Details

6 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike

Standing majestically tall at 19,341 feet (5,895 m), Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the most beautiful summits in the world. It is an unforgettable experience to undertake the Mt Kilimanjaro hike and even more extraordinary to reach its peak. This trek is a challenge for many outdoor lovers but rewards you with unique scenic views found nowhere else. If you are looking for adventure on your next vacation, look no further than the extraordinary Mount Kilimanjaro summit.

Included:

• All Transfers to and from the airport and mountain gates
• Bed and breakfast Hotel accommodation before and after the trek
• Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping fees, including Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Professional Guides, Cook and Porters as a team support
• Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only
• Four-season, three-person mountain tents, double occupancy
• Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
• Portable private toilet, Mess tent, tables, chairs, and lanterns
• Fresh, nutritious meals and dirking water on the mountain

Excluded:

• Personal gear and equipment. (You can hire all the missing gear in Moshi.)
• Lunch and dinner while at the hotel
• Tips to your mountain crew

Itinerary

• Day 1: Machame Gate (1630m/5,380 ft) to Machame Camp (2833/9,350 ft)

  After breakfast, get ready for the one-hour drive from your hotel in Moshi to Machame Gate. On this stretch of the journey, you'll traverse through the traditional village of Machame, situated on the lower parts of Mount Kilimanjaro's slopes. On arrival at the Machame park gate—do registration and embark on a metamorphic windy trail hike through an ancient rainforest that leads you to Machame Camp, which leads up a portal set 2,833m in height above sea level (9,350ft).

  
  

  Day Highlights

  • Distance: 11 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

  
  

  Day 2: Machame Camp (2833m/9,350ft) to Shira Cave Camp (3788m/12,500 ft)

  After breakfast, embark on an ascending path inside the rainforest glades. This trail continues up a steep, rocky ridge, giving you an amazing view. On the Shira Plateau, it directs you over heather and open moorlands. Behold beautiful views as you walk through lush valleys culminating in a large river gorge. Finally, stop to rest at Shira Cave Camp, which sits 3,500 meters above sea level, prepared with some great experiences waiting for you!

  
  

  Day Highlights:

  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

  
  

  Day 3: Shira Cave Camp (3788m/12,500 ft) to Lava Tower (4605m/15,190 ft

  Start your morning with a fulfilling breakfast as you plan your journey east and up the ridge, the final destination being the breathtaking, 300 ft tall Lava Tower formation. A strange and captivating Senecio forest lies in your path behind. Explore this same forest while descending to Barranco's camp after lunch at a magnificent 13,044ft. Although you will begin and end the day at roughly the same altitude, all those precious moments spent basking in Lava Tower's glory were immensely valuable for forming needed acclimatization.

  Day Highlights

  • Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

  Day 4: Barranco Camp (3953m/13,044 ft) to Barafu Camp (4646m/15,331 ft)

  The day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco Wall's base. Start climbing the non-technical but steep, nearly 900-foot precipice from the base. The path descends sharply into Karanga Valley (Karanga River), the final water source, after traversing hills and valleys from the top of the Barranco Wall. After that, begin the ascent to Karanga Camp, continue to the junction where the Mweka Trail meets it, and ascend the rocky section until you reach Barafu Hut. You have now finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the summit from various viewpoints. After arriving at the camp, nap, eat a quick supper, and prepare for the summit. Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen in the distance when the weather is clear.

  Day Highlights

  • Distance: 9 km/5 miles
  • Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

  Day 5: Barafu Camp (4646m/15,331 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,341 ft)

  The most psychologically and physically taxing part of the trek, the push to the summit, starts in the wee hours. The trip will be made in windy, chilly conditions. Spend several hours ascending in the dark, pausing occasionally. At dawn, get to Stella Point (18,900 feet). Continue from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro's highest peak (Africa). Spend a brief period at the summit getting pictures before beginning the approximately 3-hour descent back to Barafu Camp. Arrive at Barafu Camp, nap, then get up to take a branch before descending to Mweka Camp for supper, cleaning, and sleeping.

  Day Highlights

  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

  Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100m/10,065 ft) to Mweka Gate (1630m/5,380 ft)

  After breakfast on the final day, continue the three-hour descent to Mweka Gate, where you can check out with the national park administration and pick up your summit certificates. At the Mweka gate, a car will be ready to take you back to Moshi hotel. You will be driven to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar, back home, or you can extend your trip for a wildlife safari, depending on the specifics of your flight.

  Day Highlights

  • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest