Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

• • Choose the best trekking route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro: Machame, also known as the “Whiskey” route, and Lemosho Route are more recommended. They differ from each other in the first one or two days and then meet up and follow the same route till the end. 
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• • Ensure enough time during the trip to acclimatize to high elevation, so no less than 7 days for the trek, which will also increase your chances for a successful summit.

Kilimanjaro National Park is located near the town of Moshi, which is about 50 minutes’ drive. So you are suggested to arrive at Moshi one day before. This morning, you will be picked up from Moshi and then drive to the Machame Gate, one of the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park’s entrance points on the southern base. 

We will finalize packing and complete formalities at the gate and then start this incredible trek. You will hike through coffee and corn plantations leading to the rainforest. The trail finally directs to the Machame Camp. 

During the whole trip, you will sleep in supplied tents at designated campsites, and eat meals either outdoors or inside a large dining tent. Your mountain crew will prepare all meals and set up the tents. 

• Altitude: 5,400ft - 9,800ft
• Distance: 9 km/ 5.6 miles 
• Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight: Machame Campsite 

Kilimanjaro National Park:
This national park in Tanzania was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987. It is located 300 kilometers (190 miles) south of the equator and covers an area of 1,688 square kilometers (652 square miles). At the center of the park lies the famous Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,896 meters (19,340 miles) above sea level, which is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the magnificent landscapes of the African continent. It has three main volcanic peaks: Kibo (5,895m/ 19,341ft), Mawenzi (5,149m/ 16893ft) and Shira (4,005m/13,140 ft). The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, from January to March and from June to October. 

Today you will continue to hike through the rainforest, cross the valley on an ascending path, and then journey into the wilderness. The breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks will be sighted. Climb the steep Shira plateau and then enjoy a picnic lunch. Follow the trail to the Shira 2 Camp, and you will arrive in the evening. 

• Altitude: 9,800ft to 12,500ft
• Distance: 5 km/ 5.6 miles 
• Hiking Duration: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Heath
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight: Shira 2 Campsite 

The trip goes on after breakfast. You will hike through the "Garden of the Thousand Miles Fairy" from the Gila Plateau and climb the huge Lava Tower known as the "Shark's Tooth", which is to acclimatize and acclimate your body to the high altitude of the summit day. Rest in the tower and have lunch there. After the tower, you will come to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. Walk down to the Barranco Camp (13,000ft) and arrive in the evening. 

• Altitude: 12,500ft to 16,000ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 10 km/ 6.2 miles 
• Hiking Duration: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight: Barranco Campsite

This morning, we leave Barranco and climb steeply up the Barranco Wall leading to the Karanga Valley. Admire the stunning landscape of the Heim Glacier and then arrive at the Karanga Camp in the evening. It is an easy day for acclimatization. 

• Altitude: 13,000ft to 13,780ft
• Distance: 5 km/ 3.1 miles
• Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight: Karanga Campsite

Depart from the Karanga Valley, and we will come to the junction which connects with the Mweka trail. Continue hiking up to the Barafu Hut, today’s campsite. So far, you have finished the south circuit and enjoyed splendid views of the Uhuru Peak on top of Kibo from different angles. Upon arrival, take a good rest and get prepared for the exciting summit day tomorrow. You are recommended to go to sleep early, better before 19:00. 

• Altitude: 13,780ft to 15,300ft
• Distance: 6 km/ 3.7 miles 
• Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight: Barafu Campsite

Get up early in the midnight, around 24:00. Have a cup of coffee and put on your climbing gear. Climbing over the volcano screen and get to the Stella Point at an altitude of 18,885ft by dawn. It is the most challenging part of the trek, but you will be rewarded with amazing sunrise view. Rest for some time and then ascend to the summit, the Uhuru Peak at an altitude of 19,340ft. If you hike fast, you may probably enjoy sunrise from the summit. Standing on the roof of Africa and taking some pictures, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. 

Trek down from the summit. The trail will lead to the Mweka Hut. En route, you will rest and have lunch at Barafu Camp. Arrive at the Mweka Campsite in the evening and have a good sleep tonight. 

• Altitude: 15,300ft to 19,340ft, then down to 10,171ft
• Distance: 5km/ 3.1miles up and 12km/ 7.5 miles down 
• Hiking Duration: 13-14 hours 
• Habitat: Arctic and Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight: Mweka Campsite

From Mweka Camp, we will travel through the wilderness into the beautiful lush green forests. Get back to the Mweka Gate before noon, where you will receive your summit certificate. Leave the national park, and we will drive about 20 minutes to Moshi, where you will enjoy lunch of authentic African food at a restaurant. After that, we will continue to drive around 2 hours to Arush and escort you back to the hotel you have reserved. Your adventurous Mount Kilimanjaro trek tour will come to an end here. This should be an experience you will truly remember for a lifetime. 

• Altitude: 10,171ft to 5400ft 
• Distance: 10km/ 6.2 miles 
• Hiking Duration: Around 3 hours 
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch