Kilimanjaro Airport - Welcome to Tanzania - The Trip of Your Lifetime!

A member of our team will meet you at your hotel to give you the briefing and all the necessary information regarding your adventure to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and answer all the questions that you might have, then transfer to Zanzibar Airport. Leaving Zanzibar airport at 11h00, arrive in Arusha at 12h15; received by our Guide. You will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Mountain Inn Lindrin Lodge or Parkview Inn and start hiking Mount Kilimanjaro the next day. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Accommodation Name: Mountain Inn Lindrin Lodge or Parkview Inn

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

After breakfast, the day begins with a 50-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages, coffee, and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rainforest. 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.

Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)

Elevation: 1,600m /5,249ft to 2,900m/9,514ft

Distance: 11km/8mi

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth, straggly, and moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro 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.

Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)

Elevation: 2,900m/9,514ft to 3,976m/13,044ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

Barranco Camp Acclimatization

You will spend day 3 exploring near Barranco Camp for much-needed acclimatization. Keep your camera handy to capture the scenery of the groundsel-clad campsite. Many trekkers rank this as their favorite camp on this trail, which another reason this is perfect spot for your acclimatization day. If you are highly confident in your body’s ability to acclimatize well you can choose the 6-Day Umbwe itinerary.

Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)

Elevation: 4,050m/13,250ft

Distance: 0km/0mi

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 274m/900ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)

Elevation: 3,976m/13,044ft to 3,995m/13,106ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Desert

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)

Elevation: 3,995m/13,106ft to 4,673m/15,331ft

Distance: 4km/2mi

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (5,761m/18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)

Elevation: Barafu to Summit 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft and Down to 3700m/12,200ft or 3100m/10,150ft

Distance: 5km/3mi Up / 13km/8mi Down

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Up / 5-6 hours Down

Habitat: Rain Forest

Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi them fly back to Zanzibar

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Dinner and overnight at Mountain Inn Lindrin Lodge or Parkview Inn or Similar Accommodation. Next Morning after breakfast drive to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will take your flight back to Zanzibar Island.

Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)

Elevation: 3,068m/10,065ft to 1,640m/5,380ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest