8 Day Kilimanjaro hike
Tour summary
8 Day Kilimanjaro hike: Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano found in Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa with its highest peak, Uhuru standing at a height of 5896m above sea level. The name Uhuru means freedom in Swahili. The mountain is characterized by tropical rainforest, savannah vegetation, alpine woodland, snow and glaciers at the top.
There are seven routes that lead to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro which are quite difficult depending on one’s fitness levels. Most of the trekkers opt for the Machame route on the southwestern side due to the magnificent views it gives off. There is also the Lemosho route on the western slopes of the mountain which merges with the Machame route on the famous Lava Tower Landmark. The Marangu route is easier than the Machame route with steeper slopes. The Umbwe route is found in the Karanga valley. We will trek the Machame route.
While at Mount Kilimanjaro, one can view Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Masaai steppe and the Great East African Rift valley.
Day 1: Transfer to Mountain Kilimanjaro/Moshi town
Our tour guide will be waiting to pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel for lunch and check-in. opt for a tour around Moshi town late afternoon before heading back to the hotel for dinner and an evening’s rest.
Day 2: Transfer to Machame gate
Leave Moshi town after an early morning breakfast and drive to the Kilimanjaro Machame gate on the southwestern side. Our guide will have you registered for the great trek. Enter the montane rainforest as you start off the hike with a muddy and slippery trail brought about by the heavy rains. It takes an average of 7 hours to get to Machame camp at a distance of 11km and a height of 2850m.Have lunch on arrival at the camp and also get to know other tourists at the campfire while relaxing. Have dinner later in the evening and rest here.
Day 3: Transfer to Shira Camp
Shira camp is 5km away from Machame camp and characterized by Moorland vegetation. Hike to the top of the mountain after early breakfast while passing through a gentle gradient. Go through the rocky ridge to the Shira plateau where you will get to view the beautiful western breach with its breath taking glaciers. Head to Shira camp for lunch and relax. Explore the camp which is characterized by cold temperatures in the evening. Have an evening’s rest and prepare for a busy day ahead.
Day 4: Trek to Lava Tower and later Barranco
The trek today will be the toughest as we trek past the Lava Tower at 4600m before descending to the Barranco hut at 3900m. we will shift from the Moorland terrain to semi desert and rocky steep slopes that surrounds the Lava Tower. Descend down the great Barranco wall up to the Barranco camp for the day’s rest.
Day 5: Hike to Karanga camp
Have breakfast early morning and hike the Barranco breach wall which leads you to the Heim glacier. Descend to the Karanga valley which merges with the Umbwe route. The hike takes an average of 5 hours and the valley is semi-desert. Arrive at Karanga camp for relaxation, unpack and grab a bite. Relax for the next day ahead at the camp.
Day 6: Transfer to Barafu Camp
Get ready for another exciting day on the mountain by transferring from Karanga camp to Barafu (ice) camp. There are steep valleys and rocks on the way to the camp characterized by Alpine desert climate at an elevation of 4200m-4673m. The distance to the camp is approximately 5 hours. On arrival, get to explore the Mawenzi peak and Kibo if the weather is suitable. Relax at the camp s you prepare for the following day.
Day 7: Hike to Uhuru Peak and Mweka camp
Hooray!! Today is the day we finally get to ascend to the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Wake up very early in the morning, have packed breakfast and lunch and embark on this tough hike with headlamps or flashlights. Don’t forget to pack heavy clothes as there is snow at the top. It will be a steep and chilly hike but will be worth it. The hike takes an average of 8 hours and makes it the longest hike. The lucky ones who will get to the peak earlier will witness the sun rise while the rest can view it from Stella point. Take breathtaking photos once at the top at the ice capped summit and spend some time there as well. Descend to the bottom of the mountain to Mweka huts where you will have dinner and have an evening’s rest.
Day 8: Transfer from Mweka camp to Mweka Gate
Today is the day we conclude the great trek. After breakfast, head to Mweka gate which is about 10km from Mweka camp and you will be awarded certificates for a successful mountain trek. Transfer to Moshi town where you will explore the city once more before catching your flight.
End of trip!!!!
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TOTAL TRIP COST: Click on link https://petnahafricatours.com/contact-us/ for quotation
Trip includes;
- Accommodation
- Hiking fees
- Meals and bottled mineral Water
- Expert guides and 4X4 Safari car for transportation
- Experienced English speaking Driver
Trip excludes;
- Flight fares, Visas and personal insurance
- Souvenirs, tips, laundry services, alcoholic drinks
- Anything outside the itinerary
Please note:
- https://www.mia.go.ug/directorate/directorate-citizenship-and-immigration-control
- Country health status: There is no health scare
- Fees quoted include applicable government taxes and 18% VAT as per the taxation policy of Uganda.
- CANCELLATION POLICY
The following policies apply to all confirmed bookings made by the client;
- Cancellations received within 30 -10 days’ notice to date of departure will incur 25 % charge
- Cancellations received within 9-2 days’ notice to date of departure will incur 50% charge
- Cancellations received within less than 48 hours to date of departure incur the full charge
- No shows without communication over the whole safari period will be charged 100%
- Cancellations of bookings in peak seasons (Christmas, new year and Easter) received 60 days to date of departure will incur a cancellation charge of 100%
- Cancellations must be advised in writing via email to the reservations or tours manager
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