Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.

Day Itinerary

Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel by private car.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Africa. Straddling the Kenya/Tanzania border, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro rises up to an impressive 5896 metres above sea level. It is one of the world's highest volcanoes, the highest mountain on the African continent, and the highest free-standing mountain on earth; making it an international destination attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe. Set within the Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro emerges from the sprawling plains of Tanzania and boasts dense tropical rainforests, glacial ice fields, moorlands, and mystical moonscapes. Take on the colossal challenge of climbing this majestic mountain, explore the lush forested foothills, soak up the breathtaking views or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife including: elephant, buffalo, leopard, duiker, eland, hyrax, blue monkeys and more.

Day Itinerary

MACHAME GATE (3020M) to MACHAME CAMP (2850M)

HIKING TIME: APPROX 5-6 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 11 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: MOUNTAIN FOREST

After breakfast your guides will come to collect you and you will drive to Machame village/gate.  After registering at the gate you will begin by entering the rain forest.  Living up to its name, there is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience.

You will have a welcome packed lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.  The crew will set everything out at your campsite and all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Mount Kilimanjaro

As previously described

Day Itinerary

MACHAME CAMP (3020M) to SHIRA CAMP (3750M)

HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 4-5 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 5 KILOMETERS

HABITAT: MOORLAND

After an early breakfast you will climb for an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you will continue up a rocky ridge onto the stunning Shira plateau, due west of Kibo, from which you will be able to see the breathtaking glaciers. After a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3,840m. The climbing crew will provide you with a tasty meal and you will then have plenty of time to sit back and relax.

Overnight: Shira Cave Camp

Shira Cave Camp is situated at Gilman's Point on Mount Kilimanjaro and serves as the second overnight campsite along the Machame Route. The campsite offers space for guests to pitch their tents and pit latrine facilities. Hikers can also enjoy picnic sites at the camp. Additionally, the location features heath vegetation and scenic views of the Kibo Peak.

Mount Kilimanjaro

As previously described

Day Itinerary

SHIRA (AT 3750M) to LAVA TOWER (AT 4.600M) to BARRANCO CAMP (AT 3.940M)

HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLEY 6-8 HOURS

DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: SEMI-DESERT

The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower.  After lunch you will climb a rocky scree path to the Lava Tower (4630m). This five hour walk will probably be your hardest day so far and some climbers may begin to feel the altitude. However our experienced team will coach you through the symptoms and provide you with all the advice and support you need. 

After lunch you descend again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area, whilst it may seem illogical to be going down at this point, you will quickly appreciate its true acclimatisation benefit. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.

Overnight: Barranco Camp   

Nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro’s Barranco Wall, Barranco Camp is a rest stop en route to the mountain's summit. Bathroom facilities are available. Due to the area's sustainable rainfall and humidity, guests have the opportunity to spot flora and fauna.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included

Mount Kilimanjaro

As previously described

Day Itinerary

BARRANCO CAMP (3.980M) to KARANGA CAMP (3995M)

HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 4-5 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 6 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT

Your day begins by tackling the awesome obstacle of the Great Barranco Wall.  Whilst initially an imposing site, its climb is invariably easier than anticipated. You will quickly appreciate how beautiful the mighty Kilimanjaro is when you reach the bottom of the Heim Glacier. You will then head down to the Karanga Valley. This is a short walking day, but we recommend doing a short acclimatisation hike to the scree below the glaciers in the afternoon.

Overnight: Karanga Camp    

Sitting at an elevation of 3,963 metres above sea level, the Karanga Camp beckons hikers to rest, relax, and regroup before continuing their trek through the Karanga Valley to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit in Tanzania. Facilities include a ranger's hut and shared pit latrines.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included

Mount Kilimanjaro

As previously described

Day Itinerary

KARANGA CAMP (3995M) to BARAFU CAMP (4.673M)

HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 2-3 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 4 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT

This next day is similarly a short hike (approx. 3-4hrs). You will make your way over the ridges and valleys, and join up with the Mweka route. After another hour or so, you reach Barafu (Swahili for Ice) Hut.  This camp gives you a real experience of the icy elements.  The camp is exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony ridge. You will appreciate your warm and cosy sleeping bags on this night! The summit is now only a further 1,345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. The team will help you to prepare your equipment and clothing for your summit attempt. You will go to bed at about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

Overnight: Barafu Camp       

Situated at an elevation of 4,673 metres at the base of Kibo in Tanzania, Barafu Camp is the last overnight resting stop en route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included

Mount Kilimanjaro

As previously described

Day Itinerary

BARAFU CAMP (4673M) to UHURU PEAK (5.895M) to MWEKA (3.083M)

HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-7 HOURS TO REACH UHURU PEAK AND ANOTHER 5-6 HOURS TO DESCEND TO MWEKA
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 6 KILOMETRES ASCENT – AND A FURTHER 11 KILOMETRES DESCENT
HABITAT: STONE SCREE AND ICE-CAPPED SUMMIT

At about 23h30 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Many climbers find this 6-hour walk to Stella point the most mentally and physically challenging aspect of the climb.  At Stella Point (5,685m) your efforts will be rewarded with a short rest and the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and achievement you will remember for the rest of your life. 

The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3,100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. Here you will rest and feel proud of your achievement.

Overnight: Mweka Camp     

Mweka Camp is conveniently located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, on the Mweka Route in Tanzania. The campsite is an ideal rest stop for climbers descending after their summit. Climbers can pitch their tents and acclimatise to the altitude change before continuing their descent to the Mweka Gate.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included

Arusha

As previously described

Day Itinerary

MWEKA CAMP (3.083M) to MWEKA GATE (1.649M)

HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: FOREST

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate where you will receive your certificates; those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. You will be picked up and brought back to lodge for a warm welcome, a cold celebratory drink and a hearty meal.

Overnight: Gold Crest Hotel Arusha

Gold Crest Hotel Arusha is conveniently located near the heart of Arusha, Tanzania, offering easy access to notable sites like Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Meru. The hotel features spacious, air-conditioned rooms with amenities such as mini-bars, tea and coffee-making facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of halal dishes. Additional features include a swimming pool, gymnasium, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also provides ample parking, an executive airport shuttle, and travel and tour arrangements.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro airport by private car.

Basis

Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities