The towering snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most recognizable mountains in Africa. Trekkers who trek to summit it are rewarded with sweeping vistas and rare views, including an opportunity to see some animals up close like zebras, elephants, or giraffes that depends on where they take their safari afterward. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the most famous landmarks on Earth. The journey up to Kilimanjaro can be difficult. However, with the proper planning, it will be an unforgettable experience to see a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet with Juhudi Expedition Ltd representative, and transfer to the Keys Annex Hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: nice rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening you will meet with our guides who will be there to provide you a short briefing on your trek and also checking your trekking gears also to make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Dinner and Overnight Keys Annex Hotel in Moshi
In the morning transfer from your hotel to Machame Gate.This will take us one-hour drive. We will pick up the park passes, signing-in and weighing our luggages before heading off to the first camp. The firs section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle-bashing through magnificent forest. This start is a good introduction to Kilimanjaro and with prime examples of the forest that laces the foot of the mountain though is often wet and muddy underfoot. We will have our Dinner and overnight at Machame camp.(3100m)
Trekking Time:4-6 hours –Distance:9 km-Altitude Gain is 740
The rout continues on up through the forest until we are at the steep ascent on the Shira Plateau,where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will see Mt.Meru rising high above Arusha town. We camp at Shira caves (3840m).We will have an evening walk of 100m high for altitude acclimatization (Walk high and sleep low).
Trekking Time:4-6-Distance:9 km-Altitude Gain: 740m
After breakfast we start a day by walking on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp at Barranco camp (3900m). The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have also followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness.
Trekking Time: 6-7hours-Distance: 15 km-Altitude Gain:60 m
Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
Distance: 4 Kilometers
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you will 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, 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, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep as soon as you finish dinner as you will awake before midnight for your summit hike.
Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours-Distance: 4.5km-Altitude Gain 400 m
We normally start our ascent by torchlight around midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steeply climb over loose volcanic scree has some graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella point (5735m.), in about 5-6 hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those are still feeling strong can make the 2hours round trip from here along the Crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descend to Barafu campsite is surprisingly fast, and after lunch and other refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3100m.) Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowded campsite. (11-14 hours walking)
After breakfast, 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. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.
At Mweka Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Goldencertificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
Dinner and overnight at Keys Annex Hotel in Moshi
Drop Off to Kilimanjaro Airport to Catch up flight back home