HIKING KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN TANZANIA.. WWW.STEPTOKILI.COM

[dennis kimario]

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1800m/6000ft to 3000m/9842ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3000m/9842ft to 3840m/12,598ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3840m/12,598ft to 3950m/12,959ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

From Barranco camp, you climb up through the edge of great Barranco Wall. It’s a tough morning climb on a steep trail, but once you reach the top, the views are very rewarding. Dinner and overnight at Karanga camp.

Elevation: 4100m/13,451ft to 4600m/15,091ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today is a shorter climb than the past few days, hiking up to the final camp before your last ascent day to the summit. You must get lots of rest as you will need all your energy for the climb to the roof of africa. Dinner and overnight at Barafu camp.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

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 village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

Package includes:

Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb), and transport back to the hotel after the climb
Park entry fees
All camping fees
Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
Government taxes
Evacuation services
Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain.
Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.(Not applicable on the Marangu route as accommodation is in A-frame huts)
Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
***Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)

Do not include:

Items of a personal nature
Tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US$200 to US$ 250 per hiker - depending on number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
Personal Hiking/Trekking gears (Some Gears are available for Rent)
Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
Meals, drinks and snacks not specified.