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7 Days
Trekking
6 People
English
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in, you will meet with your guide for a briefing about the trek, gear check, and to discuss the next day’s plans. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore Moshi town, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.
The day begins with a drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate. After registration and preparations, you’ll start your climb. The Umbwe Route is one of the shortest and steepest routes on Kilimanjaro. The trail starts in the rainforest, where you’ll experience a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The path is steep and can be slippery, requiring careful footing as you climb. You’ll arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll have dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, the trail continues steeply through the forest, with the trees thinning as you ascend into the moorland zone. The path becomes more open, offering views of the surrounding valleys and the imposing Barranco Wall ahead. You’ll reach Barranco Camp by early afternoon, giving you time to rest and acclimatize. The camp is set in a valley with the famous Barranco Wall in the background.
The day starts with the challenging climb of the Barranco Wall, a steep and rocky ascent that requires some scrambling. After conquering the wall, you’ll continue through a series of ridges and valleys, with the landscape becoming increasingly barren. The day’s trek is relatively short, allowing for acclimatization as you arrive at Karanga Camp in the early afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Today’s trek takes you to Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. The trail is a steady ascent through rocky terrain, with little vegetation. As you approach Barafu Camp, the landscape becomes increasingly desolate. Barafu Camp is set on a ridge, offering views of both Mawenzi Peak and the summit of Kibo. You’ll arrive at camp in the early afternoon, allowing time to rest and prepare for the final ascent. Dinner and early sleep before the midnight summit push.
The summit attempt begins around midnight. The trail to the summit is steep and involves switchbacks up the scree and rocky paths. You’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m) at dawn, where you can rest briefly before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa. After celebrating your achievement at Uhuru Peak, you’ll begin the descent to Barafu Camp for a brief rest. The descent continues to Mweka Camp through alpine desert, moorland, and eventually into the lush rainforest. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
The final descent takes you through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the necessary park formalities and receive your summit certificates. After bidding farewell to your guides and porters, you’ll be driven back to Moshi, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved celebration of your successful climb.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Moshi town, visit local markets, or take part in a short day trip to the nearby waterfalls or coffee plantations. You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, which are from January to mid-March and from June to October. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions, with clear skies and lower chances of rain. The busiest times on the mountain are during these periods, so expect more crowds.
No prior technical climbing experience is required to summit Kilimanjaro. It is a non-technical trek, which means you don’t need special mountaineering skills or equipment. However, good physical fitness and proper preparation are essential to handle the altitude and the long days of hiking.
The duration of the climb depends on the route you choose. Most climbs range from 5 to 9 days. A longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching the summit and enjoying the experience.
There are several routes to climb Kilimanjaro, each offering a unique experience:
Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly without proper acclimatization. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To prevent AMS, choose a longer route that allows for gradual ascent, stay hydrated, eat well, and listen to your body. If symptoms become severe, descending to a lower altitude is necessary.
Supplemental oxygen is not required for climbing Kilimanjaro. The focus is on proper acclimatization to allow your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Emergency oxygen is usually available with your guide in case of severe altitude sickness, but most trekkers can reach the summit without it.
Packing the right gear is crucial for a successful Kilimanjaro climb. Essential items include:
Climbing Kilimanjaro is generally safe, but it comes with risks, primarily related to altitude sickness. Choosing a reputable tour operator with experienced guides is essential. They will monitor your health, provide advice on pacing, and ensure your safety throughout the trek. It’s also important to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Accommodation on Kilimanjaro depends on the route you choose. The Marangu Route offers huts with dormitory-style bunk beds. On other routes, you will stay in tents provided by your tour operator. These are typically set up by porters before you arrive at the campsite. The accommodations are basic, focusing on providing shelter and warmth.
Yes, most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or apply for an eVisa online before your trip. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
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