A Scenic and Rewarding Trek to the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
DAY 00: ARRIVAL DAY
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet a driver-guide and be driven to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay at the Tulia Hotel.www.tuliahotelandspa.com
DAY 01: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75k / 7mi | 5-6 hours | Rainforest
From Arusha, a 1-hour to 20-minute drive will take you through the village of Machame to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. We’ll patiently wait for our permits to be issued while observing the bustling activity as numerous crews prepare for their upcoming journey. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and windswept trails as your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower altitudes, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
DAY 02: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3km / 3mi | 4-5 hours | Landes
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue along an uphill path, traversing the valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The route now turns west over a river gorge until we reach Shira campsite. The temperatures are starting to drop.
DAY 03: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75km / 6mi | 5-6 hours | Semi-desert
Although you will end the day at the same altitude you started at, this day is crucial for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, we continue east along a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak before heading southeast towards the lava tower known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (4650 m). Shortly after the tower, we reach a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue our descent to spend the night at Barranco Camp.
DAY 04: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2 km / 3 mi | 3-4 hours | Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we continue along a steep ridge to the challenging Barranco wall, then down to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to witness the power, agility, and strength of your team as they effortlessly conquer this seemingly effortless wall. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
DAY 05: KARANGA HIKING CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3 km / 2 mi | 3-4 hours | Alpine Desert
We continue to Barafu Camp, and once there, you will have completed the southern circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest while we prepare for the night at the summit. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
DAY 06: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86 km / 3 mi | 5-7 hours | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5 km / 7.2 mi descent | 5-6 hours | Glaciers, snow-covered summit
Excitement builds as morning approaches, with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. We continue our journey towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the incredible sense of accomplishment that awaits us. We zigzag northwest and climb through large scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. You’ll be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers can see the sunrise from the summit. From there, on your final hour-long ascent to Uhuru Peak, you’re likely to encounter snow along the way. Congratulations! One step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! After photos, celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to savor this incredible achievement. We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative terrain of gravel and volcanic ash. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening in the mountains. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
DAY 07: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km / 6mi | 3-4h | Rainforest
After breakfast and a warm ceremony of appreciation and collaboration with your team, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue our descent to the Mweka National Park gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is considerably warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will be waiting for you in Mweka Village to take you back to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a hot shower, dinner, and some long-awaited celebrations! Dinner and overnight stay at the Tulia Hotel www.tuliahotelandspa.com
INCLUDED IN THE TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Hike on Kilimanjaro according to the itinerary
- Professional French-speaking guide
- Generous rations for the mountain crew (cook and porters)
- Accommodation before and after (2 nights)
- Airport transfer
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Drinking water and full board meals
- All national park and camping fees, crew permits, and VAT
EXCLUDED FROM THE TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or medical insurance is required, and you must obtain a recommendation.
- Gamow pack
- Medical supplies
- Tips for the porters and mountain crew
- Personal expenses for souvenirs, etc.
- Energy foods and drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages • Personal rental equipment such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.