WHY THIS ITINERARY?
The complete Kilimanjaro experience, more acclimatization time, more spectacular scenery. For those that have the time and the budget consider the 9 day version, otherwise this is a superb trip.
DESCRIPTION
An 7 days ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain. It joins the Machame route above Shira camp on day 4 and then from Barafu camp ascends to the summit via Stella Point. Descent is via the Mweka route.
HIGHLIGHTS
Kilimanjaro! Afro-montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!
DAY 1: KILIMANJARO – FOREST
FromArusha we set out in vehicles to the starting point of the Lemosho trail. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set of at a leisurely pace into afro-montane forest. Lunch is taken ontrail and camp is reached mid -afternoon. Overnight Forest Camp (full board).
DAY 2: KILIMANJARO – SHIRA 1
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trial and you arrive in camp mid -afternoon. Overnight Shira 1 Camp (full board).
DAY 3: KILIMANJARO- SHIRA 2
after a relatively long hike and significant altitude gain, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatization with the option of an afternoon walk with your guides. Overnight Shira 2 Camp (full board).
DAY 4: KILIMANJARO – BARRANCO
Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but pays dividends later on – great acclimatization day! Overnight Barranco Camp (full board).
DAY 5: KILIMANJARO – BARAFU
From Barranco camp, famous for its’ giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga camp. Lunch is taken at Karanga valley before heading to Barafu in the afternoon. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight Barafu Camp (full board).
DAY 6: KILIMANJARO – MWEKA
most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp. Overnight Mweka Camp (full board).
DAY 7: ARUSHA
A final descent of 4,500 ft brings you down to Mweka Gate where your team will have prepared another scrumptious and fresh lunch and your transfer vehicles will be waiting to collect you. Here you will say goodbye to our mountain staff before heading to the hotel near Arusha for a farewell dinner and either overnight or a day room and departure. Extend your Tanzanian vacation with True Travel Tanzania on safari, walking safari or other adventures
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