Day 0 : Pickup to Airport
You will be picked up from airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek.
Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking
gears.
DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 2,460m/7,742ft to 2,895m/9,498ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
We depart Moshi Hotel to Londorossi Gate, roughly a 4-hour drive, where you will complete the entry formalities. We will then drive to the Lemosho trailhead and upon arrival, we will begin the hike through undisturbed forest which winds its way to the first campsite. Keep your eyes peeled for the blue monkeys swinging through the trees!
DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,895m/9,498ft to 3,505m/11,500ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,505m/11,500ft to 4,206m/13,800ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Today, we will spend the full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. We then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a lesser-used camping site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.
DAY 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 4,206m/13,800ft to 4,629m/15,190ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,629m/15,190ft to 3,963m/13,044ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is extremely beneficial for acclimatization.
DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,963m/13,044ft to 3,994m/3,106ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We will then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900ft, cliff. The Barranco Wall, also known as the Kissing Wall, is approximately 3 ft. wide. This narrow section is famous because climbers often place a kiss on the rock as they pass by. Climbers also “hug” the outcrop and breathe a sigh of relief on the other side as they realize it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as it looked.
From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day will prepare us for higher elevation at the summit.
DAY6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,994m/3,106ft to 4,672m/15,331ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
DAY 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,672m/15,331ft to 5,895m/19,341ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 7-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,067m/10,065ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak— the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on your tremendous accomplishment. You’ll obviously have the opportunity to take a few pictures from the ‘Rooftop of Africa’ to memorialize this special moment.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,067m/10,065ft to 1,639m/5,380ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate where we will be met by our driver who will transport us back to the hotel in Moshi. Here, we can relax with some refreshments, perhaps a local Kilimanjaro beer, while we wait to receive our summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
DAY 9 : Moshi/Arusha Town To Lake Manyara National Park
In the early morning, we will start hotel in Moshi/Arusha and drive you to Lake Manyara National Park. The park encompasses the northwest bank and part of the alkaline Lake Manyara which itself rests in the Great Rift Valley. The park is perhaps best known for its flamingos, pelicans and cormorants but it is also the home for a few hundred other species of birds; it is therefore a paradise for ornithologists. Next to a great variety of birds, the “Big Game” can also be seen. With a bit of luck, you might see elephants in the wooded regions and with even more fortune the tree-climbing lions.
Indeed, it was thought for a long time that the Lake Manyara National Park is the only place where lions can be found with this atypical behavior of climbing trees. Baboons and velvet monkeys are also found amongst the forested areas and in the more open spaces, giraffes nibble at the fresh leaves while the various types of antelopes common to the region browse for tasty shoots.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 10: Lake Manyara To Serengeti National Park
After breakfast we head towards the Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into the heart of wild Africa – the Serengeti National Park – with its endless plains, rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. We head to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, featuring the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. We arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti national park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 11: Serengeti National Park To Ngorongoro Crater Highlands/Karatu
Be one of only a few fortunate people to glide in a Hot Air Balloon over the Serengeti Plains (available at supplementary cost by pre-arrangement). Floating silently above the awakening bush, while spotting wildlife and enjoying the amazing scenery of Africa, across rivers and over numerous small villages.
After breakfast at the lodge do early game drive in Serengeti and around afternoon we depart to Ngorongoro Conservation area. We arrive in time for dinner at the lodge/campsite and spend overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha/Moshi
After an early breakfast, you will descend over 600 meters into the crater to view wildlife. Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro conservation Area supports vast variety of animals, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants. Another big draw card to this picturesque national park, is its dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot.
We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater. A large number of flamingos, hippos and other water birds can usually have been seen here. Late afternoon transfer to Arusha/Moshi for dinner and Overnight or airport drop off.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.
Day 13: Stone Town & Sunset Cruise
Morning walking tour through UNESCO-listed Stone Town: spice markets, Sultan’s Palace, Old
Fort, and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace.
Lunch at a rooftop restaurant with ocean views.
Evening dhow cruise with sunset drinks.
Included: Hotel, lunch, dinner, guide, entry fees, dhow cruise.
Day Price: $300 per person (Hotel: Tembo House or similar)
Day 14: Spice Farm & Prison Island
Guided tour of a spice plantation — taste, smell, and learn about cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and
more.
Afternoon boat trip to Prison Island to see giant Aldabra tortoises and enjoy snorkeling.
Return transfer to hotel or airport.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, boat transfers, guide, entry fees.
Day Price: $280 per person (No overnight stay included)
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Inclusions
Accommodation
• Nights hotel accommodation:
1. Night prior to the climb
2. Night after the climb
3. Night Acommodations in Zanzibar
• Shared tent during the trek (2 climbers per tent; individual tents available on request)
• 2-inch sleeping mat for comfort during the trek
• Nights of accommodation in camping safari settings
Camping Gear
• High-quality 2-person tents
• Mattress, table, chair, and pillow
Kilimanjaro Climb
• Friendly, professional mountain guides with wilderness first aid certification and extensive experience
• 3 porters per climber, each carrying up to 15 kg of personal luggage
• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain, with treated and filtered drinking water provided throughout
• Daily hot water for washing
• Cook trained to prepare various dietary options (including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free); advance notice required
• Portable oxygen tanks and oximeter
• Emergency first-aid kit
• Park entry fees, camping fees, and Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
• Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
Safari
• Professional driver/guide during the safari
• 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fridge, and inverter for mobile charging
• Daily game drives during the safari
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily during safari days
• Mineral water (3 liters per person per day)
• Park entry and conservation fees (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
• Domestic flight: Arusha → Zanzibar
Zanzibar
• Guided Stone Town walking tour
• Spice Tour with Swahili lunch
Transfers & Transport
• Meet & greet at airports (JRO & ZNZ)
• Private airport pickup and drop-off
• All transfers within Tanzania and Zanzibar as per itinerary
Taxes & Charges
• 18% VAT on tour fees and services
• All applicable government taxes
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Exclusions
• International flights to/from Tanzania
• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa fees
• Optional activities (e.g., hot-air balloon safari, scuba diving, dhow sailing, Jozani Forest visit)
• Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages)
• Sleeping bag rental for camping safari (USD 30)
• Lunches, dinners, and drinks at hotels before and after the climb
• Portable flush toilet with toilet tent (USD 100 for the entire trek)
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Alcoholic and soft drinks unless otherwise stated
• Additional nights before or after the tour
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Tipping Guidelines
Kilimanjaro
• Guide: USD 20 per day
• Cook: USD 15 per day
• Porter: USD 10 per day
Safari
• Guide/Driver: USD 20 per day
• Cook (if applicable): USD 15 per day
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