The rooftop of Africa, Uhuru peak!!! A sight to behold, there is more to this mountain than the height and the ultimate point itself. Am talking about the 8 days’ life-changing climb to Uhuru Peak standing at an impressive 5895M above sea level, at first it’s the rain forest, then the moorland, the alpine desert and finally the blinding cotton wool like snow coated peak if we are lucky. The experience, well where do I start? It’s the fun, the laughter, the fatigue, the endless trek, the frustration, the cold, then more cold and finally acceptance, then a big THEN a place of peace. It’s the reason we are here, all because it’s possible.

Day 1: Nairobi – Moshi

Board our shuttle from Nairobi for Moshi expected to arrive late afternoon. Take a transfer to Keys Hotel, soon settle in and relax into the evening as we prepare for our upcoming trek. Later that evening our Kilimanjaro guiding team will meet us at the hotel to brief us on the trek and check our gear and equipment. Later have dinner at the Hotel or elsewhere (self-catered).

Or fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and later transferred to Keys Hotel in Moshi and meet the team.

Day 2: Moshi – Londorossi Gate (2,250m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780m)

In the morning we take a transfer vehicle to Londorossi Gate. Upon completion of all the entry formalities and a final 15 km drive on a bumpy road we will reach our starting point at the edge of the rainforest. We will enjoy lunch before we set out on the trail through the rainforest. Today’s walk is quite short, about 3 hours, compared to the days ahead, thus giving we time to enjoy the lush scenery which will drastically change over the course of our trek. We might even catch a glimpse of the thumbless colobus monkeys sitting in the branches above us. We have dinner and overnight awaits we at the beautiful Big Tree Camp (2,780m).

Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2,780m) – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m)

As we walk along the thin trail through the rainforest, we will notice the vegetation becoming scarcer and scarcer until we finally reach moorland filled with Lobelia plants. Ascending through rolling hills, we will reach Shira Camp 1 in about 3-4 hours. Looking over the Shira Plateau from the camp we will be able to see the unmistakable snow-capped summit of Kibo. A hearty evening meal and a last glimpse at the starry sky will bring the day to a close.

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900m)

Today we will cross Shira Ridge with its rocky ground, low grasses and shrubs. As the terrain is much flatter than the day before, our hike will seem more leisurely and we will enjoy fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Meru. Beautiful and distinctive Giant Lobelias still dot the moor landscape. A detour to the highest point of the Shira Plateau will be our first summit, the Cathedral Point 3850M Asl. Later walk down following lava trails on ground to reach Shira Camp 2, where we will have our evening meal and overnight stay.

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,900m) – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

After breakfast we will start our ascent to Lava Tower through a boulder-strewn terrain. In the distance we will see Kibo encouraging us to continue uphill. Reaching Lava Tower at an altitude of 4,640m, we rest and allow our body to get used to the higher altitude, after which we continue downwards to Barranco Camp. This method of climbing high but sleeping low allows our body to acclimatize to the differing altitudes and gives us a good idea on how our body react to changes in Altitude. Along the way the scenery changes once more and soon we are surrounded by giant Senecias and smaller Lobelia plants. After 6 – 7 hours we reach the beautiful and green Barranco Camp, which offers great views of the surrounding snow-capped mountain. After dinner we will settle in for the night.

Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)

The famous Barranco wall, which is probably the steepest part of the entire route, awaits us after breakfast. Although no technical climbing is necessary, some spots do require we use our hands for a better grip and to pull ourself up. Our guide will be close by to help us if necessary. After we have pulled ourself around the Kissing Rock we will make our way along the mountain ridge and through the Karanga Valley. We will also pass the last water spot as we finally reach Karanga Camp after 3 – 4 hours. After a well-deserved meal, it is off to sleep.

Day 7: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Today we will make our way to Barafu Camp at around 4,673m, which we will reach in about 3 – 4 hour. The landscape is very dry and the ground cracks like glass under our boots. As we make our way through the afro-alpine dessert to the rocky Barafu Camp, a sense of excitement seeps over as our final stretch is but a few hours away. The Barafu Camp with its rocky scenery allows for a stunning view of Mawenzi Peak and the summit path ahead. After an early dinner and last minute preparation for tomorrow, we will go our tents.

Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)

At around midnight we wake up to some hot tea and biscuits in order to get us ready for today’s ascents. We will ascend in a north-sterly direction through heavy scree toward Stella Point, arriving there in about 6 – 8 hours. At Stella Point we may rest if necessary before taking on another 1-2-hour stretch along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak – the highlight of our trip. A breath[1]taking view awaits us as we stand on the highest mountain in Africa. After taking as much pictures as our camera will allow, we will leave behind the glistening glaciers and snowy peak and make our way back down to Barafu Camp. Here we will have time to catch our breath before heading further down to Mweka Camp (3,080m), an approximate 3 hour walk. A scrumptious dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep awaits us.

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Moshi

After a hearty breakfast and a traditional farewell ceremony by our mountain crew, we shall start our final descent to Mweka Gate. A leisurely 2 – 3 hours walk will once again take us through the lush rainforest, where the endemic Impatiens Kilimanjaro flora grows. Reaching Mweka Gate we will be welcomed by our transfer driver, who will take us back to Keys Hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day is we to enjoy at leisure – enjoy long showers, jump in the pool or just relax at the bar. Dinner and overnight at Keys Hotel.

Day 10: Travel back to Nairobi from Moshi.

Visa

For East African Citizens- you only need the temporary paper or passport.

For Non East African Citizens ordinary Visa. Kindly apply at least 10 days before the travelling day.

https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/  Apply using this link attached.

On tips;

This is dependent on the service provided – but we recommend 50-$150 per climber (in a group of 5 pax and above)

Water

Drinking water will be boiled however if you can, carry water purifying tablets for your drinking water

Altitude Sickness

Standing at 5985m going to Uhuru Peak the altitude is going to be an issue especially when you have not been this high before and you are unsure of how your body will react. We recommend a high altitude drug ‘Diamox’. You may need to visit a doctor to get a prescription.