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Day
One:
In the morning, road transfer from your Base Hotel to Marangu
gate.
The actual hike begins at the park gate (6,000') and we hike
5.5 miles up to Mandara Hut (8,860') near the upper edge of
the forest line. The hike takes about 3-5 hours. The path
is interesting, starting off through rain forest vegetation,
then opening up to giant heather. If time and weather permit,
a short walk from Mandara to Maundi Crater is worth it. Accommodation
here, as well as at Horombo, are in wooden A-frame huts that
sleep 4 to 8. Overnight Mandara Hut.
Day Two:
Today the destination is Horombo Hut at 12,200'. It takes
a good 5-6 hours to cover the 10-mile journey and we often
get our first views of the Kibo summit. The trail is strenuous
and slippery and takes us clear of the forests and out onto
the moorland. It passes beneath the rocky southern face of
Mawenzi-one of the three volcanoes that make up Kilimanjaro.
Rainfall in this region is frequent.
Day Three:
Another long hike, this time up to Kibo Hut at almost 15,500'.
Although somewhat shorter in distance, this usually takes
7 hours because it is steeper and the altitude slows everyone
down. The route passes directly up onto the Saddle, a wide,
flat area with the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi looming overhead.
Views from here can be fantastic. The last part of the trail
passes across the arid plateau before ascending to Kibo Hut.
Kibo Hut is a stone hut with rooms that sleep 10-15 people
in bunk beds. We have a light dinner, and turn in early for
any sleep if possible. The guides give a little pre-climb
talk after dinner.
Day Four:
We are awakened about midnight, and have tea and cookies.
The guides try to get everyone ready to climb as quickly as
possible, leaving between 1:00-1:30 a.m. Starting off, the
trail swings back and forth up a steep scree slope and the
climate is bitterly cold. The summit climb is an event you
will not forget, with the night sky full of stars and only
your breathing to help focus your mind. Most climbers arrive
at Gillman's Point, elevation 18,635 feet, in time to enjoy
sunrise around 6:30 a.m. The views from the top looking down
on the plains make it all worthwhile. Some climbers decide
that they have reached their goal and head down from here.
For the strong, the true summit is Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet)-an
additional 3 hours away round-trip. The descent from Gillman's
Point is fairly rapid, taking about 2 hours. Most climbers
take a short rest at Kibo Hut before descending to Horombo
Hut for the night, arriving late in the afternoon.
Day Five:
A long but easy 14-mile hike back to Marangu gate and park's
headquarters where you will be met and transferred to Arusha,
with drop-off at your base hotel.
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Day One:
In the morning, we depart from our base hotel at approximately
8:00 AM for the Machame village where you begin the trek.
From the park entrance gate (Machame), you will walk for about
two to three hours through a dense forest of fig and rubber
trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop
for picnic lunch will be made halfway to this evening's campsite.
As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical
forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You
will be walking on a ridge, to the left of which is the Semira
stream, and on the right, the Weru Weru. Depending on the
pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between
5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Your camp is set up near some old metal
huts, which were once used for shelter.
This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively
easy. There is no point in rushing to get to the camp, as
there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow
ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatisation. Do
not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bound
ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the rainforest.
Overnight: Machame Camp (10, 000 ft)
Day Two:
On this and subsequent mornings, wake-up call is at around
6:00 AM. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or
coffee, and weather permitting, by a fabulous view of Uhuru
peak. Today's trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah
of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will
encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape
of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams.
Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three
to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite
takes approximately six hours and you should arrive between
2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Most climbers tend to pace themselves,
walking slowly and resting about every half-hour.
Overnight: Shira Camp (12,500 ft)
Day Three:
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping
vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk
takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft), where
you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream, you
will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes
you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along the
way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams
coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe
River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the
night before. Today's trek lasts for about six hours and arrival
at camp is between 4:30PM and 5:30PM.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (13,000 ft)
Day Four:
This morning you begin your hike to Barafu Camp via Karanga
Camp, which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp.
You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and
spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes
of the mountain most of the way to camp. The climbing is not
considered difficult and you should arrive in time for lunch
(approximately 1:00PM) having trekked for about four hours.
In the afternoon you have to hike in the Karanga Valley where
giant senecios and lobelia grow; then continue with the scenic
climb to Barafu which is mostly on a moraine with a view of
Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead,
Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain
encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment
with few lichens and mosses. Climbers arrive at Barafu Camp
at around 3:30PM. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will
go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest
one. Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,200 ft)
Ascent to Summit (19,430 ft) / Descent
Day Five:
You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast,
start climbing at around 1:00 AM. It is at this stage that
the climb becomes much more difficult. Here, very few will
not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or another;
and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion
of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5°
Fahrenheit. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the
Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours
before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and
Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to
the summit. Uhuru stands at 19,340 feet and is the highest
point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge
of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet,
and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the
journey.
The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Kibo
Hut after about three hours (around 11:30 AM). Climbers will
be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments
before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving
into camp at around 5:00PM, you will have trekked a total
of thirteen hours today.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (10,200ft) Mweka to the Gate
Day Six:
On the final day of the journey, climbers descend from Mweka
camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately
4 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival
at the gate climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting
their success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and then get transferred
back to your base hotel.
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Day
One:
In the morning, we peak you from your base hotel and take
a drive across the Maasai Steppe to our trailhead at the Lemosho
gate at the foot of the Kilimanjaro. We start climbing through
the forest to our own private camp – a gentle walk of
a few hours to stretch our legs in anticipation of the long
climb ahead.
Overnight: Forest Camp 9000ft (FB)
Day Two:
After breakfast in the chattering forest, we start a slow
walk to aid acclimatisation through the forest and into the
Hagenia zone, where the vegetation begins to thin out as we
approach the Shira Plateau. Shira is one of the three craters
of the Kilimanjaro volcanic massif, the others being Mawenzi
and Kibo and from our camp we have great views of the Shira
needles.
Overnight: Shira Camp 11000 feet (FB)
Day Three:
After a spectacular sunrise that reveals the magnitude of
the distant snow-capped crater, we slowly climb into the alpine
heather zone, approaching the Kibo massif from the west, to
our private camp. Today is a shorter walk allowing for further
exploration of the lobelias, senecios and other endemic plants
on an acclimatising walk for those so inclined. Overnight:
Heather Camp 12,500 feet (FB)
Day Four:
As the vegetation slowly thins out, we approach the Alpine
Desert Zone, where few things survive except the toughest
of lichens and tussock grasses and the temperatures swing
between the searing heat of tropical Africa and the freezing
extremes of a 19000 ft mountain. We camp in the shelter of
the Lava Tower, an imposing monolith from Kilimanjaro’s
volcanic past.
Overnight: Lava Tower Camp 14,300 feet (FB)
Day Five:
In the early morning, we have sweeping views of Meru, Kibo
Massif and the Western Breach the imposing wall, which constitutes
our climb over the next two days. In order to aid acclimatisation,
we slow down the pace and walk a short distance to the base
of the breach where we make our camp at Arrow Glacier. The
afternoon is free for a short walk in the name of “walk
high, sleep low” philosophy of sound acclimatisation.
As the temperature drops we are treated to one of the finest
sunsets in Africa before we climb into our tents for sleep.
Overnight: Arrow Glacier Camp 15,500 feet (FB)
Day Six:
Another early start after a cold night and we face up to the
imposing western Breach that looms above us. We take the non-technical
ascent route climbing slowly for six hours, our path sometimes
covered in the famous snows of Kilimanjaro. As we reach the
top of the wall, we slowly traverse a crater before arriving
at our own special camp, far higher than any other on the
mountain. Here we rest up and prepare for the final push tomorrow.
Overnight Crater Camp 18,300 feet (FB)
Crater Camp – Summit (19,340 feet)
Day Seven:
Thanks to our careful acclimatisation and slow ascent to this
final camp, we are closer to the summit than any of the other
climbers and do not have a gruelling final day with only a
final two hour hike to the crater summit and a ten minute
final stretch to Uhuru Summit, the Roof Of Africa. Arriving
at the summit for sunrise, we are captivated by the sweeping
vistas in all directions, applauding the sheer magnitude of
our achievement before we start our descent. After a thrilling
scree run for two hours, we follow the Mweka descent path,
feeling the air thicken as we descend, as we reach Mweka Camp
after a tiring but rewarding seven hour trek and 9000ft. descent.
Here we celebrate our achievements amidst the thick forest
reliving one of the definitive moments of our life.
Overnight: Mweka camp 10,200 feet (FB)
Day Eight:
On the final day of the journey, climbers descend from Mweka
camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately
4 to 5 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon
arrival at the gate, climbers will be rewarded with certificates
attesting their success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Thereafter,
a road transfer to your base hotel.
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Day
One: After Breakfast at your Hotel, drive across
the Masai Steppe to the trailhead in the Lemosho Forest, continue
driving up to Morum Barrier Gate. We start walking to Shira
Camp in the chattering forest. Shira is one of the three craters
of the Kilimanjaro volcanic massif, the others being Mawenzi
and Kibo and from our camp we have great views of the Shira
needles.
Overnight: Shira Camp 1 at 11000 feet
Day Two: After a spectacular sunrise that
reveals the magnitude of the distant snow-capped crater, we
slowly climb into the alpine heather zone, approaching the
Kibo massif from the west, to our private camp. Today is a
shorter walk allowing for further exploration of the lobelias,
senecios and other endemic plants on an acclimatising walk
for those so inclined.
Overnight: Shira Camp 2 at 12,500 feet
Day Three:
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping
vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk
takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft), where
you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream, you
will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes
you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along the
way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams
coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe
River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the
night before. Today's trek lasts for about six hours and arrival
at camp is between 4:30PM and 5:30PM.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (13,000 ft)
Day Four:
This morning you begin your hike to Karanga Camp, which is
on the same altitude as Barranco Camp.
You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and
spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes
of the mountain most of the way to camp. The climbing is not
considered difficult and you should arrive in time for lunch
(approximately 1:00PM) having trekked for about four hours.
In the afternoon you have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga
Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow; however, you
are well advised to rest as much as you possibly can to prepare
you for the climb ahead.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,000 ft)
Day Five:
The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine with a view
of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead,
Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain
encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment
with few lichens and mosses. Lunch will be taken along the
way and climbers arrive at Barafu Camp at around 2:30PM. Climbers
who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this
night, as the next day is the longest one.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,200 ft)
Ascent to Summit (19,430 ft) / Descent
Day Six:
You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast,
start climbing at around 1:00 AM. It is at this stage that
the climb becomes much more difficult. Here, very few will
not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or another;
and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion
of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5°
Fahrenheit. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the
Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours
before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and
Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to
the summit. Uhuru stands at 19,340 feet and is the highest
point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge
of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet,
and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the
journey.
The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Kibo
Hut after about three hours (around 11:30 AM). Climbers will
be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments
before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving
into camp at around 4:00PM, you will have trekked a total
of sixteen hours today.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (10,200ft)
Day Seven: Mweka to the Gate
On the final day of the journey, climbers descend from Mweka
camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately
4 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival
at the gate, climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting
their success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro followed by a
road transfer to your Hotel.
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Day
One:
You will be picked from your base hotel and driven to the
Umbwe Road head at 1800m. The route initially follows a forestry
track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then
narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo
and Umbwe rivers. The first campsite is in the forest by some
rock overhangs at 2,940m, (5-6 hours walking).
Day Two:
Shortly after leaving the camp the forest ends and the path
continues along a narrow spectacular ridge. Above, the sheer
1000m of the Breach Wall appears and disappears as the afternoon
mists roll up the Great Barranco. From the Umbwe ridge the
route descends slightly to the Barranco Hut and our camp in
the valley floor at 3900m, (5-6 hours walking).
Day Three:
A short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then
a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4000m,
3 hours), beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken
Glaciers.
After climbing out of the Karanga Valley the trail ascends
a ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak location with little vegetation
at 4600m, (3 hours walking).
Day Four:
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater
between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last
section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an
ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further
hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine
views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to
the east. After a short time on the summit you descend to
the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down
to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the Mweka
route. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend
to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles
of the Eastern Icefields.
Day Five:
A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to
the Park gate and your waiting transport. Drive to your base
hotel.
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Day
One
After completing the necessary registration formalities at
Marangu National
Park gate, we transfer you by a Land Cruiser to Rongai. The
climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru
(1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize
and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts
to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest
that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful
Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a
long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white
tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is
at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive
views over the Kenyan plains.
[3-4 hours walking]
Dinner and Overnight – Rongai Campsite.
Day Two
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second
Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern
icefields on the crater rim. We then leave the main trail
and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards
the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
We then take a short but steep climb up grassy slopes and
we are rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense
of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching
the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated
in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
The remaining part of the afternoon will be free to rest or
explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.
[8-10 hours walking]
Dinner and Overnight – Cave 4 Campsite.
Day Three
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between
Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite (4,750 m.) at the
bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is
spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a
very early night!
[4-5 hours walking] Dinner and overnight – Kibo Campsite.
Day Four
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most
demanding, part of the climb by torch light around 1 a.m.
We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switch bank trail
through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s
Point (5 685 m.) We will rest there for a short time enjoy
the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still
feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru
Peak (5,896 m) passing close to the spectacular glaciers and
ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The
descent to Kibo ( 4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and after
some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final
campsite at Horombo (3,720 m).
[11-15 hours walking]
Dinner and Overnight – Horombo Campsite
Day Five
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara
Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route.
We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on
a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.).
You will find your vehicle waiting here. [5-6 hours walking)
Road Transfer to Arusha.
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DELUXE
HOTELS
- MOIVARO COFFEE LODGE
- KIA LODGE
- KIBO PALACE HOTEL
MID RANGE HOTELS
- S G HOTEL ARUSHA
- IMPALA HOTEL ARUSHA
- IMPALA HOTEL MOSHI
- AMEG LODGE MOSHI
BUDGET HOTELS
- SINKA COURT HOTEL ARUSHA
- NEW KEYS HOTEL MOSHI
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Mountain
Climbing Equipment recommended for each Climber. |
- Warm Hat
- Sun glasses
- Balaclava
- Suncream for your face
- Cotton head scarf
- warm/rain jacket
- warm/rain trouser
- Good quality trekking boots
- Gaiters
- Wool socks up to 6 pairs for trekking trips.
- Day pack which you will carry daily
- Head torch with batteries
- Adjustable trekking sticks.
- Sleeping bag of 10 degrees centigrade/50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cotton shirts, trousers, and walking shorts
- Undershirt and underwear
- Warm gloves
- Water purification tablets otherwise highly recommended
that you use bottled water.
- Altitude sickness medicine – but better consult
with your doctor just incase you are allergic to some medicine.
- Small Towel
- Your favorite Snacks/Energy food (few chocolates or energy
bars for each day on the climb) which are not bulky.
- Camera with films for memorable pictures
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