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Click on any route to view the itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive Africa -- Overnight at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
Bushmen Expeditions takes pride in providing gourmet food and comfortable camps throughout the climb, and porters will carry your equipment. All of these factors combine to maintain our high success rate--98%. After the climb we descend to the comforts of the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge set among the beautiful Coffee garden.
The hotel has 139 rooms including: 30 chalets with 60 rooms, 72 rooms in the main building, 7 presidential suites.
Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.
Day 2: Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park, for a guarder walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 3: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp 9,700ft 5 hours
The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montaine Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area that gets reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife; small bushbuck & duikers as well as monkeys. There is also rich and varied bird life. The first three hours or so is on gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail.
Day 4: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp 13,000ft 4 hours
Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. The trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the heath land the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming knife edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away. Wildlife changes with the vegetation, jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer seen circling overhead. The camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.
DAY 5--- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
DAY 6 -- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m) 4,630
Hiking time 4-5hrs
From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board).
DAY 7 -- Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 8 -- Mweka Camp to Arusha
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m
Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel.
BACK TO TOP
A Total hiking distance: About 96 km's
(Excluding any acclimatisation hikes on day 3)
This is the easiest route to take to ascend Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, with its two main summits, the craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, and the 'flat-topped', glaciated Kibo, 5896m. The Saddle, a 5km wide, high-altitude, semi-desert separates the two. From the summit glaciers, screes, cliffs, afro-alpine moorland then forests lead down to the cultivated foothills. The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through these dramatically different zones. For the ascent to Uhuru Peak from Kibo Hut a very early start is made since the scree is easier to climb when frozen and the views from the crater rim at dawn can be spectacular. Ski sticks are useful when ascending the scree to the summit. Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts you will require a sleeping bag and mat. This is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. An extra day for acclimatisation to the altitude can be spent at Horombo. From Horombo there are various walks to enjoy.
Day 1 Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by a member of your guide team and transferred by road to your hotel in Arusha. After a long day of travel, we enjoy a quick meal before retiring.
Transfer Time: 50 min
Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge FB
Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.
Day 2 Mandara Encampment
Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: About 12 km's
Habitat: Montane forest
Transfer to the Park Headquarters at Marangu Gate for registration. From the gate, you ascend a cleared ridge trail, formerly a vehicle track to Mandara Hut. The cleared trail is the fastest way to Mandara, but opportunities to see wildlife or enjoy the forest are limited due to the heavy foot traffic. An alternative is to ascend along the parallel forest trail and descend on the main trail. The forest trail branches off to the left, a few minutes after the gate, and follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth. About halfway (1 1/2 hrs from the gate) you can choose to cross the stream and rejoin the main trail, or continue on the forest trail. Both trails continue on opposite sides of the stream, merging about one hour before Mandara Hut.
Day 3
Mandara hut (2700m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: About 15 km's
Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest and skirts the base of Maundi Crater, crosses a meadow and a wooded stream, then emerges into grassland. It is well worth the short detour to scramble up to the rim of Maundi Crater for a superb view of the mountain and its surroundings. The trail crosses numerous moor land ravines before ending at Horombo Hut, which is set in a rocky valley with a fine stand of giant senecios or groundsels.
Day 4
Horombo hut (3720m) - Acclimatisation day
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night's rest.
Day 5
Horombo hut (3720m) - Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: About 15 km's
Habitat: Alpine desert
From Horombo Hut there are two trails to the Saddle. The right fork is very stony and eroded and is the most direct route to the Saddle and Mawenzi. From the Saddle (about 2 hrs from Horombo), there are trails to Mawenzi Hut (1/2hr) or Mawenzi Tarn Hut (2 1/2 hrs) and across the length of the Saddle to Kibo Hut (3 hrs). The left fork from Horombo Hut is an easier trail and emerges on the Saddle much closer to Kibo and about one kilometer from Kibo Hut.
Day 6--SUMMIT ATTEMPT
Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: 6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Day 7
Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: About 27 km's
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in your hotel in arusha.
BACK TO TOP
Day 1 -- Arrival
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by a member of your guide team and transferred by road to your hotel in Arusha. After a long day of travel, we enjoy a quick meal before retiring.
Transfer Time: 50 min
Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge FB
The hotel has 139 rooms including: 30 chalets with 60 rooms, 72 rooms in the main building, 7 presidential suites.
Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.
DAY 2 -- Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park, for a guarder walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 -- Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m
Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ft
Distance: 18km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive to the gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
DAY 4 -- Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m
Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600ft
Distance: 9km
Walking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
DAY 5 -- Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m
Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft
Distance: 15 km
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 6 -- Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft
Distance: 13km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13, 779 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 7 -- Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 8 -- Mweka Camp to Arusha
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m
Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel.
Masai giraffe is the only local tour operator with its own dedicated Mount Kilimanjaro climbing operated and escorted by the owner.
BACK TO TOP
Day 1 -- Arrival
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by a member of your guide team and transferred by road to your hotel in Arusha. After a long day of travel, we enjoy a quick meal before retiring.
Transfer Time: 50 min
Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge FB
The hotel has 139 rooms including: 30 chalets with 60 rooms, 72 rooms in the main building, 7 presidential suites.
Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.
DAY 2 -- Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park, for a guarder walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 -- Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m
Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ft
Distance: 18km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive to the gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
DAY 4 -- Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m
Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600ft
Distance: 9km
Walking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
DAY 5 -- Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m
Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft
Distance: 15 km
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 6--- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
DAY 7 -- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m) 4,630
Hiking time 4-5hrs
From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board).
DAY 8 -- Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 9 -- Mweka Camp to Arusha
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m
Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel.
BACK TO TOP
Day 1: Arrive Africa -- Overnight at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
The Lemosho Glades route via the Western Breach is among the least used combination of routes on Kilimanjaro. The trail leads up to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, and the hike across the plateau is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. With 7 nights on the mountain, your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa” are very good.
Bushmen Expeditions takes pride in providing gourmet food and comfortable camps throughout the climb, and porters will carry your equipment. All of these factors combine to maintain our high success rate--98%. After the climb we descend to the comforts of the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge set among the beautiful Coffee garden.
The hotel has 139 rooms including: 30 chalets with 60 rooms, 72 rooms in the main building, 7 presidential suites.
Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.
Day 2: Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park, for a guarder walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 3: Forest Camp
Depart Arusha at 7:30a.m. for Londorossi gate, about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp--about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp)
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp
Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau, a day of 5-6 hours trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp
Full day exploration of the Shira plateau; Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp (Fischers’s Camp), at 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours.
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
DAY 6: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m
Elevation (ft): 12,950ft
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664. There are many senecio and lobelia plants around the camp site which make this camp site unique
DAY 7--- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
DAY 8 -- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m) 4,630
Hiking time 4-5hrs
From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board).
Day 9: Barafu / Summit
Rise early to watch the sunrise from the summit, which will take about 1.5 hours from Crater Camp. After a short time at the summit, descend along the gently sloping crater rim to Stella Point (on the crater rim, at 19,000 feet (5,790 mt.)), then descend the Mweka Route down a steep scree slope to Barafu Camp (15,100 ft. / 4,600 mt.) for lunch. In the afternoon continue the descent into the Heather Zone to Mweka Camp for the night. Total trekking time is from 8-10 hours.
Day 10: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
From the camp to the gate, you'll have 4 to 5 hours of walking. Upon your arrival at the gate you'll have lunch and then will be transferred to Arusha.
BACK TO TOP
Day 1: Arrive Africa -- Overnight at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
The Lemosho Glades route via the Western Breach is among the least used combination of routes on Kilimanjaro. The trail leads up to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, and the hike across the plateau is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. With 7 nights on the mountain, your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa” are very good.
Kilibusy takes pride in providing gourmet food and comfortable camps throughout the climb, and porters will carry your equipment. All of these factors combine to maintain our high success rate--98%. After the climb we descend to the comforts of the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge set among the beautiful Coffee garden.
The hotel has 139 rooms including: 30 chalets with 60 rooms, 72 rooms in the main building, 7 presidential suites.
Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.
Day 2: Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park, for a gaurded walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 3: Forest Camp
Depart Arusha at 7:30a.m. for Londorossi gate, about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp--about 3-4 hours of trekking. Overnight at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa Camp)
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp
Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau, a day of 5-6 hours trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp
Full day exploration of the Shira plateau; Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Arrive at Shira 2 camp (Fischers’s Camp), at 12,600 ft. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours.
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
DAY 6: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m
Elevation (ft): 12,950ft
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664. There are many senecio and lobelia plants around the camp site which make this camp site unique
DAY 7--- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
DAY 8 -- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m) 4,630
Hiking time 4-5hrs
From Karanga the tour heads up a morraine ridge taking your time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it's taken it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (Full board).
Day 9: Barafu / Crater
Elevation (m) 5,730
Hiking time 7-10hrs
You are woken up by 5am and after breakfast, begin trekking 6am. Fill your drinking bottle with hot water to begin the trek. You are not likely to drink cold water while ascending to the summit. The temperature are coldest from 6am – 9am, and range between 20deg to –10degrees farenheit (-10 to -20c) . You need to dress accordingly. The guide will help you, after reaching crater camp you can go for an optional walk to the central ash pit (Reusch crater) depending how you feel. Dinner and overnight at Crater Camp (Full board).
Day 10: Crater Camp to Summit / Mweka Camp
Rise early to watch the sunrise from the summit, which will take about 1.5 hours from Crater Camp to Uhuru peak. After a short time at the summit, descend along the gently sloping crater rim to Stella Point (on the crater rim, at 19,000 feet (5,790 mt.)), then descend the Mweka Route down a steep scree slope to Barafu Camp (15,100 ft. / 4,600 mt.) for lunch. In the afternoon continue the descent into the Heather Zone to Mweka Camp for the night. Total trekking time is from 8-10 hours.
Day 11: Mweka Camp – Mweka gate
From the camp to the gate, you'll have 4 to 5 hours of walking. Upon your arrival at the gate you'll have lunch and then will be transferred to Arusha.
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Day 1: Arrive Africa -- Overnight at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
The Shira Plateau Western Breach is the best non-technical route on the mountain and our summit day is only a 1-2 hour hike from our last camp. This seldom traveled route requires no technical experience, only that you be in great physical shape and have the desire to stand on the roof of Africa. Kilibusy takes pride in providing gourmet food and comfortable camps throughout the climb, and porters will carry your equipment. All of these factors combine to maintain our high success rate--98%. After the climb we descend to the comforts of the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge set among the beautiful Coffee garden.
Bushmen Expeditions takes pride in providing gourmet food and comfortable camps throughout the climb, and porters will carry your equipment. All of these factors combine to maintain our high success rate--98%. After the climb we descend to the comforts of the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge set among the beautiful Coffee garden.
The hotel has 139 rooms including: 30 chalets with 60 rooms, 72 rooms in the main building, 7 presidential suites.
Accommodating up to 350 guests, all rooms have spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones and most of them have Jacuzzis. The luxury rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms having a magnificent view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. All the rooms have mini bars, satellite TV's, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers. Some rooms can comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.
Day 2: Arusha National Park
A day to acclimatize to the time zone, on this day we recommend our clients to go to Arusha National Park, for a gaurded walk by game rangers. Nothing strenuous by a chance to enjoy game while walking in the National Park with picnic lunch boxes from Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. Back to your lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 3: Montane Forest
Altitude - 7,000-9,000 feet
Hiking Time: 3-6 hours
After a short drive through the beautiful grasslands and scattered Masai villages we will arrive at the forest edge of the National Park. From here we will walk a few hours through the undisturbed lush jungle to our camp for the night. Our Tanzanian guides will share their knowledge of the local ecology as you walk through the fantastic plants and trees, hear birds, and see other exotic wildlife. With luck you will be able to see Colobus monkeys and signs of elephants on your walk to camp. Upon arriving at camp, you will find your tent set up as well as hot tea and snacks waiting for you in the dining tent. You may relax or go on a short hike before dinner.
Day 4: Shira Plateau - West Side
Altitude- 11,500 feet
Hiking Time: 6-8 hrs
Upon waking, your Tanzanian guides will greet you at your tent with tea and hot water to wash with before enjoying breakfast. We will take our time walking through the forest, which enables us to acclimatize comfortably and spot the plentiful game and bird life while enjoying the views down canyon through breaks in the jungle. Today's hike will take us through the Montane Forest and the Hagenia Zone. We will point out the unique environmental differences that characterize these separate equatorial zones.
Day 5: Fischer Camp
Altitude 12,300 feet
Hiking Time: 3-6 hours
It will take us roughly three hours to hike across the Shira Plateau and then one hour up the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Our Camp will be at about 12,300 feet, in the upper Heath Zone. This camp has a plaque dedicated to Scott Fischer, friend and founder of Mountain Madness. In the 1980's, Wes Krause and Scott Fischer pioneered the Shira Plateau route on Kilimanjaro which we travel. The views of the mountain at sunset and sunrise are truly spectacular.
Day 6: Barranco Camp
Altitude- 13,000feet
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Today we will hike to camp 3. The route will take us up to 14,000 feet just below Lava Tower and then back down to our camp in the Great Barranco Valley. The views of the Great Breach Wall are better from this camp than anywhere on the mountain.
Day 7: Barafu Camp
Altitude- 15,500feet
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Our route today climbs out of the Barranco Valley and ascends to over 14,000 feet. We then traverse under the glaciers of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. As we traverse we will have close-up views of all of the mountain's Southern Glaciers. We then descend into Karanga Valley before beginning our 1,600 foot ascent to Barafu Hut.
Day 8: Summit Crater Camp
Altitude 18,500 feet
Hiking time 7-10 hours
Today we climb up the Western Breach non-technical climbing route for about seven hours to the edge of the crater floor. There will be time to explore the inner crater before moving to our high camp on the crater floor. It is common to find snow along this section of the route. Our high camp will be situated adjacent to a spectacular glacier and the summit merely a short hike away! The rest of the day will be spent drinking lots of liquids and enjoying another fabulous sunset dinner.
Day 9: Summit Day!
Top Altitude 19,340 feet
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours to summit
Bottom Altitude 10,500 feet
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours to descend to Mweka Camp
After breakfast, we will leave camp and hike to the top of the crater rim. From there it is just a ten-minute hike to Uhuru Summit, the highest point in Africa 19,340 feet! We arrive at the summit and are rewarded with clear views before the midmorning clouds roll in. We will bask in the glory of our accomplishment, grab a bite to eat, enjoy the views and take lots of photographs. After summit celebrations we will begin our descent past Barafu Hut and down to our camp near Mweka Hut, where our porters will have prepared a special celebratory feast! We will have descended almost 9,000 feet today and you will feel intoxicated by the oxygen rich air.
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