Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Travel representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
A guide and a 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 to Kilimanjaro National Park's eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860m/6102f). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,720 m /8,922 f). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also your raincoats. When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the necessities and prepare lunch.
Throughout the entire Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. They offer a great alternative to those who do not want to sleep in tents.
Day 1: Team Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome the team and escort them to a hotel in the charming town of Moshi. The Trip leader will provide a comprehensive briefing about the upcoming climb and ensure that all the necessary equipment is well-prepared.
Day 2: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
Elevation: 1811M/5942ft - Distance: 11km/7ml - Duration Time: 5-6 hours - Habitat: Rainforest
Embarking from Moshi, a delightful 45-minute drive will transport you through the scenic Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, we patiently await the issuance of our permits, observing the bustling operations as numerous crews gear up for their impending journey. Take pleasure in the enchanting rainforest landscapes and meandering trails while your knowledgeable guide imparts captivating insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. As we traverse these lower elevations, be mindful of the occasionally muddy and slippery trail. To enhance your experience, we highly recommend utilizing gaiters and trekking poles.
Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Elevation: 3021M/9911ft to 3839m/12595ft - Distance: 5km/3miles - Hiking Time: 5-6 hours - Habitat: Low Alpine zone
After a restful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the lush rainforest and continue along an ascending path, crossing the valley via a steep and rocky ridge. Our route now turns westward, leading us through a picturesque river gorge until we reach the serene Shira campsite. As we progress, the temperatures gradually drop, adding to the sense of adventure.
DAY 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3839M/12595ft to 3986m/13077ft - Distance: 11km/7miles - Hiking Time: 5-7 hours - Habitat: High-alpine zone
Although the elevation remains relatively unchanged by the end of the day, this stage plays a vital role in acclimatization. Departing from the Shira Plateau, we head eastward, ascending a ridge and passing the junction towards the majestic Kibo peak. Continuing southeast, we approach the Lava Tower, aptly named the "Shark's Tooth" due to its distinctive shape (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we encounter a second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. Descending from there, we reach the Barranco Camp, where we will spend the night.
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3986M/13077ft to 4034M/13235ft - Distance: 12km/7.5miles - Hiking Time: 6-7 hours - Habitat: High-alpine zone
After a satisfying breakfast, we embark on an exhilarating journey along a steep ridge, navigating the challenging Barranco Wall en route to the awe-inspiring Karanga Valley. This segment offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the sheer power, agility, and strength of your crew as they effortlessly conquer the wall. Overnight accommodations await at the Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4034M/13235ft to 4662M/15295ft - Distance: 6km/4miles - Hiking Time: 3-4 hours - Habitat: High-alpine zone
Continuing our ascent, we make our way towards the Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit. This section rewards us with a multitude of breathtaking views of the summit, each presenting a unique perspective. After an early dinner and some well-deserved rest, we prepare ourselves for the challenging summit night. Our overnight stay will be at the Barafu Camp.
Day 7: Barafu Camp – Summit
Elevation: Barafu Camp (4662M/15295ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka Camp(3100m)- Distance: 4.5/3miles ascent and than 11 km/7 mile descent - Hiking Time: 6-8 hours to summit and then 5-8 hours to Mweka - Habitat: Glacial Zone
Anticipation builds as the morning arrives, heralding an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This leg of the trek is undoubtedly the most mentally and physically demanding. We press onward towards the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, maintaining our focus amidst the cold conditions. The sense of accomplishment that lies ahead keeps us motivated. With a determined northwesterly ascent and a series of switchbacks, we make our way through the heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. A magnificent sunrise awaits us as we take a brief rest at this vantage point, rewarding our perseverance. Faster hikers may even witness the sunrise from the summit itself. From here, it's just a one-hour climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Congratulations are in order as you savor this incredible achievement. Capture the moment with photos, celebrate, and perhaps shed a tear of joy. After relishing the accomplishment, we begin the steep descent towards Mweka Camp, stopping briefly at Barafu Camp for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended to navigate the challenging loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Rest awaits you at Mweka Camp, where you can enjoy your final evening on the mountain.
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Elevation: 3106M/10190ft to 1633M/5358ft - Distance: 9km/5.5miles - Hiking Time: 3-5 hours - Habitat: Rain Forest
Descending further, we start the day with breakfast, followed by a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your dedicated crew. It's time to bid farewell as we continue our descent towards the Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive well-deserved summit certificates. This section of the trek offers a stark contrast, with warmer weather, wet terrain, and steep slopes. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended to navigate this part of the trail successfully. From the gate, a vehicle will transport you to Mweka village, and in about 30 minutes, you'll be back at your hotel in Moshi. Take pleasure in a long-awaited hot shower, indulge in a celebratory dinner, and rejoice in the accomplishments of your Kilimanjaro expedition.
Day 9: Departure
After a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, gather your belongings and lunch boxes as we embark on a journey to visit the Datoga tribe. Explore their fascinating blacksmith factory and witness their craftsmanship. Afterwards, we will either return to Moshi or drop you off at Kilimanjaro Airport, depending on your departure plans.
Please note that this revised itinerary maintains the essence of the original, while providing a fresh perspective and improved readability.
