Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit Climb

Day 1

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, TZ. Kaf Adventures will meet you upon arrival and transport you 40km to the town of Moshi for your first night’s accommodations.

Day 2

• Depart Moshi and spend the morning travelling to the western flank of Kilimanjaro, entering the park through the Londorossi gate. Begin hiking at the Lemosho Trailhead and ascend slowly  through the rainforest to your first camp, Mti Mkubwa.
• Lemosho Trailhead (7,750 ft / 2,370 m) ~ Forest Camp (9,200 ft / 2,800 m)
• 3 – 4 hours of trekking (6 km / 4 mi)

Day 3

• Continue on the forested trail and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend the lush rolling hills, crossing several streams before reaching camp on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.
• Forest Camp (9,200 ft / 2,800 m) ~ Shira 1 Camp (11,500 ft / 3,500 m)
• 5 – 6 hours of trekking (8 km / 5 mi)

Day 4

• A full day of exploration on the Shira plateau, hiking through moorland on one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. As you continue, the expansive high savannah desert will open up. You will have the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. 
• Shira 1 Camp (11,500 ft / 3,500 m) ~ Moir Hut (13,800 ft /4,200 m)
• 5 – 6 hours of trekking (11 km / 7 mi)

Day 5

• Proceed steadily upward for 4 hours over expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic plug, marks an exposed pass at 15,000 ft. In the afternoon, descend steeply into the Great Barranco Valley. Your next camp is set in a valley enclosed by massive walls on 3 sides. Hanging glaciers on the Kibo massif glint in the sunshine above amidst the eerie landscape of plants, such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. 
• Moir Hut (13,800 ft /4,200 m) ~ Barranco Camp (12,850 ft / 3,950 m)
• 6 – 8 hours of trekking (10 km / 6 mi)

Day 6

• Begin your day with a scramble up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’, then traverse the ridges and valleys of the mountain’s southern face, as Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jut into the African sky straight ahead. You will reach the Karanga Valley for a hot lunch after 3-4 hours of trekking, then continue steadily uphill in the afternoon. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed, flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which many make their summit attempt at midnight. Eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.
• Barranco Camp (12,850 ft / 3,950 m) ~ Barafu Camp (15,300 ft / 4,670 m)
• 8 – 10 hours of trekking (9 km / 5 mi)

Day 7

• You begin trekking at 6am up the winding path of endless switchbacks. After 6-9 hours, you will come to the edge of the crater at Stella Point, at 19,000 ft (5,795 m), which is the end of the steep track. From here, it is only gently sloped trek of under 1 hour across the lunar landscape of the inner crater to reach the Crater Camp. Our camp is set in soft sands near the retreating vertical ice walls of the Furtwangler glacier. Rest and enjoy snacks and hot drinks in the mess tent, then opt to explore this unique environment, including a visit to Reusch Crater, the ash pit, and the glaciers. Few that trek Kilimanjaro ever experience the summit zone in this way.
• Barafu Camp (15,300 ft / 4,670 m) ~ Crater Camp (19,340 ft / 5,895m)
• 7 – 10 hours of trekking (5 km / 3 mi)

Day 8

• Rise early to hike 1.5 hours and watch the sunrise from Uhuru Peak’s summit. After a short time at the summit, descend along the gently sloping crater rim to Stella Point, then back to Barafu Camp for lunch. In the afternoon continue the descent through savannah and heather to Mweka Camp for the night.
• Crater Camp (19,340 ft / 5,895m) ~ Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft / 5,895 m) ~ Mweka Camp (10,070 ft / 3,070 m)
• 7 – 8 hours of trekking (12 km / 7 mi)

Day 9

• Make your final descent through the rainforest and mark your completion of Mt. Kilimanjaro!
• Mweka Camp (10,070 ft / 3,070 m) ~ Mweka Gate (5,400 ft /1,645 m)
• 3 – 4 hours of trekking (10 km / 6 mi)
• Return to Moshi. Celebrate your experience at the homes of your new Tanzanian friends with nyama choma, or traditional Tanzanian barbeque.
• Spend one last night in Moshi.

Day 10

• Fly home from Kilimanjaro International Airport or explore the local area in preparation for further travels.

Ask us about the itinerary for optional add-ons:

Days 11-14

• A once-in-a-lifetime Safari across Tanzania’s most magical lands to see incredible wildlife in its natural habitat

Days 15-17

• After all your hard work, spend your last few days relaxing in a Zanzibar oasis

• 18+
• 16+ may be considered when accompanied with a guardian and Kaf approval

Ability to walk up to 8 miles per day for 8 consecutive days with a 25 lb. pack. Previous experience hiking at elevations over 10,000 ft will be helpful, but is not necessary.

• Lodging and transportation within Tanzania
  
• All fees and permits
• Professional guiding and instruction
• 4-season mountaineering tents for sleeping (double occupancy)
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• 3 meals per day plus snacks and beverages while on Kilimanjaro
• Toilet tents and personal wash basins
• Porters to provide team support on the mountain
• Group medical kit and guides with WFR training

• Flights to and from Tanzania
  
• Insurance of any kind
• Visa and vaccinations
• Personal trekking and climbing equipment
• Guide and porter gratuity
• Clothing and other personal items
  
• Miscellaneous spending money for drinks and spare time activities
  

Climbers will need all personal trekking equipment such as backpack, sleeping bag and pad, adequate footwear, clothing, and toiletries. Trekking poles are recommended

Please ask for more information if you will require any rental equipment

Flights to Africa are not included. Once in Tanzania, all transportation will be handled by Kaf Adventures until you arrive back at the airport.