Kirimanjaro - "The roof of Africa"

Kilimanjaro rises from its base in the Moshi plains to approximately 5,895 m (19,341ft), making it the highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro has 3 peaks: Shira Peak at 12,999 feet (3,962 meters), Mawenzi at 16,893 feet (5,149 meters), and Kibo at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). Kibo peak also known as Uhuru peak is the highest and permanently snow capped by an almost symmetrical cone with scarps rising 180 to 200 m on the south side. These scarps define a 2.5 km wide caldera housing an inner crater, the Reusch Crater - named after Dr. Richard Reusch, by the government of Tanganyika in 1954 at the same time it awarded Dr. Reusch a gold medal on having climbed Kilimanjaro for the 25th time. Dr. Reusch eventually climbed Kilimanjaro 65 times and helped to establish the exact altitude of the crater.

Unique to Kilimanjaro is the absence of a bamboo zone, which occurs on all other tall mountains in East Africa and normally characterized by high rainfall.  During the trek, the trails first pass through the lush tropical rain forests at (1800meters) that has beautiful flowers, trees and birds, before reaching heather and moorland, then turns into the alpine desert from 4000m till the summit where spectacular hanging glaciers and stunning-sweeping views of the African plains below are breathtaking, earning it a reputable reference as “the roof of Africa.”

Climbers can reach the top through several routes, the easiest route being the Marangu route accessed from the south eastern side of Kilimanjaro. This route is very popular; it has permanent huts for overnight stay during the climb. The Marangu route accommodates climbers of any level; but has less scenic variety than the other routes. We recommended this route for first-time climbers, amateurs or fun climbers as long as one has a reasonable level of fitness. The Machame route from the West and Rongai from the Northeast on the other hand are slightly tougher than the Marangu route and are less populated, but very scenic.

Enjoy this exhilarating expedition of Mt Kilimanjaro with Voyager African Safaris in in this 8days/7nights adventure. We recommend climbing the Kilimanjaro in the drier months of July, August, September, October, January, February or March. Welcome and Discover!

Safari Highlights

In this expedition we will take you through the Machame route (Lemosho and Shira routes); on the west side of the mountain.

Passing through this sparsely populated routes offer almost four days of remote walking through the forest, moorland and crosses the edge of Shira plateau with spectacular scenery. However these routes are extremely difficult and are recommended for professional mountaineers, extremely fit and serious adventure seekers. Climbers would use tents for overnight stay, making it more adventurous.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Met on arrival in Kilimanjaro, and transferred by our driver guide to the accommodation facility of your choice (budget or luxury) hotel for the night. After check-in, you are briefed on your expedition.

Day 2: Ascend to Machame Camp

You will have an early breakfast followed by a drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Machame (approx 2hr 30min) for the 1st section of the climb. Your hiking adventure begins with a path through the lush rainforest to Machame, about 3,000m above sea level, your first night's camp (6-7hr).

Day 3: Enjoy a Scenic Climb to Shira Camp

After breakfast a shorter day's walk starts with a steep climb up a ridge to reach a small semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock, with excellent views of Kibo's glaciated dome. Enjoy the views and scenery whilst you hike to a large gorge, which you cross to reach Shira Camp, close to the Shira Caves, where you rest for the overnight. This walk takes about 4-6hr and takes you to a height of 3,800m.

Day 4: Cross a Valley to Barranco Camp

Heading eastwards towards Kibo, you cross a broad valley and continue climbing to a ridge crest. Enjoy the views, take a break, and then cross to steep slopes and a river valley before reaching Kilimanjaro Barranco Campsite. It takes about 5-7hr to reach 3,900m, the height at which you will be sleeping tonight.

Day 5: Enjoy Views of the Ice Fields at Barafu

The path climbs steeply out of the Barranco Valley and crosses the Karanga River, which is the last water point on this route climbing Kilimanjaro. There is a steep climb over rocky slabs to Barafu Campsite, your overnight camping site, at a height of 4,600m. The campsite has stunning views of the ice fields. Before falling asleep, take a moment to savour the fact that you are nearly there.

Day 6: Make it to the Snowy Summit

You start climbing at about 1am to reach the crater rim in time for sunrise.

After taking in the amazing view you then walk to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa: 6-7hr and 5,896m. From here you will descend via Barafu Campsite, through the forest, to Mweka Campsite, at the edge of the Mweka Forest, to stay overnight and relax after a long, but worthwhile climb: 5-7hr and 3,000m.

Day 7: Descend Through the Forest to Arusha

Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College, 4-6hr, were you will be met and transferred to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay at Springlands Hotel. With a feeling of achievement, relax and unwind for the night.

Day 8: Departure

On this day you spend take it easy and spend your day at leisure, till your last lunch with your group before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight.

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