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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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!

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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.

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch