and porter
The itinerary is designed to ensure maximum success yet provide a challenge you’ll be proud to have met, with memories to last a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrive Moshi
Welcome to Moshi – the more quaint, laid-back of the small towns sitting at the base of the famed Mount Kilimanjaro! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative will provide transportation to your hotel.
Day 2: Moshi
Meet your trekking guide for a group briefing, pre-trip discussion, and comprehensive gear check.
Day 3: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Depart Moshi for Machame Gate to complete entry formalities. With flora and fauna heavier and richer here than on any other route through the thick rainforest, the Machame Route cuts through the underbrush that is so untouched it at times grows right across the narrow trail.
Day 4: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today is an easy-paced acclimatization day hiking over streams, a river gorge, and moorlands. Camp is located on the Shira Plateau, providing views of Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru.
Day 5: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
An important acclimatization day as you travel up to 15,000 feet then descend to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Although you end the day at almost the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu CampLeave Karanga and hit the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail, then continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), stop for a short rest and 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 one-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, descend down to the Mweka Hut campsite to enjoy dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Gate
Continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates.
Day 10: Departure
Departure for the airport for an international flight home.
International airfare and some other incidentals are not included; see trek agreement for details.
