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Day 1: Londrossi Gate – Mto Mkubwa Camp: 6k /4mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 23770m/7800ft to 2895m/9500ft
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
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Day 2 :Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp: 8km/5mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2895m/9500ft to 3505m/11,500ft
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
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Day 3 :Shira I Camp –Shira II Camp: 7km/4mi | 3-4hrs | Low Alpine
Elevation: 3505m/11,500ft to 3850m/13,800ft
Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: 8 Day Climbs continue east to Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
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Day 4 :Shira Ii Camp- Lava Tower – Moir: 14km/8mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine
Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13,780ft
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
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Day 5 :Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp: 12km/7mi | 5-7hrs | High Alpine Zone
Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft.
We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretch as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
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Day 6 :Buffalo Camp – Rongai 3rd Cave: 8km /5mi | 5-7hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/15,350ft
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
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Day 7 :Rongai 3rd Cave – School Hut: 15km /8mi | 5-7hrs | Glacial Zone
Elevation: 3800m/15,350ft to 4800m/15,748ft
A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and then rest as you will begin just before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.
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Day 8 :School Hut – Summit: 9km /5mi | 6-8hrs | – Mweka camp: 13km /8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3090m/10,150ft
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp
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Day : 9 : Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi: 10km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!
