Country: | Tanzania |
City: | Kilimanjaro |
Duration: | 7 Day(s) - 6 Night(s) |
Tour Category: | Hiking Tours |
Preparation Day
Location: Arusha Accommodation: Hotel not included
Meal: not included
On this day before the beginning of your Kilimanjaro experience, your guide will do a briefing and a gear check. These essential steps will ensure security for all and significantly increase your chance of success. The guide will also review your previously completed and submitted medical form with you. Do not hesitate to inquire for further information. You will also be introduced to your trekking mates during the briefing.
Day 1
Machame Gate (1,790m/5,872’) –> Machame Camp (2,980m/9,776’)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Tropical Forest Altitude gain: 1,190m/3,904’
Accommodation: Machame Camp Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Today, after breakfast, we will drive from Arusha to Machame Gate where you join the climbing crew and start climbing. Your Trip Leader will tell you exactly what to expect each day for weather, the nature of the trail, and the wildlife you will encounter. Please ask any question about any special features that might interest you.
Machame Camp
Machame camp is surrounded by small trees overgrown with lichen. Our porters will set up tents and prepare tea. Already the sun fades, the cold sets in, it's time to dress warmly and prepare the headlamps.
Day 2
Machame Camp (2,980m/9,776’) –> Shira (3,720m/12,205’)
Distance: 7 km/4 miles Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Prairies & bushes Altitude gain: + 740m/2,429’
Accommodation: Shira Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is an gently-paced acclimatization day. You will continue our hiking through streams, a river gorge and moorlands. Camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with expansive view of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the large scenecios and lobelias that grow at this elevation.
Shira Camp
This camp offers a great view of Kibo Peak. This location displays vast prairies and bushes. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals. The next morning, you can not miss the presence of buffalos, or elands.
Day 3
Shira (3,720m/12,205’) –> Lava Tower (4,650m/15,257’) –> Barranco (3,950m/12,960’)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 930m/3,052’
Altitude loss: - 700m/2,297’
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Today, you will hike to an elevation of 15,000ft before descending to our camp. You will pass by Lava Tower, which you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will be your first introduction to alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.
Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru, the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views, the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.
Day 4
Barranco (3,870m/12,700’) –> Karanga (3,995m/13,107’)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 400m/1,312’
Accommodation: Karanga Camp Altitude loss: - 355m/1,165’
As the slope is steep, you gain altitude rapidly, giving a wonderful view of the area. Once at the top of the trail, Heim glacier is overhanging. After a quick break, you start to descend in a desert landscape as far as Karanga Valley. Then the vegetation is back again, offering a stunning contrast. You rapidly reach the bottom of the valley where runs what will be our last source of water until Kibo, the top of Kilimanjaro. Here lies the difficult part of the day, a steep rocky wall that you climb in laces. Twenty minutes later we reach Karanga camp... in the clouds.
Karanga Camp
Karanga camp is located below Heim, Kersten & Decken glaciers.
Day 5
Karanga (3,995m/13,107’) –> Barafu (4,605m/15,109’)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 655m/2,149’
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Today you will climb a rock wall, not too steep, but challenging for some people. Our trip leader makes this safe and accessible for everyone. You will be able to see the breathtaking Hiem Glacier. You continue hiking through rolling hills as you gradually approach Barafu. After an early dinner, we will rest. We overnight at Barafu Camp.
Barafu Camp
We will spend the night at Barafu camp, after a dinner cooked by our chef on site.
Day 6
Barafu (4,605m/15,109’) –> Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341’) –> Mweka (3,068m/10,066’)
Distance: 20 km/12 miles Time: 14 hours
Habitat: Moon desert, Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 1,290m/4,232’
& Tropical forest Altitude loss: - 2,827m/9,275’
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
At midnight, you will begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the peak at dawn, you will have time to celebrate and take photos. After that, you will take approximately three hours to hike down to a short stop for lunch at Barafu camp. After lunch, you will proceed to Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration!
Mweka Camp
You shall spend your last night on the conquered volcano, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 9,000’ (almost 3,000m) lower than the summit reached. It will be time to celebrate your victory with great satisfaction!
Day 7
Mweka Camp (3,068m/10,066’) –> Mweka Gate (1,650m/5,514’) -> Arusha
Distance: 16 km/10 miles Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Tropical forest Altitude loss: - 1,418m/4,552’
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is our last hike. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your picnic lunch. You will drive to Arusha for a well-deserved hot shower and an early dinner. For those of you who will return home now, we will say goodbye. For those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you on a safari to some of Tanzania’s amazing national parks or for a relaxing holiday on the ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar!
What is INCLUDED
All government taxes relevant to the itinerary
Backup logistical support from EAV safari team
Camping gear as described
Filtered water as much as needed
Food as described
Guiding fees
Park fees
Team or porters
Trained English speaking driver and/or guide
Transport as described
What is NOT included
Alterations/customizing to this itinerary
Airport taxes
Alcohol and other beverages at hotels/lodges
Excess baggage charges
Hospital bills
Hotel accommodation (unless otherwise specified)
Immunization
International insurance
International return air tickets
Items of personal nature
Laundry charges
Local/International evacuation (emergency)
Optional tips to trip leaders & crew
Sleeping bags and mattresses
Walking sticks/poles