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Detailed Itineraries
DAY 1 -- Shira Gate to Shira Camp
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3840m
Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 12,600ft
Distance: 18km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours.
We walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a
ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery.
Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue
a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp.
DAY 2 -- Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m
Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft
Distance: 15 km
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge,
passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we
continue, our direction changes to the South East towards
the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after
the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up
to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now
continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860
meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although
you end the day at the same elevation as when you started,
this day is very important for acclimatization and will help
your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 3 -- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep
ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley
campsite.
DAY 4 -- Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft
Distance: 13km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep
ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley
(lunch at 4200m), and the junction which connects with the
Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have
completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the
summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest,
enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks
of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 5 -- Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our
way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers.
You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through
heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is
the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the
trek. At Stella Point (5685m), you will stop for a short
rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise
you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella
Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour
ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the
highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of
Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it
will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will
want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit,
we now make our descent continuing straight down to the
Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will
want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going
down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or
rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the
mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 6 -- Mweka Camp to Arusha
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m
Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka
Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower
elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking
poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty
to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A
vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to
hotel in Arusha. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters
It is time for celebration!
Price Includes:
-All park entry fees.
-All camping/hut fees.
-Rescue fees.
-Guide and porters fees.
-Guide and porters salaries.
-Transport to and from the mountain gates.
-Meals 3 times daily.
-Cook and all kitchen utensils.
Price Excludes:
- International flights
- The first night on your arrival and last night after
safari (book with us)
- Airport transfers (book with us for 60$ per transfer)
- Hard and soft drinks and tips,
- and all Mountain Gears (we can arrange hire of this)
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