Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour: Kilimanjaro is the highest Mountain in Africa and a single free-standing mountain in the whole world, with height of 5,895 meters (19,341ft) above sea level and about 4,900 meters (16,100ft) above its plateau base. This mountain is located in the Kilimanjaro region in northern Tanzania. It is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones, namely; Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.
Mount. Kilimanjaro is the fourth most prominent peak on earth and it is part of Kilimanjaro National Park. It’s a major hiking destination that pulls tourists from far and near. Kilimanjaro has seven routes that take you to its peak and bring you back down; Lemosho route takes about six to eight days, Machame route can be completed in six to seven days and for this itinerary, it’s what we shall take; other routes are Marangu, Mweka, Rongai, Shira and Umbwe.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer from Arusha to Mount. Kilimanjaro base.
- Day 2: Shira Camp (3 miles) 4-6 hours
- Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp 6-8 hours
- Day 4: Hike from Barranco Camo to Karanga Camp 4-5 hours
- Day 5: From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 2 Miles (4-5 hours)
- Day 6: Ascend to the summit and stay Mweka Camp (7-8 hours ascend and 4-6 hours descend)
- Day 7: Transfer back to Arusha / Kilimanjaro airport and departure (3-4 hours)
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Transfer from Arusha to Mount. Kilimanjaro base.
Our company driver will pick you from the hotel after breakfast, brief you about the hiking itinerary and set off for Kilimanjaro. You will go through the Machame village where you will meet the locals, make a stopover for a moment of truth, interact with some group of people and proceed to catch up with fellow climbers at Machame Gate.
Ascend through gentle slopes composed of Afromontane rainforests which inhabit species like colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, mountain elephants and so many other wildlife not forgetting birds that can be heard rehearsing sweet melodies. You will have lunch enroute at a specific view point guided by your driver guide. This hike will take you about 5-7 hours (7 miles). Dinner and overnight shall be at Machame Camp.
Day 2: Shira Camp (3 miles) 4-6 hours
You will wake up early in the morning, grab a cup of tea/coffee and embark on a trek with your porters, here you don’t expect forests but instead expect a bright view with ridged landscapes, lobelia plants are dominating including glacial valleys. Lunch picnic is served and you will be able to see the western breach. Proceed hiking to Shira Camp where you will have an overnight and dinner.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp 6-8 hours
This is another day where you will walk tiresomely where you ascend towards the Alpine skeletal ridges of the main Kibo peak and here you will have a clear view of glaciers, you will have lunch en-route, after lunch there is an option of hiking 300ft Lava Tower before ascending Barranco Camp in the afternoon as you go through beautiful garden of Senecios’ composed of giant lobelia plants. This Barranco trail is the most beautiful of all the trails. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Hike from Barranco Camo to Karanga Camp 4-5 hours
Wake up for the delicious breakfast, prepare your minds and the energy to tackle the scary Karanga valley where you will use all your efforts to overcome this wall – like steep slope. Continue to the route that sojourns through the ups and downs of Karanga. Have a picnic lunch and then arrive at Karanga Camp in the evening where you will have spectacular view of sunset, glacial valleys and the ice fields towering over 3000 feet above. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 2 Miles (4-5 hours)
This is another day for a short trek, ascending the Barafu Camp which is composed of very cold and strong winds that blow. This short trek is to prepare and give you enough time to relax before ascending to the summit. Lunch picnic is a must with spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak. Continue hiking and have early dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Ascend to the summit and stay Mweka Camp (7-8 hours ascend and 4-6 hours descend)
You will set off before midnight to the final summit. This final ascent requires you to be very resilient and determined to achieve it. You will encounter cold and heavy winds while on this adventure, start to spot sunrays across Tanzania as you approach Stella Point coming to Mawenzi Peak.
Have a cup of coffee/tea, & proceed to Uhuru Peak. Here you will be at the “roof of Africa”, you will make celebrations for achieving this hike, take pictures and videos as much as you can and then descend back to Mweka Camp. You will feel fresh breath, clearing your chest making the heart feel too light, enjoy the green rainforest as you descend to Mweka Camp. Dinner and overnight shall be served at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Transfer back to Arusha / Kilimanjaro airport and departure (3-4 hours)
After your mouthwatering breakfast. Slope through the forests on a gentle slope spotting various birds, primates embracing the cool winds as you say farewell to fellow hikers. Meet your driver guide and set off for to Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport. You will have lunch enroute. Proceed with the journey, your driver guide will either drop you at the hotel. Or at the Airport depending on the time of your flight.
End of Mount. Kilimanjaro hiking safari.
