Day 01: 2020: Arrive- Arusha

arrive at Kilimanjaro international airport and great by our representative transfer for the overnight at Kibo Palace Hotel booked on bed and breakfast

Accommodation : AISHI MACHAME HOTEL (or similar)

Meal : (On Own)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Day 02: MORUM BARRIER GATE > SHIRA 1 CAMP

A guide and the mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,400 meters or 11482 feet). Here you will see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.

The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 1 features a small gain in altitude and is not very challenging physically. Due to this, you will be able to begin the process of acclimatization properly. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing dinner. 

This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

• Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
• Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip to discuss potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Change in Elevation: Morum Barrier Gate (3500 m/11483 ft)   Shira 1 Camp (3610 m/11844 ft)

Distance: 3.5 km

Trekking time: 2 hours

Average day t°: 5 °C

Average night t°: -4 °C

Accommodation : Shira Camp 1Tent in Camping site

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Camp Meal)

Trekking Distance : 3.5 kilometers

Trekking Time : 1-2 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : 200 meters

Day 03:  SHIRA 1 CAMP > SHIRA 2 CAMP

On this day you will depart from Shira 1 Camp in the morning and complete a light trek toward the second high-altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp. This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of African savannahs and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa and second-highest in Tanzania), weather permitting.
During the trek between camps, our guides will offer ascending Cathedral Peak - 3872 meters (12,703 feet), one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano. Besides the captivating hiking experience, reaching the summit of Cathedral Peak on a clear day offers breathtaking views down into the valley. In our decade of experience working on the mountain, the valley below resembling a lost world is among our favourite views. This is a straightforward hike with no technical challenges. Although the peak may be shrouded in clouds at times, there's a stella providing an opportunity for a memorable photograph. If you prefer to skip this ascent or encounter unfavorable weather, heading directly to Shira 2 is an option. This choice doesn't impact acclimatization since Shira 2 and Cathedral Peak stand at a similar elevation. Nevertheless, we believe the hike to Cathedral Peak is worth it and wholeheartedly recommend it.

When you arrive at the camp you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 200-meter (656-foot) gain in altitude.

Change in Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3610 m/11844 ft)   Shira 2 Camp (3850 m/12631 ft)

Distance: 10 km

Trekking time: 4 hours

Average day t°: 5 °C

Average night t°: -4 °C

Accommodation : Shira 2Tent in Camping site

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Camp Meal); Supper (Camp Meal)

Trekking Distance : 10 kilometers

Trekking Time : 4-5 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +300 meters

Day 04: SHIRA 2 CAMP > BARRANCO CAMP

After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp and start your hike to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end at a camp at over 4,600 meters (15091 feet) above sea level. It might be difficult, and it is common to feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here. For that reason, your group will enjoy your lunch at the top of Lava Tower, in order to help you acclimatize better.

Then you will descend to Barranco Camp. There you will see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry, it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.

Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3850 m/12631 ft)   Barranco Camp (3900 m/12795 ft)

Distance: 10 km

Trekking time: 6 hours

Average day t°: 5 °C  

Average night t°: -4 °C

Accommodation : Barranco CampTent in Camping site

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Camp Meal)

Trekking Distance : 10 kilometers

Trekking Time : 6-7 hours

Day 05: BARRANCO CAMP > KARANGA CAMP

On this day your group will make an early start and after a filling breakfast, begin to hike Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents on the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch.

After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter (656-foot) gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.

Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3900 m/12795 ft)   Karanga Camp (3995 m/13107 ft)

Distance: 6 km

Trekking time: 4 hours

Average day t°: 5 °C

Average night t°: -4 °C

Accommodation : Karanga CampTent in Camping site

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Camp Meal)

Trekking Distance : 6 kilometers

Trekking Time : 3-4 hours

Day 06: KARANGA CAMP > BARAFU CAMP

In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19340f) - your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp.

After regaining strength, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800m/15748f) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.

Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (3995 m/13107 ft)   Barafu Camp (4673 m/15331 ft)

Distance: 4 km

Trekking time: 4 hours

Average day t°: -2 °C

Average night t°: -11 °C

Accommodation : Barafu campTent in Camping site

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Camp Meal); Supper (Camp Meal)

Trekking Distance : 4 kilometers

Trekking Time : 3-4 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +678 meters

Day 07: BARAFU CAMP > UHURU PEAK > MILLENIUM CAMP

Your group will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19340f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple, however at the high altitude even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, climbers will be paired into twos, under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent, this is in order to monitor your physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.

Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4673 m/15331 ft)  Uhuru Peak (5895 m/19341 ft)  Millenium Camp (3950 m/12959 ft）

Distance: 14 km

Trekking time: 13 hours

Average day t°: -11 °C

Average night t°: -20 °C

Accommodation : Millenium CampTent in Camping site

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Camp Meal); Supper (Camp Meal)

Trekking Distance : 14 kilometers

Trekking Time : more than 8 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +1222 -1945 meters

Day 08: MILLENIUM CAMP > MWEKA GATE

Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the national park's exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.

hange in Elevation: Millenium Camp (3950 m/12959 ft)   Mweka Gate (1640 m/5381 ft)

Distance: 13 km

Trekking time: 5 hours

Average day t°: 5 °C

Average night t°: -4 °C

Accommodation : AISHI MACHAME HOTEL (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic)

Trekking Distance : 13 kilometers

Trekking Time : 4-5 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : -2310 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Day 09:  AISHI MACHAME HOTEL -> KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Transfer airport

Duration:50m

Accommodation : Own arrangement

Meal : Breakfast