Why this itinerary?
The complete Kilimanjaro experience, more acclimatization time, more spectacular scenery. For those that have the time and the budget consider the 9 day version, otherwise this is a superb trip.
Description;
An 8 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain. It joins the Machame route above Shira camp on day 4 and then from Barafu camp ascends to the summit via Stella Point. Descent is via the Mweka route.
Highlights;
Kilimanjaro! 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 and the roof of Africa!
Day 1: KILIMANJARO - FOREST
From Arusha we set out in vehicles to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off at a leisurely pace into afromontane forest. Lunch is taken on trail and camp is reached mid afternoon.
Overnight Forest Camp (full board).
Day 2: KILIMANJARO - SHIRA 1From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail and you arrive in camp mid afternoon.
Overnight Shira 1 Camp (full board).
Day 3: KILIMANJARO- MOIR
Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip and this morning we hike for around 3-4 hours to the lunch point. After lunch we ascend to Moir camp, arriving in the mid afternoon. For those with the energy a hike in the late afternoon is possible.
Dinner & overnight Moir Camp (full board).
Day 4: KILIMANJARO - BARRANCO
From Moir we traverse across the slopes of Kibo. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Lunch is normally taken close to Lava Tower and for those that feel very strong there is an optional ascent of Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco camp in the afternoon.
Dinner & Overnight Barranco camp (FB).
Day 5: KILIMANJARO - KARANGA
An early start is recommended to hike the Barranco wall. After about 2 hours you reach the top and then hike over glacial valleys to Karanga camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above you.
Dinner and Overnight Karanga Camp (Full board).
Day 6: KILIMANJARO - BARAFU
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp? 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 volcano are the norm.
Dinner and Overnight Barafu Camp (Full board).
Day 7: KILIMANJARO - SUMMIT / MWEKA
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach 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, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp.
Dinner and Overnight Mweka Camp (Full board).
Day 8: ARUSHA
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 and celebration!
Dinner and Overnight in a Town Hotel/Lodge
END OF SERVICES
Items included:
Arrival and departure airport transfers.
Kilimanjaro entry fees.
Camping (hut) fees.
Transfer to and from the mountain.
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes.
Salaries for Kilimanjaro support staff.
All meals on the mountain.
Sleeping Tents or hut camping.
Sleeping mattresses.
Cooking and eating utensils.
Items not included:
Tips for guides and support staff.
Sleeping bag and personal items.
Private portable toilet and privacy tent.
Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
Extra activities.
