Arrival in Tanzania

Moshi - Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and driven to Keys Hotel. Here, all our clients gather for a briefing and overnight stay before beginning the climb.

Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - The Kilimanjaro National Park gate is just an hour’s drive from Stella Maris Lodge. After breakfast, you will be picked up and taken to the gate to start your climb. Upon arrival, your guide will handle the entrance formalities while you watch various teams and mountain crews prepare for their expeditions. It’s always fascinating to see them load all the gear for the trip. Once everything is ready, your adventure begins. Today’s destination is Machame Camp, which you should reach in about 5 – 6 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through a beautiful rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, and lichen, among other flora.

A highlight of the day is spotting the black and white thumbless colobus monkeys. Upon reaching your campsite, you can relax before enjoying a well-deserved dinner prepared by our cook.

Machame Camp (3010m) – Shira Camp (3845m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Although today’s trek is shorter than yesterday’s, you’ll still start early, allowing you to reach Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The landscape changes dramatically from lush rainforest to moor and heathland. From your campsite on the Shira Plateau, you’ll have a stunning view of the mountain range. The glacier of Kibo also illuminates as the sun sets.

Shira Camp (3845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today is ideal for acclimatization. You’ll climb about 700m but will sleep at a similar elevation to the previous night. Starting at Shira Plateau, you’ll ascend to Lava Tower at around 4640m. After a rest, you’ll continue through Barranco Valley to reach Barranco Camp. Today’s trek lasts approximately 6 – 7 hours, during which you’ll experience the alpine desert and the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant Senecios. After a well-deserved dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for the next day.

Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall. While you might need to use your hands for better grip occasionally, there are no climbing passages. Safety is paramount, so please listen to our guides who will ensure you reach the top safely. Today’s trek involves several ascents and descents, followed by a walk along the mountain ridge, offering a great view of the Kibo glacier. Walking time is 3 – 4 hours, with the Kibo summit always on your left as you head to your camp for the night.

Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today’s destination is Barafu Camp, which you’ll reach after 3-4 hours of trekking through the moon-like alpine desert. After a satisfying dinner, you’ll have an early night to rest. The highlight of your trip is now just hours away.

Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - The climb begins at midnight. You’ll be woken up just before to have some tea and biscuits. After 5 – 7 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point on the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. Another 1 – 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Standing on top of Africa’s highest mountain and watching the sunrise is a truly magnificent sight. This view will make every minute of the trek worthwhile. You’ll descend the same way back to Barafu Camp, which you’ll reach after 1 – 2 hours. The rest of the mountain team will be waiting with well-deserved snacks and refreshments. After resting for an hour or two, you’ll head to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.

Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, you’ll have a traditional farewell ceremony with your mountain crew. A short 2 – 3 hour walk through the rainforest will bring you to Mweka gate, where our driver will be waiting. You’ll then be transferred back to Keys Hotel for a well-deserved shower, a cold drink, a debrief, and the awarding of your certificate of achievement. The rest of the day is yours to relax and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner