This is the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. It features a lovely gradual ascent through a forested area, from which you can emerge to enjoy wide views of the moorland on the Shira Plateau, Kibo, and the western breach.

INCLUDED

1: Transport from JRO airport

2: A warm bed and english breakfast the night before and the night after the trek

3: All food on the climb

4: Transfer to and from the gate

5: Tents (four seasons, 3-person mountain tent – double occupancy), 

chairs and tables & accommodation

6: Mattresses (sleeping pad foam, 1.5 inches thick)

7: First aid kit & bottle of oxygen & pulse oximeter & personal stretcher

8: Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees

9: Forest fees (where they apply)

10: Fees for the guides and porters (as per government regulations), 

(food and public liability insurance for the guides & porters)

11: Value Added Tax (VAT) and other government taxes

NOT INCLUDED 

1: Transport back to the airport

2: 3 liters of water for the first day.

3: Drinks

4: Tips for guides and porters

5: Food on the first and last night at the hotel

6: Personal equipment for mountain climbing

Day One

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by our representative and taken to Janibichi Adventures Ltd, located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering friendly services. It is situated just a 20-minute walking distance from Moshi town center.

After breakfast, we will depart from Janibichi Adventures Ltd's office at approximately 8:30 AM with a lunch box for you to sporadically snack on during your trek. From the park entrance gate (Machame), you will walk for about two to three hours through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for lunch will be made halfway to this evening's campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will notice that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, with the Semira stream on the left and the Weru on the right. Depending on the climbers' pace, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Your camp is set up near some old metal huts, which were once used for shelter. This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy. There is no need to rush to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow ascent even at this point for gradual acclimatization. Do not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually move ahead quickly. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the Afro mountain forest. 

Overnight: Machame Camp

On this and subsequent mornings, the wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee and, weather permitting, a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak. Today's trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite takes approximately six hours, and you should arrive between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly and resting about every half-hour. On arrival at the camp, there is time to relax and even go for an acclimatization hike with your guides before dinner.

Overnight: Shira Camp 

The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas that extend across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft), where you stop for lunch. Crossing the Bastain stream, you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon known as the Great Barranco. Along the way, you will come across numerous waterfalls fed by streams originating from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night before. Today is a full-day trek, and you will likely feel very tired. Arrival at camp is expected to be between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM.

Overnight: Barranco Camp 

This morning, you begin your hike to Karanga Camp, which is situated at the same altitude as Barranco Camp. You will encounter a bit of a climb at the Barranco Wall and spend the rest of the trek ascending and descending the slopes of the mountain most of the way to camp. Climbing is not considered difficult, and you should arrive in time for lunch, approximately around 1:00 PM, after trekking for about four to five hours. In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow. However, you are well advised to rest as much as possible to prepare for the climb ahead.

Overnight: Karanga Camp 

The scenic climb to Barafu is primarily on a moraine and lava ridge, offering a view of Mawenzi Peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo Peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Lunch is taken at the camp, and in the afternoon, there is a summit clothing check. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one.

Overnight: Barafu Camp 

You will be awakened at midnight, and after a light breakfast, you'll start climbing at around 12 midnight. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much tougher. Climbers should carry as little as possible on this part of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. You will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, Stella Point. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru stands at 19,340 feet and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and often icy. Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely during this part of the journey. The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Barafu camp after about three hours, around 11:30 AM. Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving at the camp around 5:00 PM, you will have trekked a total of thirteen to seventeen hours today.

Overnight: Mweka Camp 

On the final day of the journey, climbers descend from Mweka Camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately 5 hours, and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting to their success in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing your climb, you will be taken to Janibichi Adventures Ltd for a hot shower.

Day Nine: Departure!