Itinerary
Day 1 – Arusha: Arrive at Rivertrees Country Inn on your own (airport transfers arranged for an additional cost). Relax poolside or take a stroll around the beautiful grounds with Mount Meru (14,979 ft) in the background. Have a comprehensive climb briefing and welcome dinner. Overnight here. (D)
Day 2 – Morum Barrier Gate (11,200 ft.)/Shira 1 Camp (11,500 ft.): Depart Arusha at 7:30 am for Londorossi Gate, about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Continue up by car to Morum Barrier Gate (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, eat lunch, then hike through heather and moorland toward the first camp, (which is a descent) only about 1-2 hours of trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is stunning. Dinner and overnight here. (B, L, D)
Day 3 – Shira 1 Camp/Shira 2 Camp (12,600 ft): Enjoy a full-day exploration of the Shira plateau; Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet. Trek east toward Kibo’s glacier peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone and to scramble atop the ‘Shira Cathedral’ to overlook the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp at 12,600 ft. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours. Dinner and overnight at camp. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp/Moir Camp (13,800 ft.): Proceed steadily upward through the moorland and into the barren high altitude desert, toward Moir Camp. The surrounding landscape of bizarre plants, rock formations and caves mark this area. The trek is about 2-3 hours. Moir Camp is an isolated and seldom used camp affording views over the Shira Plateau, and upward to the rugged volcanic plugs called “the Lent Group”. Dinner and overnight at camp. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Moir Camp/Pofu Camp (13,200 ft.): Begin the morning trek heading out of the moorland and into the stark alpine desert, on a steep ridge off the main trail, and begin our venture on the Northern Circuit Route. The total trekking time is about 5-7 hours. From Pofu Camp, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Kenya‘s wildlands to the north. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – Pofu Camp/Rongai 3 Caves Camp (12,960 ft.): Proceed onward through valleys and over ridges through the alpine desert and moorland, continuing our circuit to the east, enjoying a vast mountain wilderness with your group. You arrive at the intersection with the Rongai Route after 4-6 hours trekking. Overnight at Rongai 3 Caves for the night. (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Rongai 3 Caves Camp/Outward Bound Camp (15,585 ft.): This morning, Mawenzi should be in plain view; a stunning sight. Shortly, the moorland gives way slowly to the stark highland desert as you near the massive saddle. The temperatures turn cold as you near the foot of Kibo, reaching Outward Bound Camp after 4-5 hours of trekking. Prepare all your gear for the day ahead, and turn in early to rest. A resupply of fresh food and supplies will reach the camp this afternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Outward Bound Camp/Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft.)/Mweka Camp (10,200 ft.): A midnight wake-up call is the start of a long trek. You begin trekking at 1 am, up to the winding path of endless switchbacks. From your camp to the rim of the crater (Gillman’s Point (18,750 ft./5,712 m)) to Uhuru Peak, the trekking time is about 7-8 hours. The slope is steep, with switchbacks, over loose rock and scree with some boulders as you near Gilman’s Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place where Kilimanjaro’s first western climber described in his journals. Once you arrive at Gilman’s Point at the edge of the crater, the trail to the summit is less demanding and is reached after a further 1½-2 hours along the snowy crater rim (depending on the season). After a short time at the summit, re-trace your steps back to Gilman’s Point, then summon your strength again for further descent to Mweka Camp for the night. (B, L, D)
Day 9 – Mweka Camp/Mweka Gate (6,000 ft.)/Arusha: Descend straight to the gate (2-3 hours), where you’ll have lunch and will be awarded climbing certificates. Afterward, you will be transferred back to Arusha to the hotel of your choice (hotel priced separately), or to Kilimanjaro International Airport. (B, L)
END OF SERVICES
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Why Climb Kilimanjaro with Africa Adventure Consultants
Safety Equipment & Training: Safety is our number one priority on Kilimanjaro. Unlike many Kilimanjaro operators, we provide extensive safety gear on Kilimanjaro, including a hyperbaric chamber on every trek and a fully rigid litter. We supply plenty of emergency oxygen and have AED devices on each climb. We encourage you to compare our inclusions with other outfitters.
Mountain Guides and Core Crew: Our mountain guides and core crew are recognized as the most capable and professional crew on the mountain. All of our head guides are WFR trained and certified. Our guides and core crew have the best compensation package on Kilimanjaro.
Food: We provide healthy, nutritious and, most importantly, delicious meals on the mountain. Our offerings are chosen specifically to keep your energy level up and your taste buds happy!
Porters: We are committed to ethical porter treatment standards: A Kilimanjaro climb would not be possible without porters. They are the backbone of all Kilimanjaro expeditions and sadly have long been exploited by the tourism industry in Tanzania. However, a change has been occurring, and expectations of the porters are changing in cooperation with companies like ours that are committed to providing fair working conditions, honesty, and transparency.
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