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8 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.
After breakfast, you’ll be driven from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. The drive takes approximately 3 hours. After completing the registration process, you’ll begin your trek through the dense rainforest, where you may encounter Colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. The trail ascends gradually, offering an introduction to Kilimanjaro’s rich biodiversity. Upon arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), you’ll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Today’s trek starts with a steep climb out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone. The trail offers expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. As you trek across the Shira Plateau, you’ll pass through an ancient caldera and continue to Shira 1 Camp. Dinner and overnight stay at Shira 1 Camp.
This is a relatively easy day as you continue your trek across the Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Camp. The day is meant for acclimatization as you walk slowly, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. You’ll have stunning views of the western breach and the volcanic formations. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon, giving you time to explore the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Today is a challenging day with a significant altitude gain as you trek towards Lava Tower, a 4,630-meter-high volcanic rock formation. This day is crucial for acclimatization, as you will ascend high but sleep low. After reaching Lava Tower and taking a break for lunch, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp. The descent helps with acclimatization and prepares you for the upcoming challenges. Barranco Camp is situated in a valley below the Barranco Wall, which you’ll face the next day. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
The day starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall, a steep and challenging rock wall that requires some scrambling. Although the wall may seem daunting, it is manageable and offers breathtaking views as you climb. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail takes you through a series of ridges and valleys, with occasional ascents and descents. The landscape becomes increasingly barren, with scattered boulders and views of the southern glaciers. You’ll reach Karanga Camp in the early afternoon, giving you time to rest and acclimatize. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
The trail to Barafu Camp is a steady ascent over rocky and barren terrain, with little vegetation. As you approach Barafu Camp, the terrain becomes steeper and more rugged. Barafu Camp is set on a rocky ridge, offering stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit of Kibo. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, allowing time to rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt. The temperatures at this altitude are freezing, and the winds can be strong. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
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. The descent is long and exhausting, but the changing scenery makes it worthwhile. 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.
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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