Tanzania | Snows of Kilimanjaro
 Camping on the climb to Mount Kilimanjaro |
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8 days / 7 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Arusha | 2 |
| Ascending Mount Kilimanjaro | 5 |
| Descending Mount Kilimanjaro | 1 |
Day 01 Arrive Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by a representative of A&K and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Arusha. The remainder of the day is at leisure with a full briefing of the coming climb (D).
Serena Mountain Village
Day 02 Machame Camp (3,000M)
After breakfast you will be met and transferred to the Machame village where you begin your trek. Walk through dense forest with a stop for lunch. As you continue your ascent the forest gives way to tall grasses and giant heather. Arrive at your first camp site late this afternoon (B,L,D).
Machame Camp
Day 02 Shira Camp (3,780M)
Today's trek is up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather. Make a stop for lunch below the Shira Plateau. Shira is one of the three craters of the Kilimanjaro volcanic massif, the others being Mawenzi and Kibo. Continue your ascent arriving at your next camp mid afternoon. From camp there are breathtaking views of the Shira needles and the distant form of the 4,572m Mount Meru (B,L,D). Shira Camp
Day 04 Barranco Camp (3,900M)
After a spectacular sunrise that reveals the magnitude of the distant snow-capped crater you head out. Today’s route takes you steadily upward to the pass at Lava Tower (4,572m) where you stop for lunch. Descend toward Barranco Camp through the immense Grand Barranco where groundsels are once again encountered. There are numerous small waterfalls here fed by streams from the mountain to form a river (B,L,D).
Barranco Camp
Day 05 Karanga Camp (3,900M)
This morning begin your trek to Karanga Camp which is at the same altitude as Barranco Camp. The day is spent climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain. Arrive at your next camp in time for lunch. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow. Or you may like to rest in preparation for the climb ahead (B,L,D).
Karanga Camp
Day 06 Barafu Camp (4,600M)
Today’s hike to Barafu Camp will be mostly on moraine with a view of Mawenzi Peak towering majestically to the right and Kibo Peak overhead, seemingly just out of reach. Trek across alpine desert terrain arriving at your next camp mid afternoon (B,L,D). Barafu Camp
Day 07 Mweka Camp (3,000M)
You are awakened after midnight and following a light breakfast begin the climb around 1am. Climb for approximately 6 hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit, at 5922m this is the highest point on the African continent. Commence your descent to Kibo Hut, where you can rest before continuing your descent. Arrive at Mweka Camp late this afternoon after a tiring but rewarding trek. Here we celebrate our achievements amidst the thick forest reliving one of the definitive moments of our life (B,L,D).
Mweka Camp
Day 08 Kilimanjaro National Park – Arusha
This morning you descend to the base, arriving at the gate around midday. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your accomplishment (B,D).
Serena Mountain Village
Day 09 Depart Kilimanjaro
Today you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to the airport in time for your onward flight. (B)
Optional Extensions
Combine your journey with one of A&K’s fantastic Africa extensions. A&K suggests a Zanzibar Extension, Cradle of Mankind, Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda or a Beach Extension in Tanzania.
