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There are several different routes to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, each uniquely different than the other.
Maasai Giraffe is happy to answer any questions or make suggestions that will help you choose the itinerary
that is best for you.
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Umbwe
8 Day Route
Maasai Giraffe takes pride in providing gourmet food and comfortable
camps throughout the climb, and porters will carry your equipment. All of these factors combine to maintain
our high success rate--98%. After the climb we descend to the comforts of the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge set
among the beautiful Coffee garden. |
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Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most
of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent
view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee
making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests
and are close to the reception and public areas.
Day 2: Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend
our clients to go to Arusha National Park, for a guarder walk by game rangers.
Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the National Park
with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for
dinner and overnight Day 3: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp 9,700ft 5 hours The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montaine Forest.
Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area
that gets reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife; small bushbuck &
duikers as well as monkeys. There is also rich and varied bird life. The first three
hours or so is on gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The
camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail. Day 4: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp 13,000ft 4 hours
Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant
heath. The trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the heath
land the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming knife edge with steep drops on each side.
As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern
flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away. Wildlife changes with the vegetation,
jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer seen circling overhead. The camp is
overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier. DAY 5--- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall,
to the Karanga Valley campsite. DAY 6 -- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views
here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their
way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it
very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time
to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board). DAY 7 -- Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
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 / 18,652 ft), 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. DAY 8 -- Mweka Camp to Arusha
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 the hotel. |
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Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms,
telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with
some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have
mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms
can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas. Day 2 Mandara Encampment |
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Transfer to the Park Headquarters at Marangu Gate for registration. From the gate,
you ascend a cleared ridge trail, formerly a vehicle track to Mandara Hut. The cleared
trail is the fastest way to Mandara, but opportunities to see wildlife or enjoy the
forest are limited due to the heavy foot traffic. An alternative is to ascend along
the parallel forest trail and descend on the main trail. The forest trail branches
off to the left, a few minutes after the gate, and follows the edge of a stream through
the undergrowth. About halfway (1 1/2 hrs from the gate) you can choose to cross the
stream and rejoin the main trail, or continue on the forest trail. Both trails continue
on opposite sides of the stream, merging about one hour before Mandara Hut. |
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Day 3 |
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From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest and skirts the base
of Maundi Crater, crosses a meadow and a wooded stream, then emerges into grassland. It
is well worth the short detour to scramble up to the rim of Maundi Crater for a superb
view of the mountain and its surroundings. The trail crosses numerous moor land ravines
before ending at Horombo Hut, which is set in a rocky valley with a fine stand of giant
senecios or groundsels. |
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Day 4 |
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Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar
to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers,
guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both
ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for
additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks
on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike
will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough
water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed
early and get a last good night's rest. |
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Day 5 |
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From Horombo Hut there are two trails to the Saddle. The right fork is very stony and
eroded and is the most direct route to the Saddle and Mawenzi. From the Saddle (about
2 hrs from Horombo), there are trails to Mawenzi Hut (1/2hr) or Mawenzi Tarn Hut (2
1/2 hrs) and across the length of the Saddle to Kibo Hut (3 hrs). The left fork from
Horombo Hut is an easier trail and emerges on the Saddle much closer to Kibo and about
one kilometer from Kibo Hut. |
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Day 6--SUMMIT ATTEMPT |
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You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night,
and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a
rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags
up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very
steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably
the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. |
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From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m),
the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather
conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking
photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather
all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for
your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the
ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for
a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and
beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with
memories and stirring emotions. |
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Day 7 |
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After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down
to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips
until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Marangu gate you sign
your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive
their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m)
are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive
gold certificates. You now drive back for a long over due hot shower, dinner and
celebrations!! Overnight in your hotel in arusha. |
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Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most
of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent
view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee
making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests
and are close to the reception and public areas.
DAY 2 -- Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National
Park, for a guarder walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking
in the National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for
dinner and overnight. DAY 3 -- Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The drive to the gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey passes through
the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. DAY 4 -- Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing
the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends.
The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite. DAY 5 -- Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an
altitude of 3860m / 12,664. 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 6 -- Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco
Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13, 779 ft), 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 7 -- Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
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 / 18,652 ft), 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. |
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DAY 8 -- Mweka Camp to Arusha
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). |
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Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them
have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of
both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities,
safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception
and public areas. DAY 2 -- Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park,
for a guarder walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the National
Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. DAY 3 -- Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The drive to the gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey passes through the village of Machame,
which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. |
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DAY 4 -- Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little
valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west
onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite. DAY 5 -- Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664. 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 6--- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga
Valley campsite. DAY 7 -- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be
spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain.
The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. As with the day before
you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide
briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board). DAY 8 -- Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
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 / 18,652 ft), 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. DAY 9 -- Mweka Camp to Arusha
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). |
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BACK TO TOP
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Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them
have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of
both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities,
safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception
and public areas. Day 2: Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park,
for a guarder walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the
National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight Day 3: Forest Camp
Depart Arusha at 7:30a.m. for Londorossi gate, about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to
the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, eat lunch, then commence
through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp--about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight at Forest Camp
(Mti Mkubwa Camp) Day 4: Shira 1 Camp
Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with
lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of
the plateau, a day of 5-6 hours trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. Day 5: Shira 2 Camp
Full day exploration of the Shira plateau; Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the
ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp (Fischers’s Camp),
at 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about
3 hours.
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m DAY 6: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue
down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664. There are many senecio and lobelia plants around the camp site
which make this camp site unique DAY 7--- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga
Valley campsite. DAY 8 -- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be
spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage
to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch
time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board). Day 9: Barafu / Summit
Rise early to watch the sunrise from the summit, which will take about 1.5 hours from Crater Camp. After
a short time at the summit, descend along the gently sloping crater rim to Stella Point (on the crater rim, at 19,000 feet
(5,790 mt.)), then descend the Mweka Route down a steep scree slope to Barafu Camp (15,100 ft. / 4,600 mt.) for lunch. In
the afternoon continue the descent into the Heather Zone to Mweka Camp for the night. Total trekking time is from 8-10 hours. Day 10: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
From the camp to the gate, you'll have 4 to 5 hours of walking. Upon your arrival at the gate you'll have
lunch and then will be transferred to Arusha.
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BACK TO TOP
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Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them
have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of
both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities,
safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception
and public areas. Day 2: Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park,
for a gaurded walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the
National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight Day 3: Forest Camp
Depart Arusha at 7:30a.m. for Londorossi gate, about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to
the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, eat lunch, then commence
through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp--about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight at Forest Camp
(Mti Mkubwa Camp) Day 4: Shira 1 Camp
Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with
lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of
the plateau, a day of 5-6 hours trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. Day 5: Shira 2 Camp
Full day exploration of the Shira plateau; Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the
ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp (Fischers’s Camp),
at 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about
3 hours.
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m DAY 6: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue
down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664. There are many senecio and lobelia plants around the camp site
which make this camp site unique DAY 7--- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga
Valley campsite. DAY 8 -- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be
spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage
to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch
time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board). Day 9: Barafu / Crater You are woken up by 5am and after breakfast, begin trekking 6am. Fill your drinking bottle with hot water
to begin the trek. You are not likely to drink cold water while ascending to the summit. The temperature are coldest from
6am – 9am, and range between 20deg to –10degrees farenheit (-10 to -20c) . You need to dress accordingly. The guide will
help you, after reaching crater camp you can go for an optional walk to the central ash pit (Reusch crater) depending how
you feel. Dinner and overnight at Crater Camp (Full board). Day 10: Crater Camp to Summit / Mweka Camp Rise early to watch the sunrise from the summit, which will take about 1.5 hours from Crater Camp to Uhuru peak.
After a short time at the summit, descend along the gently sloping crater rim to Stella Point (on the crater rim, at 19,000 feet
(5,790 mt.)), then descend the Mweka Route down a steep scree slope to Barafu Camp (15,100 ft. / 4,600 mt.) for lunch. In the
afternoon continue the descent into the Heather Zone to Mweka Camp for the night. Total trekking time is from 8-10 hours. Day 11: Mweka Camp – Mweka gate From the camp to the gate, you'll have 4 to 5 hours of walking. Upon your arrival at the gate you'll have lunch
and then will be transferred to Arusha. |
BACK TO TOP
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Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them
have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of
both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities,
safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception
and public areas. Day 2: Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park,
for a gaurded walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the
National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight Day 3: Montane Forest
After a short drive through the beautiful grasslands and scattered Masai villages we will arrive
at the forest edge of the National Park. From here we will walk a few hours through the undisturbed lush jungle
to our camp for the night. Our Tanzanian guides will share their knowledge of the local ecology as you walk through
the fantastic plants and trees, hear birds, and see other exotic wildlife. With luck you will be able to see Colobus
monkeys and signs of elephants on your walk to camp. Upon arriving at camp, you will find your tent set up as well
as hot tea and snacks waiting for you in the dining tent. You may relax or go on a short hike before dinner. |
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Day 4: Shira Plateau - West Side
Upon waking, your Tanzanian guides will greet you at your tent with tea and hot water to wash
with before enjoying breakfast. We will take our time walking through the forest, which enables us to acclimatize
comfortably and spot the plentiful game and bird life while enjoying the views down canyon through breaks in the
jungle. Today's hike will take us through the Montane Forest and the Hagenia Zone. We will point out the unique
environmental differences that characterize these separate equatorial zones. Day 5: Fischer Camp
It will take us roughly three hours to hike across the Shira Plateau and then one hour up the
western slope of the Kibo Massif. Our Camp will be at about 12,300 feet, in the upper Heath Zone. This camp has
a plaque dedicated to Scott Fischer, friend and founder of Mountain Madness. In the 1980's, Wes Krause and Scott
Fischer pioneered the Shira Plateau route on Kilimanjaro which we travel. The views of the mountain at sunset
and sunrise are truly spectacular. Day 6: Barranco Camp
Today we will hike to camp 3. The route will take us up to 14,000 feet just below Lava Tower
and then back down to our camp in the Great Barranco Valley. The views of the Great Breach Wall are better
from this camp than anywhere on the mountain. Day 7: Barafu Camp
Our route today climbs out of the Barranco Valley and ascends to over 14,000 feet. We then traverse
under the glaciers of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. As we traverse we will have close-up views of all of the mountain's
Southern Glaciers. We then descend into Karanga Valley before beginning our 1,600 foot ascent to Barafu Hut. Day 8: Summit Crater Camp
Today we climb up the Western Breach non-technical climbing route for about seven hours to the edge of
the crater floor. There will be time to explore the inner crater before moving to our high camp on the crater floor. It
is common to find snow along this section of the route. Our high camp will be situated adjacent to a spectacular glacier
and the summit merely a short hike away! The rest of the day will be spent drinking lots of liquids and enjoying another
fabulous sunset dinner. |
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Day 9: Summit Day!
After breakfast, we will leave camp and hike to the top of the crater rim. From there it is just a
ten-minute hike to Uhuru Summit, the highest point in Africa 19,340 feet! We arrive at the summit and are rewarded
with clear views before the midmorning clouds roll in. We will bask in the glory of our accomplishment, grab a bite
to eat, enjoy the views and take lots of photographs. After summit celebrations we will begin our descent past Barafu
Hut and down to our camp near Mweka Hut, where our porters will have prepared a special celebratory feast! We will
have descended almost 9,000 feet today and you will feel intoxicated by the oxygen rich air. |
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