Lobuche Peak
...Getting to the summit is optional, getting down is mandatory...
Mt. Kilimanjaro, also known as the 'Roof of Africa', is the highest point on the continent, and therefore one of the 'Seven Summits'. This impressive peak also boasts the title of the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Rising straight up from the savannah, and standing at a whopping 5895m, it is truly a sight to behold.
A once-active volcano, Mt. Kilimanjaro actually hosts 3 summits, each of which are volcanic cones and are passed along the way to the top: Shira (4000m) and Mawenzi (5150m), the smaller of the three, are now extinct, whereas Kibo (5895m), where the true summit of Uhuru Peak is situated beside, is dormant and could erupt again, however, scientists haven’t seen any signs of volcanic activity in the foreseeable future. So, if you're yet to tick Mt. Kilimanjaro off your bucket list, then you have nothing to fear: the mountain is sleeping soundly. You should try your best to do the same.
Mt. Kilimanjaro really is the perfect trekking peak and usually serves as many people's first high altitude peak, unless having completed Mt. Meru in advance.
I only run bespoke, private expeditions, so please Get In Contact for further information and prices.
A typical itinerary is set out below. Alternative dates can be arranged.
A once-active volcano, Mt. Kilimanjaro actually hosts 3 summits, each of which are volcanic cones and are passed along the way to the top: Shira (4000m) and Mawenzi (5150m), the smaller of the three, are now extinct, whereas Kibo (5895m), where the true summit of Uhuru Peak is situated beside, is dormant and could erupt again, however, scientists haven’t seen any signs of volcanic activity in the foreseeable future. So, if you're yet to tick Mt. Kilimanjaro off your bucket list, then you have nothing to fear: the mountain is sleeping soundly. You should try your best to do the same.
Mt. Kilimanjaro really is the perfect trekking peak and usually serves as many people's first high altitude peak, unless having completed Mt. Meru in advance.
I only run bespoke, private expeditions, so please Get In Contact for further information and prices.
A typical itinerary is set out below. Alternative dates can be arranged.
Typical itinerary:
15th September - Depart UK/USA > Arrive Arusha (1 night at Rivertrees Country Inn)
Our first day on expedition! Today we depart to Africa. Dependant upon your arrival time you may have the chance to explore the local area, or soak up the rays by the pool. Arrival prior to this day can be arranged.
16th September - Preparation Day in Arusha // Alternative arrival day (1 night at Rivertrees Country Inn)
This day is extremely useful for a number of reasons. We will go through a detailed itinerary, conduct a complete kit-check, discuss crucial health and safety elements for our time on Mt. Kilimanjaro, collect any additional equipment required from town, change money if required, acclimatise to the local climate, and overcome any fatigue from the journey. This day also serves as an additional arrival day for late-comers, or to manage the event of lost luggage during the flight (a rare occurrence, but one outside of our control).
17th September - Trek Day 1: Arusha > Machame gate > Machame camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
After breakfast we drive from Arusha to the Machame gate (1800m), the gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park. Our trek begins with a journey through montane forest to Machame camp (3000m). During our journey it is very likely that we will see wildlife, including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, a range of wonderful birds and an array of beautiful flowers.
18th September - Trek Day 2: Machame camp > Shira camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
Soon the montane forest is left behind and quickly we find ourselves above the canopy and in the moorland. Mud tracks turn to dust as we emerge onto the Shira plateau, with the summit of Shira (4000m) in view. We spend our second night on the mountain at Shira camp (3850m).
19th September - Trek Day 3: Shira camp > Lava Tower > Barranco camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
Our journey today continues upwards, following dusty, rocky trails to Barranco camp (4000m). In the morning we gain height and the trail leads us via the Lava Tower (4600m), an impressive volcanic plug that sits just beside the trail. At 4600m we may begin to feel the altitude, and so, after a rest and a bite for lunch, we begin to descend to our camp for the night. During our descent we pass through magnificent senecio- and lobelia-forests, the whackiest trees you'll have ever seen! This day serves as a fantastic acclimatisation day and sets us up for success later down the line.
20th September - Trek Day 4: Barranco camp > Karanga camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
Another day and another opportunity to acclimatise. After our journey via Lava Tower (4600m) yesterday today should feel like a walk in the park. Today has a very small amount of height gain and once again we sleep at a lower altitude than we have previously visited. After surmounting the Barranco wall (a lot easier than it looks!), we continue gently across a broad ridge and a gently-rising path. Before you know it we have reached Karanga camp (4000m), our home for the night. We take the afternoon off to relax.
21st September - Trek Day 5: Karanga camp > Barafu camp* > Kosovo camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
With significant height to gain today and the previous afternoon off, we set off from Karanga camp (4000m) in good time. A steady rise, a stroll through Barafu camp (4600m), and a final climb over easy, rocky slabs, brings us up to our resting place at the base of the screes. Kosovo camp (4800m) marks our highest point before our summit bid. Having reached camp in good time, we set about discussing the plan for tomorrow and ensuring all of our kit is prepared in advance.
*Some itineraries may involve camping at Barafu camp (4600m) on this day (1hr from Kosovo camp (4800m)). This is dependant upon numbers and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
22nd September - Trek Day 6 (Summit Day!): Kosovo camp > Mt. Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) > Millennium camp* (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
The day we have all been eagerly anticipating! We wake before the earliest hour and begin our ascent via switch-backs in the screes. Under torch beams and the flicker of moonlight we steadily progress upwards. With Stella Point (5800m) in sight we begin to feel the warmth from the sun, as the first rays of daylight rise up from behind Mawenzi (5150m). After a short break we muster the energy to make the final push to the incredible summit of Uhuru Peak (5895m); the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro; the Roof of Africa! From here the views stretch far and wide, and are absolutely breath-taking. On a clear day you can see all the way across the Shira plateau, to the savannahs beneath, and even further to Mt. Meru and sometimes all the way to Mt. Kenya! After basking in the glory of the summit we begin our descent, returning via the same route. After a quick lunch stop at Barafu camp (4600m) we continue down to our well deserved, final campsite on the mountain, Millennium camp (3800m).
*Some itineraries may involve descending to Mweka camp (3100m) on this day (1.5hrs from Millennium camp (3800m)). This is dependant upon numbers and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
23rd September - Trek Day 7: Millennium camp > Mweka gate (1 night at Rivertrees Country Inn)
With our trek almost over, today is our last opportunity to sing and dance with our mountain crew. After a morning to remember, and with heavy hearts (and heavy legs!), we take our final steps down to the Mweka gate (1800m), having traversed the mountain over the last week. We say our goodbyes and give thanks to our local team, before taking the drive back to our hotel in Arusha, where hot showers and a celebratory meal awaits. Let the party begin!
24th September - Optional Safari Day (1 night at Rivertrees Country Inn)
Today we celebrate our achievements by heading out on Safari. Although this means another early start, it will be totally worth it. Both the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area or the Tarangire National Park serve as an opportunity to see even more wildlife, including the 'Big 5' (lion, leopard rhino, elephant, buffalo), cheetah and hippo. Today will also serve as an early departure day for those that wish to.
25th September - Depart Arusha > Arrive UK/USA
Our final day provides a chance to purchase souvenirs and share goodbyes, before we make our journey home. After such an overwhelming experience it is all too common to suffer post-expedition blues, normally before you've even made it home. The only cure for this is to book the next expedition...
Our first day on expedition! Today we depart to Africa. Dependant upon your arrival time you may have the chance to explore the local area, or soak up the rays by the pool. Arrival prior to this day can be arranged.
16th September - Preparation Day in Arusha // Alternative arrival day (1 night at Rivertrees Country Inn)
This day is extremely useful for a number of reasons. We will go through a detailed itinerary, conduct a complete kit-check, discuss crucial health and safety elements for our time on Mt. Kilimanjaro, collect any additional equipment required from town, change money if required, acclimatise to the local climate, and overcome any fatigue from the journey. This day also serves as an additional arrival day for late-comers, or to manage the event of lost luggage during the flight (a rare occurrence, but one outside of our control).
17th September - Trek Day 1: Arusha > Machame gate > Machame camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
After breakfast we drive from Arusha to the Machame gate (1800m), the gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park. Our trek begins with a journey through montane forest to Machame camp (3000m). During our journey it is very likely that we will see wildlife, including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, a range of wonderful birds and an array of beautiful flowers.
18th September - Trek Day 2: Machame camp > Shira camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
Soon the montane forest is left behind and quickly we find ourselves above the canopy and in the moorland. Mud tracks turn to dust as we emerge onto the Shira plateau, with the summit of Shira (4000m) in view. We spend our second night on the mountain at Shira camp (3850m).
19th September - Trek Day 3: Shira camp > Lava Tower > Barranco camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
Our journey today continues upwards, following dusty, rocky trails to Barranco camp (4000m). In the morning we gain height and the trail leads us via the Lava Tower (4600m), an impressive volcanic plug that sits just beside the trail. At 4600m we may begin to feel the altitude, and so, after a rest and a bite for lunch, we begin to descend to our camp for the night. During our descent we pass through magnificent senecio- and lobelia-forests, the whackiest trees you'll have ever seen! This day serves as a fantastic acclimatisation day and sets us up for success later down the line.
20th September - Trek Day 4: Barranco camp > Karanga camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
Another day and another opportunity to acclimatise. After our journey via Lava Tower (4600m) yesterday today should feel like a walk in the park. Today has a very small amount of height gain and once again we sleep at a lower altitude than we have previously visited. After surmounting the Barranco wall (a lot easier than it looks!), we continue gently across a broad ridge and a gently-rising path. Before you know it we have reached Karanga camp (4000m), our home for the night. We take the afternoon off to relax.
21st September - Trek Day 5: Karanga camp > Barafu camp* > Kosovo camp (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
With significant height to gain today and the previous afternoon off, we set off from Karanga camp (4000m) in good time. A steady rise, a stroll through Barafu camp (4600m), and a final climb over easy, rocky slabs, brings us up to our resting place at the base of the screes. Kosovo camp (4800m) marks our highest point before our summit bid. Having reached camp in good time, we set about discussing the plan for tomorrow and ensuring all of our kit is prepared in advance.
*Some itineraries may involve camping at Barafu camp (4600m) on this day (1hr from Kosovo camp (4800m)). This is dependant upon numbers and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
22nd September - Trek Day 6 (Summit Day!): Kosovo camp > Mt. Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) > Millennium camp* (1 night on Mt. Kilimanjaro)
The day we have all been eagerly anticipating! We wake before the earliest hour and begin our ascent via switch-backs in the screes. Under torch beams and the flicker of moonlight we steadily progress upwards. With Stella Point (5800m) in sight we begin to feel the warmth from the sun, as the first rays of daylight rise up from behind Mawenzi (5150m). After a short break we muster the energy to make the final push to the incredible summit of Uhuru Peak (5895m); the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro; the Roof of Africa! From here the views stretch far and wide, and are absolutely breath-taking. On a clear day you can see all the way across the Shira plateau, to the savannahs beneath, and even further to Mt. Meru and sometimes all the way to Mt. Kenya! After basking in the glory of the summit we begin our descent, returning via the same route. After a quick lunch stop at Barafu camp (4600m) we continue down to our well deserved, final campsite on the mountain, Millennium camp (3800m).
*Some itineraries may involve descending to Mweka camp (3100m) on this day (1.5hrs from Millennium camp (3800m)). This is dependant upon numbers and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
23rd September - Trek Day 7: Millennium camp > Mweka gate (1 night at Rivertrees Country Inn)
With our trek almost over, today is our last opportunity to sing and dance with our mountain crew. After a morning to remember, and with heavy hearts (and heavy legs!), we take our final steps down to the Mweka gate (1800m), having traversed the mountain over the last week. We say our goodbyes and give thanks to our local team, before taking the drive back to our hotel in Arusha, where hot showers and a celebratory meal awaits. Let the party begin!
24th September - Optional Safari Day (1 night at Rivertrees Country Inn)
Today we celebrate our achievements by heading out on Safari. Although this means another early start, it will be totally worth it. Both the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area or the Tarangire National Park serve as an opportunity to see even more wildlife, including the 'Big 5' (lion, leopard rhino, elephant, buffalo), cheetah and hippo. Today will also serve as an early departure day for those that wish to.
25th September - Depart Arusha > Arrive UK/USA
Our final day provides a chance to purchase souvenirs and share goodbyes, before we make our journey home. After such an overwhelming experience it is all too common to suffer post-expedition blues, normally before you've even made it home. The only cure for this is to book the next expedition...
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