Kilirock Africa adventures$Safaris
Click here to edit subtitle
Lemosho route preparation Day
On this day before the beginning of your Kilimanjaro experience, your guide will do a briefing and a gear check. These essential steps will ensure security for all and significantly increase your chance of success. The guide will also review your previously completed and submitted medical form with you. You will also be introduced to your trekking mates during the briefing.
Day 1: Londorosi Gate (2,100m/6,890’) –> Mti Mkubwa (2,791m/9,160’)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Tropical Forest Altitude gain: + 691m/2,270’
Accommodation: Forest Camp
After breakfast, you drive to the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro to the Londorosi Gate. You will drive to the Shira-Lemosho trail where you find your climbing crew ready and waiting to start the climb. The Trip Leader will tell you exactly what to expect each day for weather, the nature of the trail, and the wildlife you will encounter. Please ask any question about any special features that might interest you.
Overnight at Forest Camp: Forest camp is located in a dense forest zone. After the sun fades, the cold sets in and it’s time to dress warmly and prepare the headlamps.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa (2,791m/9,160’) –> Shira (3,650m/11,975’)
Distance: 9 km/5 miles Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland, Heath Altitude gain: + 859m/2,815’
Accommodation: Shira Camp
You leave the camp after breakfast and ascend to Shira Camp. You press ahead into the heath, where we stop for lunch. Next we wind up the day by traversing the Shira Ridge and camp in the Shira Caldera with its dramatic views of Kibo peak. It is usual to hear some jackals barking in the night as well as seeing some signs of buffaloes, elands, serval cats and other magnificent animals during your hike.
Overnight at Shira Camp: This camp offers a great view of the Kibo Peak. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals.
Day 3: Shira (3,650m/11,975’) –> Moir (4,164m/13,660’)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Heath, Ericaceous, Shrubs Altitude gain: + 514m/1,685’
Accommodation: Moir Camp
On this third day, you hike across the Shira Caldera towards the Western side of the Kibo Volcanic Massive. This is a day you will be able to ‘touch the clouds.’ If the weather permits, you will have a panoramic view towards the Rift Valley and the heart of Africa. As you get up this high, you will find that most of the plants cannot compete with the weather. You will understand why! Lobelia deckenii, giant lobelia, is the only alpine species of lobelia that lives on Kilimanjaro.
Overnight at Moir Camp: Moir Camp is located at the transition zone between the heather and Moorland, the only place you can see the higher altitude plants like the Giant Ground Sells and Giant Lobelia.
Day 4: Moir (4,164m/13,660’) –> Lava Tower (4,650m/15,257’) –> Barranco (3,950m/12,960’)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 486m/1,597’
Accommodation: Barranco Camp Altitude loss: – 700m/2,297’
You will hike above 4,600m/15,000’ before descending to camp. You will go through the Lava Tower area where you have the opportunity to climb the tower. This area will be your first introduction to the alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.
Overnight at Barranco Camp: Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru, the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views, the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.
Machame route preparation Day
On this day before the beginning of your Kilimanjaro experience, your guide will do a briefing and a gear check. These essential steps will ensure security for all and significantly increase your chance of success. The guide will also review your previously completed and submitted medical form with you. You will also be introduced to your trekking mates during the briefing.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,790m/5,872’) –> Machame Camp (2,980m/9,776’)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Tropical Forest Altitude gain: 1,190m/3,904’
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Today, we will drive from Arusha to Machame Gate where you join the climbing crew and start climbing. Your Trip Leader will tell you exactly what to expect each day for weather, the nature of the trail, and the wildlife you will encounter. Please ask any question about any special features that might interest you.
Overnight at Machame Camp: Machame camp is surrounded by small trees overgrown with lichen. Our porters will set up tents and prepare tea. Already the sun fades, the cold sets in, it’s time to dress warmly and prepare the headlamps.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,980m/9,776’) –> Shira (3,720m/12,205’)
Distance: 7 km/4 miles Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Prairies & bushes Altitude gain: + 740m/2,429’
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Today is a gently-paced acclimatization day. You will continue hiking through streams, a river gorge and moorlands. Camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with expansive view of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the large scenecios and lobelias that grow at this elevation.
Overnight at Shira Camp: This camp offers a great view of Kibo Peak. This location displays vast prairies and bushes. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals.
Day 3: Shira (3,720m/12,205’) –> Lava Tower (4,650m/15,257’) –> Barranco (3,950m/12,960’)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 930m/3,052’
Accommodation: Barranco Camp Altitude loss: – 700m/2,297’
Today, you will hike to an elevation of 15,000ft before descending to the camp. You will pass by Lava Tower, which you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will be your first introduction to the alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.
Overnight at Barranco Camp: Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru, the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views, the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.
Day 4: Barranco (3,870m/12,700’) –> Karanga (3,995m/13,107’)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 400m/1,312’
Accommodation: Karanga Camp Altitude loss: – 355m/1,165’
As the slope is steep, you gain altitude rapidly, giving a wonderful view of the area. Once at the top of the trail, Heim glacier is overhanging. After a quick break, you start to descend in a desert landscape as far as Karanga Valley. Then the vegetation is back again, offering a stunning contrast. You rapidly reach the bottom of the valley where runs what will be our last source of water until Kibo, the top of Kilimanjaro. Here lies the difficult part of the day, a steep rocky wall that you climb in laces. Twenty minutes later we reach Karanga camp… in the clouds.
Overnight at Karanga Camp: Karanga camp is located below Heim, Kersten & Decken glaciers.
Day 5: Karanga (3,995m/13,107’) –> Barafu (4,605m/15,109’)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 655m/2,149’
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Today you will climb a rock wall. Our trip leader makes this safe and accessible for everyone. You will be able to see the breathtaking Hiem Glacier. You continue hiking through rolling hills as you gradually approach Barafu. After an early dinner, we will rest.
Overnight at Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu (4,605m/15,109’) –> Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341’) –> Mweka (3,068m/10,066’)
Distance: 20 km/12 miles Time: 14 hours
Habitat: Moon desert, Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 1,290m/4,232’& Tropical forest
Accommodation: Mweka Camp Altitude loss: – 2,827m/9,275’
At midnight, you will begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the peak at dawn, you will have time to celebrate and take photos. After that, you will take approximately three hours to hike down to a short stop for lunch at Barafu camp. After lunch, you will proceed to Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration!
Overnight at Mweka Camp: You will spend your last night on the conquered Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 9,000’ (almost 3,000m) lower than the summit. It will be time to celebrate your victory!
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,068m/10,066’) –> Mweka Gate (1,650m/5,514’) -> Arusha
Distance: 16 km/10 miles Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Tropical forest Altitude loss: – 1,418m/4,552’
Today is our last hike. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your picnic lunch. You will drive to Arusha for a well-deserved hot shower and an early dinner. For those of you who will return home now, we will say goodbye. For those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you on a safari to some of Tanzania’s amazing national parks or for a relaxing holiday on the ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar!
Marangu route preparation Day
You will be collected from Kilimanjaro Airport and taken to Arusha town for your first night. Your climbing guides and trip leaders will conduct a gear check and briefing to ensure that you have all the required climbing gear and are aware of any missing things. The rest of the day will be yours to do as you please. You may choose to relax at the hotel or take a stroll around Arusha.
Day 1: Marangu – Marangu Gate (1860m/6102’) – Mandara Hut (2700m/8858’)
Altitude change: +840m/2756’ Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Tropical forest
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m) and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkey. Approximately 4 hrs later, you will reach your destination of the day – the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Overnight at Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m/8858’) – Horombo Hut (3700m/12,139’)
Altitude change: +1000m/3280’ Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath and moorland
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you leave Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 12,139 feet (3700m). From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Maasai steppe.
Overnight at Horombo Hut
Day 3: Horombo Hut – Zebra Rocks (4020m/13,189’) – Horombo Hut (3700m/12,139’)
Altitude change: +400m/1312’; -400m,1312’, Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath and moorland
Today serves as an acclimatization day, which greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-5 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
Overnight at Horombo Hut
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3700m/12,139’) – Kibo Hut (4700m/15,420’)
Altitude change: +1000m/3280’ Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Overnight at Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m/15,420’) – Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,340’) – Horombo Hut
Altitude change: +1200m/3927’; -2200m/7218’, Time: 10 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert, heath and moorland
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. This begins at night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 17,125 ft/5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (18,638 ft/5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 19,340 ft/5895m. At this peak, you can celebrate your accomplishment of reaching the “Roof of Africa”!
The route back down follows the same path; the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can regain your strength. Following a 1 – 2 hour break, you will once again be on your way hiking to the Horombo Hut (3700m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, most of the mountain conquerors understandably retire early to bed.
Overnight at Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m/12,139’) – Marangu Gate (1860m/6102’) – Arusha
Altitude change: -1840m/6036’ Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Tropical forest
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. For those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you on a safari to some of Tanzania’s amazing national parks or for a relaxing holiday on the ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar!
