Main Info
This is a 7-day Kilimanjaro hike that offers a spectacular marvel of this great African giant. The trek begins from the Machame gate, ascending through Afromontane forest and then into the heath zone and on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira volcano. The route then circumnavigates the main peak, Kibo, anticlockwise on route passing some spectacular features such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The final ascent is from Barafu camp. It is a nighttime ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.
*This is a Luxury package based on 2 pax per person sharing with an option for an upgrade to a VIP package or downgrade to a Standard package. Pricing per person also gets farer the more you are in a group. Kindly get in touch with us for a customized package*
Trek Highlights:
- Afromontane forest,
- Shira plateau,
- Glacial valleys and alpine desert,
- Views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit.
- Glaciers
- The roof of Africa
Itinerary
Download BrochureAfter breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro. At the gate your crew finalize packing and after completion of formalities, you start off from Machame gate (Alt 1,800m / 5,906ft). The day’s hike takes you through verdant Afromontane forest to Machame camp with a picnic lunch en-route. Look out for endemic flora and a graduation of forest zones! Overnight Machame Camp -Alt 3,000m / 9,843ft (full board).
Route Details
Start altitude | 5,906ft | |
Maximum altitude | 9,301ft | |
End altitude | 9,301ft | |
Vertical gain | 3,395ft | |
Drop | 0ft | |
Miles | 7 | |
Kilometers | 11.3 | |
Hike time (approx) | 7 hours |
From Machame camp you hike to Shira Camp. The first section is relatively steep, and altitude is gained rapidly. Picnic lunch will be served on trail. The day’s trek will take you through a heath zone where attractive helichrysum and lobelia plants become apparent. Catch sights of various impressive natural geologic features ranging from lava tubes to glacial valleys. Overnight Shira Camp -Alt 3,750m / 12,303ft (full board).
Route Details
Start altitude | 9,301ft | |
Maximum altitude | 13,200ft | |
End altitude | 12,303ft | |
Vertical gain | 3,899ft | |
Drop | 897ft | |
Miles | 3 | |
Kilometers | 4.2 | |
Hike time (approx) | 6 hours |
This day’s hike will be a ‘climb high, sleep low’ trek. You will ascend into the alpine desert, and for those feeling particularly energetic heading even further to the Lava Tower, before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as picnic en route. This will be a long day but with greater rewards later - great acclimatization day! Overnight Barranco Camp -Alt 3,910m / 12,828ft (full board).
Route Details
Start altitude | 12,303ft | |
Maximum altitude | 15,100ft | |
End altitude | 12,828ft | |
Vertical gain | 2,797ft | |
Drop | 2,272ft | |
Miles | 6 | |
Kilometers | 9.7 | |
Hike time (approx) | 8 hours |
From Barranco camp, famous for its' giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga camp (Alt 4,100m / 13,451ft). Today is a relatively short-day hiking and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. In the afternoon a walk can be taken with your guides for great views of the southern walls of Kibo and deep glacial valleys. Overnight Karanga Camp (full board).
Route Details
Start altitude | 12,828ft | |
Maximum altitude | 13,780ft | |
End altitude | 13,451ft | |
Vertical gain | 952ft | |
Drop | 329ft | |
Miles | 3 | |
Kilometers | 5 | |
Hike time (approx) | 4 hours |
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp (Alt 4,600m / 15,092ft) Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight Barafu Camp (full board).
Route Details
Start altitude | 13,451ft | |
Maximum altitude | 15,092ft | |
End altitude | 15,092ft | |
Vertical gain | 1,641ft | |
Drop | 0ft | |
Miles | 4 | |
Kilometers | 6.4 | |
Hike time (approx) | 3 hours |
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are core values in reaching the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak Alt 5,895m / 19,341ft), the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your next goal will be reaching Mweka camp before dusk. Overnight Mweka Camp - Alt 3,100m / 10,171ft (full board).
Route Details (Barafu camp – Summit – Barafu camp)
Start altitude | 15,092ft | |
Maximum altitude | 19,341ft | |
End altitude | 15,092ft | |
Vertical gain | 4,249ft | |
Drop | 4,249ft | |
Miles | 6 | |
Kilometers | 9.7 | |
Hike time (approx) | 10 hours |
Route Details (Barafu camp – Mweka camp)
Start altitude | 15,092ft | |
Maximum altitude | 15,092ft | |
End altitude | 10,171ft | |
Vertical gain | 0ft | |
Drop | 4,921ft | |
Miles | 5 | |
Kilometers | 8 | |
Hike time (approx) | 4 hours |
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid-day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transfer back to your lodge for a well-deserved shower!
Route Details
Start altitude | 10,171ft | |
Maximum altitude | 10,171ft | |
End altitude | 5,906ft | |
Vertical gain | 0ft | |
Drop | 4,365ft | |
Miles | 5 | |
Kilometers | 9.7 | |
Hike time (approx) | 4 hours |