Day 1: 15th October.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to Bristol Cottages, a quiet hotel set in pleasant and quiet surroundings. Evening meet with guide and Mountain Briefing to prepare for the climb. Dinner at the hotel followed by an early night!
Day 2: 16th October - The hike begins!
Londorossi Gate (2000 m) to Mti Mkubwa (2650 m)
* Hike time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: +650m
* Final elevation: 2650m
A three hour drive from Moshi, around the mountain, to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. At the gate, you pick up a game ranger who will protect you from elephants and buffalo during the trek. After a short drive to the trail head at Lemosho Glades you will start your trek through the pristine rain forest. Today you will hike to Mti Mbubwa,which means 'Big Tree; in Kiswahili. Overnight camping.
Day 3: 17th October
Mti Mkubwa (2650 m) to Shira One (3610 m)
* Hike time: 5 hrs
* Elevation change: +950m
* Final elevation: 3610m
After a good breakfast, you start the climb through the remaining rain forest toward the giant Erica moorland zone. You will enjoy a great lunch stop in a beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater. Today you will get your first close views of the summit. Overnight at Shira one campsite.
Day 4: 18th October
Shira One (3610 m) to Shira Two (3850 m)
* Hike time: 6 hrs
* Elevation change: +240m
* Final elevation: 3850m
After an early breakfast, you hike east across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral toward Shira Two camp. We only gain 240m in elevation which allows you to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. The views of the plateau are spectacular. Overnight at Shira Two Camp.
Day 5: 19th October
Shira Two (3610 m) to Lava Tower (4650 m)
* Hike time :6 hrs
* Elevation change: +700m
* Final elevation: 4650m
You will head up to Lava Tower, traversing the southern flank of Kibo. This is one of the most valuable days for acclimatization. Optional route to LavaTower, but this makes the walk a few hours longer.
Day 6: 20th October
Lava Tower (4650 m) to Karanga Valley (4000 m)
* Hike time: 7 hrs
* Elevation change: -650m
* Final elevation: 4000m
After leaving Lava Tower, you descend into the stunning Barranco Valley which is adorned with giant lobelia and senecia plants. There are good views of Kibo peak from here. After the Barannco Wall, we descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest for the night before the hard climb to Barafu Hut
Day 7: 21st October
Karanga Valley (4000 m) to Barafu Camp (4600 m)
* Hike time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: +600m
* Final elevation: 4600m
This is a tough, steep, climb uphill to the rocky, craggy slopes at the camp. 'Barafu' means,'Ice'in Swahili, and it is extremely cold at this altitude. You will get a half day rest before you begin the final summit ascent at midnight.
Day 8: 22nd October - SUMMIT DAY!
Barafu to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp Barafu Camp (4,600m) to the Summit (5896m) and then to Mweka Camp (3100 m)
* Summit time: 7 hrs
* Elevation change: +1300m
* Final elevation: 5896m
* Descent time: 5 hrs
* Elevation change: -2800m
* Final elevation: 3100m, 10,170 ft
This is a 17 hour day, commencing at midnight and hiking until the next afternoon. You will begin your summit ascent around midnight, and will arrive at the Kilimanjaro summit before sunrise. After the sunrise, you will head back down the mountain, stopping at Barafu Camp to rest, and heading to Mweka Camp, just a few hours from the gate.
Day 9: 23rd October.
Mweka Camp to Moshi
* Descent time: 4 hrs
* Elevation change: -1250m
* Estimated distance: 10km
* Final elevation: 1828m
In the morning you will hike for about 3 hours through lush forest to the gate. After a welcome lunch, you will get your climb certificate and say goodbye to your crew and porters. We will then take you back to your hotel, Bristol Cottages in Moshi. B&B.
Day 10: 24th October
Transfer at a suitable time to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departing flight.
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