Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped 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 meters 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 elephants, buffalo, leopards,duikersr, eland, hyrax, blue monkeys, and more.

Early departure after an early breakfast. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi  gate, it is an easy day of walking from the Lemosho road head up a small path through beautiful and lush forest.  We have our lunch in the glades before continuing to Lemosho Forest camp (2,650 in.). This area is home to a variety of game, including buffalo, and so we are accompanied by an armed park ranger. [2-3 hours walking]

Overnight: Lemosho Forest Camp 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather.  The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau.  There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially when the afternoon mists come in!  We might walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock flanked by steep pinnacles, before reaching the next camp near Shira Cave (3,720 in.). This campsite has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau.  The views from here of Mt.  Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [6 – 8 hours walking] Shira Camp

Overnight: Shira Camp            

Shira Camp forms part of the second leg of the journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. There are 2 camps: Shira Camp 1 on the west side and Shira Camp 2 on the east. The Shira Plateau landscape features a tropical rainforest and shrubland where a range of flora and fauna species are found. Climbers might also spot the White Naped Raven

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach.  After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,500 in.), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 in.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking] Barranco Camp.

Overnight: Barranco Camp    

Barranco Camp is the third pitstop along the Machame Route climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro. This area of the mountain is semi-desert, and the camp is set in a valley close to the Great Barranco Wall.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. Lunch is usually taken at Karanga, the last water point, in a steep valley. Karanga Camp  [3–5 hours walking]

Overnight: Karanga Camp     

On day 4 of the route up Mount Kilimanjaro, climbers would reach the Karanga Camp. The journey would take about 5 hours, and climbers get to experience the alpine desert landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest, and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685 m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending to Mweka Hut (3100 m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rainforest. Mweka Camp (3100 m) is located in the upper rainforest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometres ascent and 23 kilometres descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685 m) received green certificates, and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895 m) received gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometres). And you will drive back to your hotel in Moshi.

Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Forest

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Meal Plan: Breakfast