On the first day, we arrive at Lemosho Gate at about 11am. Once we arrive, we will spend about an hour waiting at the gate and eating the packed lunch while Afroglacier Tours registers your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations.
At around 12pm, we will begin hiking to Mti Mkubwa Camp. We will hike through the rain forests of Kilimanjaro viewing trees and birds along the way. Arrive at the campsite at about 4pm to rest for the next day.
We will leave the forest on day two for Kilimanjaro’s moorland. When the trail flattens out, you will have your first views of Kibo peak. After lunch, we will climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled up the Shira crater. Stop at Shira 1 Camp, where we will relax for the rest of the day.
This is an acclimatization day that allows you to take day hikes that explore the Shira Plateau. You will hike only a short while and gain just over 1000 feet in elevation.
After breakfast, we will continue east on the Shira Plateau for two hours before reaching the junction for Shira and Lemosho Routes. We will continue to Lava Tower for acclimatization and lunch before we take our way down to Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route. It is set in a valley among forests of Senecio kilimanjari. From the campsite you will see magnificent views of Mount Meru, Heim Glacier and Kibo’s southern face.
We will leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour and a half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top, make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley. We generally camp on the ridge above the valley to allow for greater acclimatization.
After breakfast,we begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, there are stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way. Try to sleep as soon as you finish dinner as you will awake early in the morning (about 3:30 am) for your summit hike.
Due to the steep ascent at high altitude, this is the most challenging day of the ascent. Leave Barafu Camp early in the morning to begin your hike to the top of Kibo, Uhuru peak. It is important to remember to snack during the ascent to keep your energy up. You will likely lose your appetite during this day and begin to feel new effects of altitude sickness. Lunch will be carried for you to eat on the way.
At Stella Point you are on the rim of Kibo, we take the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, Reach Uhuru Peak and take photos at the roof of Africa. After a successful climb we will Descend to Barafu Camp where we will have our dinner and sleep.
After breakfast we will take our descent to Mweka Camp where we will enjoy our last night on the mountain near the Afromontane forest. Also at MweKa camp the Tipping
ceremony will be conducted, you will have a chance to say goodbye to the crew and express your experience with them.
After breakfast, we finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Afroglacier Tour vehicle will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to your Hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
