Itinerary for 9 days Mount Kilimanjaro climbing
Day 1: Londrossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp: Rainforest
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.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira I Camp: Moorland
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, and the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Day 3: Shira I Camp - Shira II Camp: Low Alpine
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)
Day 4:Shira camp-Lava tower-moir:High alpine
This day is crucial for acclimatization, despite ending at the same elevation as the start. We head east from Shira Plateau and pass the junction towards Kibo Peak. We proceed southeast to the Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth," at 4650m/15,250ft. After the tower, we reach another junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. Finally, we descend and spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Day 5:Moir-buffalo camp
We start 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 the plains north of Kilimanjaro 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.
day 6: Buffalo camp-Rongai camp
Day six begins with ascending Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent into Pofu Camp where a delicious lunch awaits. We then proceed to the eastern direction, skirting the northern slopes, until we reach the Rongai Third Cave. Today's ascent is shorter compared to the previous day, and by now, you should be feeling more acclimated to the high altitude. Expect to arrive at the Third Cave by mid-afternoon, allowing ample time to rest and rejuvenate.
Day 7:Rongai cave-school hut
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 the 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.
Day 8:School hut-summit-mweka camp
Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the toughest part of the journey, both mentally and physically. We continue our trek towards the summit, braving the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, staying warm and focused on the incredible sense of achievement awaiting us. We move in a zigzag pattern, heading northwest and climbing through rocky terrain towards Stella Point on the rim of the crater. Take a well-deserved break here and witness a breathtaking sunrise. If you're a fast hiker, you may see the sunrise from the summit. From this point onwards, expect snowy conditions for the remaining hour of the climb to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations! Step by step, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the whole African continent!
After capturing photos, celebrating, and maybe shedding a few tears of joy, take a moment to savor this incredible accomplishment. We then begin a steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a short rest. We highly recommend using gaiters and trekking poles to navigate the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Rest well at Mweka Camp, as it's your final evening on the mountain.
Day 9:Mweka camp-Mweka gate-Moshi
The climbers descended from High Camp, which was situated at an altitude of 3950 meters. They made their way towards Mweka Gate, which is located at an altitude of 1640 meters. and they passed through different landscapes as they descended, such as alpine forests and lush vegetation. Finally, they reached Mweka Gate.