Kibo Crater

DAY ONE After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Machame gate mountain base and with the assistance of guide and porters the climb starts from Machame gate (1800m), after a short walk through the attractive natural vegetation, the path follows a ridge through dense Montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the Mountain and also the zone from where the 96% of the Water on Kilimanjaro originated. On sunny days, and especially  in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful, it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! Weíll have lunch at half way, clearing a small opening in the trees and continue climbing steadily. The gradient become gentler as the forest slowly merges into a giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame hut (3000m). We may get our first closer look at glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. (6 to 8hrs walking).

DAY TWO.

A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semi circular cliff know as picnic rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the Jagged rim of Shira  plateau from here, and it is a good
rest point too. The trails continues less steeply to reach the Shira plateau. We camp near Shira cave (3720m), which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro, close to the huge Volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the Clouds. (5 to 7 hrs walking).

DAY THREE. A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic view, leaving the moorland behind to walk on Lava ridges behind glaciers of the western breach. After lunch near the lava Tower junction (4500m) we descend to the bottom of the great Barranco valley (3880m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. Dinner and overnight at Barranco. (5 to 7 hrs walking).

DAY FOUR.

A steep climb up the Barranco walls leads us to an undulating trails on the south eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern ice fields. Lunch/Dinner is taken at Karanga, the last water point, in a steep valley and take time to acclimatize the altitude.

After break fast continue on to walk on  the terrain which changes to scree and  climb steeply to reach the Barafu Campsite (4600m) by mid afternoon. The reminder of the Day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. (6 to 8 hrs walking).

Uhuru Peak

DAY SIX. We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1.00am so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose Volcanic has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella point (5735), in about five to six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hours round trip from here along the Crater rim to Uhuru peak (5895m), passing close the spectaculars glacier and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barrafu is surprisingly  fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3800m) at the edge of Mweka forest (11 to 15 hrs walking)

DAY SEVEN.

A sustained descent though lovely forest with bush growth takes us to the park gate at Mweka (1650m 4 to 6 hrs walking), thereafter transfer to Arusha for dinner and overnight.