Itinerary

• Day 1

  Machame Gate to Machame Camp

  You will be picked up after breakfast and make your way to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate for the start of your climb. Once you have arrived your guide will get started with the formalities (entrance forms) while you observe all the different teams and mountain crew getting ready for their expedition. It’s always a fascinating experience for clients to watch them load all the different items for the trip. As soon as everything is prepared your adventure will begin. The destination for today will be the Machame Camp which you should reach in about 5 – 6 hours. On route you will experience a wonderful rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana & lichen to mention but a few. Another favorite to look out for on this day is the black and white thumbless colobus monkeys. Once you arrive at your campsite for the night you have time to relax before enjoying a well deserve dinner prepared by our own cook.

  • Distance: 11 km Hiking
  • Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

• Day 2

  Machame Camp to Shira Camp

  Although today is a shorter stretch then yesterday you will still have an early start which will allow you to reach today’s destination around mid-afternoon. The landscape changes dramatically from the green mountain rainforest into moor and heath land. You will have a beautiful view of the mountain range from your campsite which is situated at the Shira Plateau. The glacier of Kibo also lights up as the sun sets for the evening.

  • Distance: 11 km Hiking
  • Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

• Day 3

  Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  Today is a good day for the body to acclimatize for the days to follow. You will climb roughly 700 m but will sleep on a level not much higher than the night before. We will start at Shira Plateau and make our way up to Lava Tower at around 4640 m, after a rest we will continue through the Barranco Valley until we reach our destination for the day the beautiful Barranco Camp. Today’s trek will be approximately 6 – 7 hours, during which time you will experience the alpine desert as well as the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant senecio’s. You will sit down for a well-deserved dinner before it’s time to rest in preparation for the next day.

  • Distance: 10 km Hiking
  • Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

• Day 4

  Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu camp

  Just after breakfast we concur the famous Barranco Wall. You might need your hands once in a while for better grip, but with that being said, there are no climbing passages, and as safety is very important please listen to our guides who will ensure you get to the top safely. There will be a lot of ascents and descents today followed by a walk along the mountain ridge. This will reward you will a great view of the glacier of Kibo. Walking time today will be 3 – 4 hours with the Kibo summit all the time on your left accompanying you to your camp for the night.

  • Distance: 5 km Hiking
  • Time: 4 - 5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

• Day 5

  Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  Barafu Camp is our destination for today and will be reach after 3-4 hours. Most of this time you will be walking through the moon-like alpine dessert. After a satisfying dinner you will have an early night and a good rest. The highlight of your trip is now only some hours away.

  • Distance: 4 km Hiking
  • Time: 4 - 5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

• Day 6

  Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

  The climb will start at midnight. You will be woken up just before that to have some tea and biscuits. Around 5 – 7 hours later you will reach Stella Point which is the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. After another 1 – 2 hours you will reach Uhuru Peak at a height of 5895 m. This is truly a magnificent sight standing on top of Africa’s Highest Mountain watching the sunrise. This view will be one to remember and will make every minute of the last couple of days trekking worth your while. You will descent along the same way back to Barafu Camp which you will reach after 1 – 2 hours. The rest of the mountain team will be there waiting for you with some well deserve snacks and refreshments. You will rest for an hour or two before making your way to Mweka Camp where you will spend your last night on the mountain.

  • Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
  • Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
  • Habitat: Arctic
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

• Day 7

  Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

  After breakfast you will have a traditional farewell ceremony from all your mountain crew. After a short 2 – 3 hours walk through the rainforest our driver will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate. You will then be transferred back to your hotel for a well deserved shower, a cold drink, a debrief and the awarding of your certificate of achievement. The rest of the day is yours to relax and to reflect back on this once in a lifetime experience.

  • Distance: 10 km Hiking
  • Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Cost Info

FAQ

• Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where is Kilimanjaro?

  The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.

  • How high is it?

  Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.

  • What kind of experience do I need?

  None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.

  • What gear do I need?

  You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 liters of water and snacks. Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact us for advice.

  • Can I shower?

  There are no bathrooms on Kili. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you will use wipes. Toilets are simple, hole-in-the-ground types. Portable showers and toilets can be rented at some cost.

  • How long is the hike?

  There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five).

  • How much will it cost?

  Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.

  • What will I eat - I am a vegetarian?

  You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.

  • Where does the water come from?

  From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.

  • Do we sleep in hotels?

  No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from us.

  • What dangers are there on the mountain?

  You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.

  • Do we tip the hiking crew?

  Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.

  • How old should I be to make it to the top?

  No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents. We prefers our climbers to be 14 years and older when they attempt the summit. Climbers older than 70 years are required to show a medical certificate.

  • Will I make it to the top of Uhuru peak?

  A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear. You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatizing to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatize and pace yourself.

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