This expedition to conquer Africa’s highest peak is one to tick off the bucket list. Mt Kilimanjaro stands at an elevation of 5,895m, and nearly 800 A&K guests climb the mountain each year. This is not a strenuous technical climb, and no prior mountaineering experience is required, but it has its own challenges, not least of which is the altitude. We operate our mountain climb with the highest level of safety and multiple modes of communication. Our guides are expertly trained and certified Wilderness First Responders and our porters are endorsed by the International Porter Protection Group.
Journey Highlights
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Remainder of the day at leisure, with a full briefing this afternoon on the coming climb.
Lake Duluti Lodge | Meals: D
Day at leisure with the opportunity for an acclimatising walk in Arusha National Park.
Lake Duluti Lodge | Meals: BLD
Transfer to Machame village, where your trek begins. Walk for 2-3 hours through a forest of fig and rubber trees, begonias and other tropical vegetation. Stop for lunch before continuing the ascent. Arrive at your first campsite late this afternoon.
Machame Camp | Meals: BLD
Early morning wake-up before trekking onwards up a steep track through tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather. Encounter giant groundsels through the ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foaming streams. Stop for lunch below the Shira Plateau, then continue the ascent, arriving into camp mid-afternoon.
Shira Camp | Meals: BLD
A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4,572m), where you stop for lunch. Crossing the Bastain stream, descend towards Barranco Camp. Along the way, see numerous waterfalls converging here to form the Umbwe River. Arrive into camp late afternoon.
Barranco Camp | Meals: BLD
This morning, begin the trek to Karanga Camp. The first section takes climbers up the Barranco wall where some light rock climbing is required and then over moraine ridges to camp. This afternoon you have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley, where giant senecio and lobelia grows.
Karanga Camp | Meals: BLD
Today, the scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine and lava ridge with striking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak tomorrow will retire very early tonight for a wake-up call just after midnight.
Barafu Camp | Meals: BLD
Wake just after midnight and begin the climb around 1am. Climb for approximately six hours before reaching the edge of the crater. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit: at 5,895m. Commence your descent to Kibo Hut, where you can rest before continuing. Arrive at Mweka Camp late this afternoon to celebrate your achievement.
Mweka Camp | Meals: BLD
This morning you descend to the base, arriving at the gate around midday. A room is booked so you can freshen up for lunch before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: BL
As this suggested itinerary can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking.
Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800 or send us a booking enquiry to book this journey.