Kilimanjaro Trekking (trip)

Kilimanjaro Trekking

  • Tanzania
  • Active & Adventure
Tanzania

from $2,450* per person7 DaysYear-round
Basic accommodations Exertion level: 7
Operator: Foot Slopes Tours & Safaris 15 people max

Kilimanjaro Trekking-The majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive strato-volcano in northern Tanzania, touching the border with Kenya. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above the sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest free-standing snow-covered dormant volcano. Nearly 75,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year so it is not the most untouched mountain, nor is it the toughest to trek. However, it is certainly a test of one’s endurance and determination, with altitude sickness being the main reason for the hikers not to summit.

For many mountaineering is a sport, a hobby or a profession of walking, hiking, backpacking and climbing mountains.

Various parks of Tanzania offer many hiking options for the enthusiastic explorer. The most frequent expeditions are obviously to Kilimanjaro Trekking, Ol Donyo Lengai and Mt. Meru. It is recommended to take things slowly and allow your body to acclimatize especially when climbing at higher altitudes.

The mountains of Tanzania vary in height, location, climate etc. Kilimanjaro, being the highest mountain in Africa has attracted the attention of many climbers from around the globe. Then Mount Meru (4566m.) and Ol Donyo Lengai (active volcano) are also popular among climbers. Every mountain has its own uniqueness and own beauty.

Every mountain is unique and different from each other, so this makes it important to be well familiar before deciding which one to climb. In Tanzania, most climbers opt for Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Mt Kilimanjaro, famously known as the “Roof of Africa”, stands almost 6000 meters above sea level and a wonderful mountain to explore the unique flora and fauna of the untouched rainforests. So if you want to experience the wonders of the beautiful mountain, then trekking is the best way

There are six routes to summit the peak such as Shira Route, Umbwe Route, Machame Route, Marangu Route, Rongai Route and Lemosho Route. Each route has its own pros and cons. Some are great for beautiful scenery, some are great for acclimatization and some are great for high summit success rates but are also quite crowded at certain times of the year.

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Locations visited/nearby

Tanzania

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Foot Slopes Tours & Safaris:

  • Reviewer: Wojtek W located in Texas, USA

    My girlfriend and I went for the 3 nights and 4for days camping Safari, crossing the 3 National park of Tarangire Serengeti & Ngorongoro. One of the best experience of my life. The guide, Abdul, was really amazing, he knew everything about animals ( he could “smell them”, really funny guy) and history of the park. We enjoyed a lot his company. As well the cook, Juma, with limited resources was always able to cook tasty meals. They are super flexible, arranging the daily safari based on your expectations. I would recommend FootSlopes safari to all my friends. Thanks guys, we will meet again in the future. Greetings to Gabriel as well, that organized our trip in the best possible way. Ciaoooo

  • Reviewer: Paulina located in Berlin, Germany

    Our overall experience was great, and it was unforgettable. We did an 4 day safari in Serengeti, Tarangiere and Ngorongoro and 1 day Safari in Arusha National Park with this company! Prior to my visit, the staff were helpful and responsive, answering all of my questions (Asante, Gabriel). They provided accomodation for us before and after safari and pick up and drop off to the airport. They have the best price! Our guides was knowledgeable, and fantastic at being able to seek out animals wherever they were. He was also very knowledgeable about the animals we saw. I would highly recommend Foot Slopes Tours & Safaris to anyone looking for a great time!

  • Reviewer: Renata located in Warswaw, Poland
    A beautiful safari in Tanzania Serengeti thanks to the whole Foot Slopes team.
    Our driver and guide Gabi was helpful, patient and kind. We were surrounded by care from A to Z (two girls and a child , like VIP, everything for us
    Filip's cook made sure that we would eat like kings every day. The most beautiful time thanks to you. Asante Sana 🤗

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Itinerary

7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours

Climb the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro! The mountain is characterized with the dormant volcano which is expected to erupt in the coming decades. Besides the stunning views of the landscape, you can also see stunning various animals, birds, waterfall, and different species of flora and fauna at the bottom of the mountain

Highlights

  • Kilimanjaro trekking
  • A professional mountain guide
  • Climbing and camping equipment
  • Daily meals and drinking water
  • 6 nights’ accommodation
  • Park fees included
  • Airport transfers
  • VAT 18%
  • Government increase park fees

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

You will drive you from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. The journey will pass through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. After leaving the park gate, you will walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles can be helpful. You will then continue hiking for a short distance until you reach Machame Camp.

  • Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3000m/9950ft
  • Distance: 11km/7mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals: LD

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After having breakfast, you will leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather until the ridge ends. As you hike, you will turn the route to the west onto a river gorge. After that, you will rest, have dinner, and stay overnight at Shira Campsite.

  • Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
  • Distance: 5km/3mi
  • Walking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Meals: BLD

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, you will continue the journey to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you hike, you will change your way to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the “shark’s tooth”.

Shortly after the tower, you will come to the second junction which will bring you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet. You will then continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000 feet. There, you will rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although you end the day at around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit day.

  • Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 3900m/13,000ft
  • Distance: 10km/6mi
  • Walking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-desert
  • Meals: BLD

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After having breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley Campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

  • Elevation: 4600 feet to 13,100 feet
  • Distance: 5 kilometers
  • Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After having breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will continue the journey up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. There, you will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this location.

  • Elevation: 13,100 feet to 15,300 feet
  • Distance: 4 kilometers
  • Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6:  Barafu camp to peak

Very early in the morning (midnight to 02:00), you will continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You will head to the northwesterly direction and ascend through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.

This will be the most mentally and physically challenging for Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 feet), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever likely to see (weather permitting).

From the summit, you will then begin your descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite and stopping at Barafu for lunch en route. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, you will continue with Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours 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 be helpful.

From the gate, you will continue walking for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha.

  • Elevation: 10,000 feet to 5,400 feet
  • Distance: 10 kilometers
  • Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Location

Your trekking will take place on Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania.

Food

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water will be served for you daily.

The following meals are included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

The following dietary requirements are served and/or catered for:

  • Regular (typically includes meat and fish)

(If you have special dietary requirements it’s a good idea to communicate with us as your Trekking organizer when making a reservation)

What’s included

  • 6 nights’ accommodation
  • A professional driver / guide
  • All-mountain trekking equipment
  • All transportation
  • Camping equipment
  • Daily drinking water
  • Daily meals
  • Mount Kilimanjaro guided trekking
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • Porterage
  • Pre and post-program accommodation for 2 nights
  • Rescue fees
  • Roundtrip airport transfers

What’s not included

  • International flights
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Tips (from 10 USD  per person per day for porter
  • Tips (from 15 USD per person per day for mountain guide

What to bring
•
Clothes.
• A warm sweater as the nights can be chilly at high altitudes.
• Comfortable shoes
Mountain shoes

Bath towels

More information from Foot Slopes Tours & Safaris: