Arrival in Tanzania

Moshi - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed and transported to Keys Hotel. Here, all clients gather for a briefing and overnight stay before commencing the climb.

Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - The Kilimanjaro National Park gate is just an hour’s drive from Stella Maris Lodge. After breakfast, guests will be picked up and taken to the gate to begin their climb. Upon arrival, guides will handle the necessary formalities (entrance forms) while guests observe the various teams and mountain crew preparing for their expedition. It’s always an intriguing experience to watch them load the different items for the journey. Once everything is ready, the adventure begins. Today’s destination is Machame Camp, which should be reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Along the way, guests will enjoy a stunning rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, and lichen, among others.

A highlight to watch for today is the black and white thumbless colobus monkeys. Upon arrival at the campsite for the night, guests can relax before enjoying a well-deserved dinner prepared by the cook.

Machame Camp (3010m) – Shira Camp (3845m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Although today’s stretch is shorter than yesterday’s, an early start will allow guests to reach the destination by mid-afternoon. The landscape dramatically changes from lush mountain rainforest to moor and heathland. Guests will have a beautiful view of the mountain range from the campsite located at the Shira Plateau. The glacier of Kibo also illuminates as the sun sets for the evening.

Shira Camp (3845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today is ideal for acclimatization for the days ahead. Guests will ascend approximately 700m but will sleep at a level not much higher than the previous night. Starting at Shira Plateau, the journey continues to Lava Tower at around 4640m. After a rest, the trek proceeds through the Barranco Valley to the day’s destination, the beautiful Barranco Camp. Today’s trek will take approximately 6 – 7 hours, during which guests will experience the alpine desert and the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant Senecio’s. A well-deserved dinner awaits before resting in preparation for the next day.

Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, guests will tackle the famous Barranco Wall. Occasionally, hands may be needed for better grip, but there are no climbing passages, and safety is paramount. Guides will ensure guests reach the top safely. The day involves many ascents and descents, followed by a walk along the mountain ridge, offering a great view of the Kibo glacier. Walking time today is 3 – 4 hours, with the Kibo summit always on the left, guiding guests to the camp for the night.

Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today’s destination is Barafu Camp, reached after 3-4 hours of walking through the moon-like alpine desert. After a satisfying dinner, guests will have an early night and a good rest. The highlight of the trip is now just hours away.

Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - The climb begins at midnight. Guests will be awakened just before to have tea and biscuits. After 5 – 7 hours, they will reach Stella Point, the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. Another 1 – 2 hours will lead to Uhuru Peak at 5895 m. Standing atop Africa’s Highest Mountain and witnessing the sunrise is a truly magnificent sight. This view will be unforgettable and will make every minute of the trek worthwhile. The descent follows the same path back to Barafu Camp, reached after 1 – 2 hours. The rest of the mountain team will be waiting with well-deserved snacks and refreshments. After resting for an hour or two, guests will proceed to Mweka Camp for their last night on the mountain.

Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew will take place. Following a short 2 – 3 hour walk through the rainforest, the driver will be waiting at the Mweka gate. Guests will then be transferred back to Keys Hotel for a well-deserved shower, a cold drink, a debrief, and the awarding of their certificate of achievement. The rest of the day is free to relax and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.