Many people list Kilimanjaro as a lifelong dream adventure. This itinerary allows you the time to see all of Kilimanjaro’s main areas and with a 7 day ascent it also allows you a great chance of successfully making it to the roof of Africa! A great route.’
Description
This is a 7 day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Machame gate, ascending through afro montane forest and then into the heath zone and on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira volcano. The route then circumnavigates the main peak, Kibo, anticlockwise on route passing some spectacular features such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The final ascent is from Barafu camp. It is a night time ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.
Highlights
Kilimanjaro: afro montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and aline desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!
Itinerary
Day 1 – ARRIVAL – LODGE
On arrival you are met by our drive guide and transferred to your evenings accommodation. In the late afternoon there is a briefing with our expedition manager and head guide to go over the itinerary in detail, check gear and answer any questions you may have. Dinner & overnight Lodge (dinner).
Day 2 KILIMANJARO – MACHAME
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you start of from Machame gate. Today’s hiking is through verdant afro montane forest to Machame camp and on route you have a picnic lunch. Look out for pretty endemic flora and a graduation of forest zones! Overnight Machame Camp (full board).
Day 3 KILIMANJARO – SHIRA
From Machame camp you hike to Shira Camp. The first section is relatively steep and altitude is gained rapidly. A picnic lunch is taken on trail today. The zone you pass through today is known as the heath zone where attractive helichrysum and lobelia plants become apparent. Various geologic features can be seen today from lava tubes to glacial valleys. Overnight Shira Camp (full board).
The view on the way at Shira junction to Lava towerDay 4 KILIMANJARO – BARRANCO
Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is in two days time – great acclimatisation day! Overnight Barranco Camp (full board).
Day 5 KILIMANJARO – KARANGA
From Barranco camp, famous for its’ giant ground sells (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga camp. Today is a relatively short day hiking and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. In the afternoon a walk can be taken with your guides for great views of the southern walls of Kibo and deep glacial valleys. Overnight Karanga Camp (full board).
Day 6 KILIMANJARO- BARAFU
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight Barafu Camp (full board).
Day 7 KILIMANJARO – SUMMIT / MWEKA
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a realtively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp before dusk. Overnight Mweka Camp (full board).
Day 8 – ARUSHA
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transfer back to your lodge for a well deserved shower! Overnight Lodge (breakfast – lunch – dinner).
Day 9 – DEPART
After breakfast you are transferred onto onward connections. Note if you want to spend the day at rest please request a day room (extra charge).
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