= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Tanzania | Snows of Kilimanjaro
 Camping on the climb to Mount Kilimanjaro |
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Click to download PDF itinerary:
7 days / 6 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Arusha | 1 |
| Ascending Mount Kilimanjaro | 4 |
| Descending Mount Kilimanjaro | 1 |
Day 1 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 this afternoon on the coming climb (D).
Serena Mountain Village (Standard Room)
Day 2 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. From the park entrance gate (Machame), you will walk for about two to three hours through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonias and other tropical vegetation. A stop for lunch will be made halfway to this evening's campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left of which is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru. Arrive at your first campsite late this afternoon (B,L,D).
Machame Camp (Tent)
Day 3 Shira Camp (3,780M)
On this and subsequent mornings, the wake-up call is around 6:00am. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee and, weather permitting, by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak. Today's trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foaming streams. 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 here there are breathtaking views of the Shira Needles and the distant form of the 4,572m Mount Meru (B,L,D).
Shira Camp (Tent)
Day 4 Barranco Camp (3,900M)
After a spectacular sunrise that reveals the magnitude of the distant snow-capped crater, you head out. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4,572m), where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastain stream, you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon called the Great Barranco. Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed by streams coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. Arrive late afternoon at your camp (B,L,D).
Barranco Camp (Tent)
Day 5 Barafu Camp (4,600M)
Today is a long day to Barafu with an early start. The first section takes climbers up the Barranco wall where some light rock climbing is required and then over moraine ridges to Karanga camp for lunch. The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine and lava ridge with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right and, overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak tomorrow will retire very early tonight as the wake-up call is just after midnight (B,L,D).
Barafu Camp (Tent)
Day 6 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, amidst the thick forest, you celebrate your success, reliving one of the definitive moments of your life (B,L,D).
Mweka Camp (Tent)
Day 7 Depart Kilimanjaro
This morning you descend to the base, arriving at the gate around midday. Climbers will be awarded certificates attesting to their successful climb. Afterwards, you are taken to a lodge for lunch and use of a room to freshen up before being taken to the airport to connect with onward flights (B,L).
Optional Extensions
Choose to combine your journey with one of A&K’s fantastic extensions. Not to be missed, these additions are specially selected by our travel specialists.
View our 'Tanzania | Cradle of Mankind Itinerary'
View our 'Kenya | Wildlife & Warriors Itinerary'
View our 'Uganda | Primates of Uganda Itinerary'
View our 'Rwanda | Gorillas of Rwanda Itinerary'
Enquire Now
A&K’s Kilimanjaro Operation
Abercrombie & Kent Tanzania has made a significant investment in its Kilimanjaro operation and equipment. The company has become partners with both the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) and the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which has enhanced the existing operation ensuring that our guests are provided with the safest and most ethical way to climb Kilimanjaro. A&K Tanzania has a dedicated Kilimanjaro Climbs Director and Kilimanjaro Operations Manager ensuring all aspects of the entire operation from porter selection and welfare to client briefings and safety are of the highest standard. A&K climbers have been benefiting from these improved operations for over two years.
A&K is a partner of both the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) and the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). Oxygen bottles, portable altitude chambers, first aid kits and multiple modes of communication are carried by A&K on every climb guaranteeing that A&K guests are provided with the safest and most ethical way to scale Africa’s highest peak.
