Itinerary

1. ARRIVE IN TANZANIA

   • Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and there will be a private transfer waiting at the airport to pick you to Arusha.

   • Stay at Green Mountain Lodge, which is a beautiful hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for adventure.

   • Gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. The guides will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

   Dinner and overnight at Green Mountain Lodge: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.

2. MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME HUT (FULL BOARD)

   • Start the climb from Machame gate (1830 m) with your Tanzanian mountain guide. 

   • Walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level. If it is a clear day, you may get your first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.

   Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.

3. MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

   • Enjoy a shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Site. 

   • Continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

   Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840 m); 4-6 hours walking.

4. SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO VALLEY (FULL BOARD)

   • Walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. 

   • Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach.

   • Enjoy hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m).

   • Descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m) with your Tanzanian mountain guide.

   Shira Camp to Barranco valley (3,900 m): 5-7 hours walking.

5. BARRANCO CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP (FULL BOARD)

   • Embark on a steep climb up the eastern wall which leads to just below the Heim Glacier, where you may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. 

   • Take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, and the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. 

   • Take a short break for a hot lunch.

   • Go on a steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from Barafu Camp. 

   • Have a hot meal at the camp.

   • Spend the remainder of the day resting as you prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

   Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 7-9 hours walking.

6. BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

   • Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. 

   • Begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. 

   • Rest for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. 

   • Continue slowly to make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to main peak Uhuru (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa if you are still feeling good.  

   • Spend a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment.

   • Descend to Barafu which is amazingly fast.

   • Stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment.

   • Continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp.

   Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.

7. DESCENT – MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA (FULL BOARD)

   • Embark on a gentle walk which takes you down through the rain forest to Mweka gate. Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. 

   • After lunch, drive back to Arusha Safari Lodge.

   Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.

   Dinner and overnight at Green Mountain Lodge: Bed, Dinner and Breakfast-included.

8. DEPARTING DAY

   • Say goodbye to the team of guides. Depart from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in a private transfer for your flight. Unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option, then you can discuss.