Day 1-10 | Tanzania

Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi town- 55 min (42.2 km) drive

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be welcomed by our transfer driver and taken to the lodge / hotel on the outskirts of Moshi town. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you can either relax at the hotel or explore the town of Moshi (taxi required). In the evening you will attend a briefing which will be carried out by your tour guide in preparation of the upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight at the lodge / hotel on Half Board meal plan base.

Umbwe Gate (1800m) to Umbwe Camp (2850)

The day begins with a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth

Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Heath

Umbwe Camp (2850m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)

The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen and at this point the shift in rain forest to moorland zone can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest

Breakfast lunch and dinner. Distance: 6 km, HikingTime: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Heath

Barranco (3900) to lava tower (4600m) to Moi Hut (4300m)

Right after breakfast hiking up to the lava tower the trail starts on a rock steep ridge that goes on direct to the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then you will have to stay a little while at this altitude for acclimatization and having lunch altogether, then afterwards descend buck as if you are going to the shira 2 from the Lemosho route and then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Breakfast lunch and dinner. Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 7km, Habitat: Alpine Desert

Moir Hut (4300m) to poffu camp (4100)

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching poffu Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

Breakfast lunch and dinner. Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 12 km | 7 miles, Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Poffu Camp (4100m) to Third Cave (3800m)Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)

As we head up poffu Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Distance: 7 km, Habitat: Heath.

Third Cave (3800m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp where lunch awaits. After having a well-served lunch it’s time to rest and wait for dinner but those that are in good shape do acclimatization for 200 meters high and then buck to the camp for a little rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit night.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Distance: 7 km, Habitat: Alpine Desert

Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Barafu camp (4640)- Mweka camp (3,100 m)

The summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. Your path will be strenuous with only your headlights leading the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,151m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,645m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. You will continue another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The cold is soon forgotten as you stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the sun. After a well-deserved photo opportunity, you will descend along a different path descending from the stella point to the Barafu camp 4740m. The lava ash will now have thawed, allowing for a faster descent. Upon your arrival at Barafu camp, a warm meal and approximate and a few minutes rest awaits you, before you continue down to the mweka camp, where you will stay the night.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner hiking time: 12-14h Distance: 19km Habitat: alpine desert - glacier zone - moorland zone

Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Moshi

The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where you will have to sign out and your driver will be waiting for you. He will drive you straight to the office where you will have lunch and drink beer together with the crew and then afterwards celebrate with the crew your achievement by singing the Kilimanjaro traditional songs and be awarded a Kilimanjaro certificate for your accomplishment. Afterward He will take you back to the lodge/hotel and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest or to celebrate your achievement.

Breakfast and lunch Walking Time: 2-3h Distance: 10km Habitat: Rainforest

Day 10 - Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport

On this day after breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport (Departure depends on your flight times on your tickets). Alternatively, you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on Wild safari tour or a Day excursion tour or take a flight to go and relax at the beautiful island of Zanzibar, Mafia, or Fanjove.

Meal; Breakfast