Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Day One: Moshi – Machame Camp

First, a representative from Kenya epic safaris will meet you at your hotel or pick you up from the airport. Secondly, the rep will brief and hand you over to your assigned mountain guide, who will facilitate your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expedition.

The guide will provide an overview of what to anticipate and ensure you have the appropriate equipment. Soon after, you will leave Moshi and be transported to Machame village, where guides and porters will be busy preparing and organizing your supplies and gear. A packed lunch will be provided, and you will also have the option to purchase mineral water in the village.

Weather permitting, you may be driven to the park gate; otherwise, you will walk approximately three kilometers to the gate, which takes about an hour. At the Machame gate, located at 1490 meters, you will register and begin your ascent through the forest towards Machame camp, situated at an elevation of 2980 meters above sea level. The trail is steep and muddy.

You will have lunch along the way and arrive at Machame camp in the afternoon, where the porters will have already set up the tents. In the evening, the cook will prepare drinking and washing water and make dinner. You will spend the night at the camp.

[Time: 7 hours] Covering eighteen kilometres.

Day Two: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

After a delish breakfast, the climb begins with a gentle descent before ascending towards Shira Cathedral, with Bivi Cave located along the route. The trek culminates at Shira Camp, which is positioned at an elevation of 3,840 meters, where lunch will be taken during the ascent.

At this point, the glaciers become visible. In the evening, the cook will provide hot water for drinking and washing, in addition to preparing dinner. Temperatures at this altitude are anticipated to drop below freezing. Dinner will be served and the night will be spent at the camp.

[Time: 6 hours] Covering nine kilometres.

Day Three: Shira Camp – Baranco Camp

Following breakfast, climbers will make their way to Baranco Camp, passing by Lava Tower, which is situated at an altitude of 3,840 meters, where lunch will be served. The ascent involves navigating rocky scree to reach Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, and at this stage, some climbers may start to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and headaches.

This segment of the climb is intended for acclimatization and is anticipated to be the most strenuous of the climb. Subsequently, the descent to Baranco Camp, located at 3,950 meters, will take about two hours, during which climbers can take breathtaking photos of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is nestled in a valley beneath the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, providing a beautiful sunset view as you wait for dinner to be prepared.

[Time: 7 hours] Covering fifteen kilometres.

Day Four: Baranco Camp – Barafu Camp

Awaken early to enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on today’s climb. Begin your ascent from the Great Barranco Wall, passing by the Heim Glacier, where you can take in the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Continue your trek through the Karanga Valley, characterized by its intersecting ridges and valleys that connect to the Mweka route, which is commonly used for descending from the summit.

The Karanga Valley serves as the final water source, as there is no water available at Barafu Camp. Afterward, take a left turn up the ridge and walk for about an hour to reach Barafu Camp. At this point, the weather is quite harsh and the camp is fully exposed. The ground is rocky and the ridges can be perilous, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the area to prevent any accidents.

Prepare your gear and thermal clothing for the upcoming summit attempt, which should include replacing the batteries in your headlamp and camera, ensuring you have spares on hand. To avoid freezing, it is prudent to carry your water in a thermal flask. Since you will need to rise very early that night for the summit attempt, make sure to get to bed early for adequate rest.

[Time: 7 hours] Covering thirteen kilometres.

Day Five: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Hut

Today marks the most challenging segment of your ascent. Begin your day early, around midnight and enjoy a light breakfast consisting of coffee or tea accompanied by some biscuits. You will trek for six hours in a north-westerly direction, climbing through steep scree towards Stella Point, which is located on the crater rim. This part of the trek is particularly demanding for many climbers. Take a brief rest at Stella Point, situated at an elevation of 5,685 meters above sea level.

If the weather is favorable, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the sunrise on the horizon after reaching this point. From Stella Point, you will typically encounter snow during the two-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The duration of your stay at the summit will be influenced by the weather conditions.

Be cautious not to linger too long, as resuming your trek can be quite challenging due to the cold and fatigue. Upon reaching Africa’s highest point, take a moment to congratulate yourself on this achievement, relish the view, and capture some photos or selfies. The descent back to Barafu from the summit will take approximately three hours. Here, you can enjoy a well-deserved but brief rest and gather the remainder of your gear.

Continue your descent to Mweka Hut; this route is relatively easy and will lead you down a rocky and scree path into the moorland, eventually transitioning into the forest. The campsite is located in the upper forest, where you may encounter mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be provided at the campsite.

[Time: 15 hours] Covering thirty kilometres.

Day Six: Mweka Hut – Moshi

The final leg of the trip has arrived. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will make your way to the park gate, which will take approximately three hours. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will be awarded your summit certificate after signing the register.

Climbers who reach Uhuru Peak are given golden certificates, while those who arrive at Stella Point receive green certificates. From Mweka Gate, you will proceed to Mweka Village, a one-hour trek covering 3 kilometers along a challenging or muddy path. At Mweka Village, a hot lunch will be provided, and finally you will be transported back to Moshi, marking the conclusion of your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing adventure.

[Time: 3 hours] Covering fifteen kilometres.

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