Itinerary

Day 1 Our adventure begins with a meeting at our prearranged lodging.  The evening will be spent briefing, and answering any questions that you may have. Proper planning and rest are essential to the comfort and success of the climb.

Day 2 Today will be spent reviewing your equipment, arranging last minute items and growing accustomed to the climate. An afternoon hike will allow you to stretch your legs and grow accustomed to the appropriate pace. We will discuss in further details the route, communication and safety protocols for your days on the mountain.

DAY 3             
LEMOSHO TRAILHEAD (7,800 ft./ 2,375 mt.)  ~ FOREST CAMP (9,500 ft./ 2,895 mt.)           

At 7:30 AM we depart from Arusha for Londorossi gate, where we complete entry formalities. Then we drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch and trek 3-4 hours through undisturbed forest that winds to the first camp. We overnight at Forest Camp (Mtee Mkubwa Camp)

DAY 4          
 FOREST CAMP ~ SHIRA 1 CAMP (12,200 ft./ 3,720 mt.)

Once out of the forest, we take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Then we ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, and reach camp at the edge of the plateau. In all, we trek 5-6 hours today, and then enjoy the amazing view of Kibo from across the plateau.

DAY 5             
SHIRA 1 CAMP ~ SHIRA 2 CAMP (12,600 ft./ 3,950 mt.)

This is a full day exploration on the Shira plateau. We trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. We arrive at Shira 2 camp (Fischers’s Camp), at 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet. Trekking time without the optional excursion is about 3 hours.

DAY 6             
SHIRA 2 CAMP (or Moir Camp) ~ LAVA TOWER CAMP (15,000 ft./ 4,570 mt.)

Today's trek proceeds steadily up and down the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek is about 4 hours. Lava Tower, a 300 foot volcanic plug, marks an exposed pass at 15,000 feet, where the camp is set. Scramble to the top of Lava Tower for fabulous panoramic views, and a different perspective of your camp.

DAY 7           
 LAVA TOWER CAMP ~ ARROW GLACIER CAMP (16,100 ft./ 4,905 mt.)

A 1.5 - 2 hour-trek up a steep, boulder-strewn path brings us to Arrow Glacier camp, at the foot of the great Western Breach. The steep path to the crater rises from this camp. The massive headwall of the breach glows a warm red in the afternoon sun, while you rest in preparation for the most challenging day of the trek.

DAY 8            
 ARROW GLACIER CAMP ~ CRATER CAMP (18,750 ft./ 5,715 mt.)

An early wake-up call begins the day, and after a hot breakfast, we begin to ascend the Western Breach which will take approximately 5-7 hours. Upon reaching the crater rim, we’ll be treated to a stunning view of the Northern Icefields, the Furtwangler Glacier, and Uhuru Peak itself. Another 30 minutes will take us to our camp, set in soft sands near the retreating vertical ice walls of the Furtwangler glacier. Rest and enjoy snacks and hot drinks in the mess tent, then opt to explore the strange lunar landscape of the inner crater. Be sure to include a visit to Reusch Crater, the ash pit and the remarkable glaciers. Exceedingly few Kilimanjaro trekkers get the privilege to experience the summit zone in this way.

DAY 9       
CRATER CAMP ~ UHURU PEAK (19,340 ft./ 5,895 mt.) ~ MWEKA CAMP (10,200 ft./ 3,110 mt.)

We wake early to watch the sunrise from the summit after our final climb, which will take about 1.5 hours from Crater Camp. After a short time at the summit, we descend along the gently sloping crater rim to Stella Point (on the crater rim, at 19,000 feet (5,790 mt.). Then we descend the Mweka Route down a steep scree slope to Barafu Camp (15,100 ft. / 4,600 mt.) for lunch. In the afternoon we continue the descent into the Heather Zone to Mweka Camp for the night. The trekking time from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp will be from 6-8 hours. Total trekking time is 8-10 hours.

DAY 10       
MWEKA CAMP ~ MWEKA GATE (5,370 ft. /1,635 m)                            

We descend straight to the gate (2-3 hours), where we have lunch and receive climbing certificates. Transfer back to your hotel for dinner and overnight. On this day we will de-brief you after your magnificent climb.

Day 11                        
DEAPRT ARUSHA FOR SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

In the morning we will depart the city of Arusha for the wild plains of the Serengeti.  Our chartered flight will take approximately two hours, and we will arrive at Seronera Airstrip, in the heart of the Serengeti, by the late morning.  The afternoon and evening will be spent exploring the vast plains of the National Park; which is known for its impressive population of lions and seasonal migrations.  We will return to our accommodations, rest and prepare for an early morning game drive.

Day 12             
MORNING GAME DRIVE & NGORONGORO CRATER

We will rise early in the morning to catch a game drive at dawn, when the wildlife is the most active.  Once the afternoon heat has set in, and all the wildlife activity has become subdued, we will depart the Serengeti (this time by car) and head South to the Ngorongoro Crater.  This collapsed volcano has become a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wildlife;  containing a large population of lions, herds of wildebeest and zebra, and the endangered black rhino.

Day 13                       
EXPLORATION OF THE NGORONGORO CRATER

Day 14 Airport Drop off  by afternoon

*Itinerary subject to change.

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