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9 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.
The trail continues across the Shira Plateau, where the landscape becomes more rugged and the air thinner. You’ll trek through the heather and moorland zone, with views of the Shira Cathedral and other volcanic formations. The day’s trek ends at Moir Hut, a remote camp nestled at the base of a massive lava flow. In the afternoon, there’s an optional acclimatization hike to the Lent Group (4,600m), which offers panoramic views. Dinner and overnight at Moir Hut.
Today’s trek follows a steady ascent, leaving the Shira Plateau and entering the northern circuit of Kilimanjaro. The trail offers sweeping views of the Kenyan plains and the Northern Icefields. The path traverses the alpine desert, with sparse vegetation and unique volcanic rock formations. You’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp in the afternoon, where you can rest, acclimatize, and enjoy dinner before your overnight stay.
The trek today involves a series of ascents and descents, providing excellent acclimatization opportunities. The trail continues around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering different perspectives of the mountain. The path is less crowded, allowing for a more solitary experience. You’ll arrive at Third Cave Camp in the early afternoon, with time to rest and prepare for the days ahead. Dinner and overnight at Third Cave Camp.
The trail ascends steadily towards the base of the Kibo Crater. You’ll pass through an increasingly barren landscape, with the summit looming closer. School Hut is located near the crater rim, offering a strategic location for the summit attempt. After arriving at School Hut, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, as the summit attempt will begin at midnight.
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 Gilman’s Point (5,681m) at dawn, with the option to rest before continuing to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend back to School Hut for a brief rest and then continue down to Millennium Camp. The descent is long and tiring but offers breathtaking views as you descend from the arctic zone into the moorland and then rainforest. Dinner and overnight at Millennium Camp.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final day’s trek is a descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates. After bidding farewell to your guides, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.
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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