Geographic Adventures, Tours & Travel
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Walking
What does it mean to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro? Trekking to 19,341 feet above sea level on the Roof of Africa is the only way to find out! Mt. Kilimanjaro boasts the highest elevation peak on the African continent and is one of the Seven Summits. The dormant volcano commands respect as its impressive prominence makes it visible for hundreds of miles around. As a challenging and lengthy trek with no technical climbing, it is no wonder that Kilimanjaro is the crowning jewel atop many an adventurer's dream sheet.
The Machame Route is incredibly scenic and 7 days on the mountain will offer plenty of time to take in the majesty of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The ascent begins in lush afromontane forest, continues across the Shira Plateau which offers stunning views of the three peaks, and finishes atop Uhuru Peak. It is the most popular route to the summit and the well worn path holds a strong track record for successful journeys.
The scheduled departure will be the luxury specifications, meaning you will be supplied with additional creature comforts at each camp. (Economy specifications are available for separate departure dates.) Knowledgeable professional guides lead the way and a remote logistics team monitors each trip from start to finish. In partnership with Adventure International, we bring the safety and comfort so you can focus on the adventure!
Guest Itinerary*
Connection
Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro is an opportunity to forge profound bonds with your fellow climbers and connect to the stunning power of the Earth. You will forever feel the call of the mountain and know that part of your heart is home in Africa.
Itinerary
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
Day 1
Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you are met and transferred to the Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge in Arusha. The lodge is set among ancient trees on the slopes of Mount Meru right on the outskirts of town and offers spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. There is a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with the Climb Manager and trip guide.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Day 2
Kilimanjaro - Machame
From Arusha, set out in a vehicle to the starting point at the Machame Gate. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off through verdant afromontane forest. A picnic lunch is taken on trail, while resting from the challenging climb.
Distance: 11 km / ~4000 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Day 3
Kilimanjaro - Shira Plateau
From Machame camp ascend to Shira 2 Camp. Gain significant altitude in the morning during a steep and challenging climb through the heath zone. A picnic lunch is taken on trail. Take time to check out the attractive Helichrysum and lobelia plants along with some interesting geologic features including lava tubes and glacial valleys.
Distance: 5 km / ~ 3100 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4
Kilimanjaro - Barranco Camp
Ascend into alpine desert and spend some time acclimatizing at higher elevation (around 15,000 ft). Choose to take an optional trek up to the Lava Tower, if you're feeling ambitious. A picnic lunch is taken en route, before descending to Barranco camp, and spending the night around 13,000 feet.
Distance: 10 km / ~ 500 ft net elevation gain (Don't be fooled)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 5
Kilimanjaro - Karanga Camp
You now have a relatively short day to Karanga Camp, after conquering the Barranco Wall. The selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above.
Distance: 5 km / ~ 100 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 6
Kilimanjaro - Barafu Camp
Spend a half day ascending to Barafu Camp, arriving before lunch. Desolate alpine desert surrounds the camp and splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. High winds commonly sweep through the area. Dinner is served relatively early, allowing for an evening of rest before the summit bid.
Distance: 4 km / ~ 2200 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 7
Kilimanjaro - Summit, Mweka
A true summit bid begins with an Alpine Start! Departing just before midnight for the final push. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and most arrive near the rim, in perfect time to view the sunrise. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa!
What goes up must come down and the goal is to return to Mweka camp before dusk.
Distance: 5 km ascent / ~ 4045 ft net elevation gain
12 km descent / ~ 9300 ft net elevation loss
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 8
Kilimanjaro - Descent, Arusha
After breakfast, descend once again through montane forest and return to the trailhead around mid day. Say farewell to the guide crew, before transferring back to the lodge for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner!
Distance: 10 km / ~ 4600 ft net elevation loss
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Day 9
Depart
Enjoy some relaxation time in the dayroom at the lodge, before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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