Tanzania Safaris: KILIMANJARO CLIMB/SHIRA ROUTE

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1 Moshi
Arrival at your hotel. If you need to hire any extra gear, advise the hotel this evening. Re-Pack your bag carefully for the climb - remember the weight limit of 12kg. Dinner and overnight at Ameg Lodge (DBB)

Day 2 Londorossi
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer from the Lodge to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Londorossi for the first section of the climb to reach forest campsite close to gate at 9000ft / 2750 m taking 4-5 hours. Dinner and overnight at Forest Campsite (LDBB)

Day 3 Shira
From here you pass through forest and then across the grassy moorland of the Shira Plateau to reach Shira Campsite at 12500ft / 3,800 m taking 5-6 hours. Overnight at Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp (LDBB)

Day 4 Barranco
Leaving the forest, the path continues to follow the ridge, passing through heather and open moorlands to reach Barranco Campsite at 13000ft / 3,900m taking 5-7 hours. Some fairly steep walking through the forest, and along a sharp ridge for 3 - 4 hours, before the path flattens as you approach Barranco Hut, in the moorland zone. A fairly long and strenuous day (+- 6 hours walking), as the altitude is now beginning to be felt. You may get rain or sleet, and in the morning the ground and tents will be frozen over. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp (LDBB)

Day 5 Barafu
Today the path climbs steeply out of Barranco Valley, crosses Karanga valley and turns North to Barafu Hut (4 600m), approx. 7-8 hours walking. This is an acclimatization day, as you ascend up sections of screen and rock, then down into valleys - a hard day of walking at relatively high altitude. You will be able to rest up at Barafu, acclimatizing and gathering strength for the summit. You will be walking through the cloud. After supper, drink as much tea as possible; settle down for an early night, tomorrow will be a long hard day. Dinner and overnight at Barafu Hut (LDBB)

Day 6 Mweka
A long day and an early start to reach the crater rim at Stella Point in time for sunrise. Continue on to Uhuru Peak 19340ft / 5,895m, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp 10000ft / 3,000 m for overnight stay taking 6-8 hours ascent and 5-7 hours descent.

Today is a very long and strenuous day. You will be woken at about 00h30 or 01h00 with tea and a biscuit. Put on all your clothing ready for the final ascent to Stella Point. You will be climbing up screen for approximately 4-5 hours. The guide will stop frequently to rest and check on his group. The views from the mountain (on the way up) are spectacular - you gain incredible height over a short distance. You arrive at Stella Point (5 750 m), just at the top of the crater, have a rest - the sun should be shining! From here continue on a relatively easy path up to Uhuru peak (5 895 m), the highest point in Africa.

You will descend from Stella to Barafu. Depending on the timing of your summit, you will be able to have a short rest here (maybe a sleep) and something to eat, before continuing down the Mweka Route, which has recently re-opened after extensive re-furbishing being done by National Parks. You will travel down quickly on the screen gasping in more oxygen, step by step. This is a long descent! Arrival at Mweka (3 100 m), late afternoon, on the edge of the rainforest, overnight camping. Time to reflect on the day's achievements. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Hut (LDBB)

Day 7 Moshi
Breakfast at your camp. Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College taking 3-4. You are transferred back to AMEG Lodge Kilimanjaro for your dinner and overnight stay. Dinner and overnight at Ameg Lodge (DBB)

Day 8 Departure
Breakfast at your hotel. Depending with the mode of transfer and time, you will be picked from your hotel and transfer to your respective destinations.

The Package Includes:
2 Nights at Ameg Lodge
1 Night at Forest Campsite
1 Night at Shira Camp
1 Night at Barranco Camp
1 Night at Barafu Camp
1 Night at Mweka Camp
All Park Fees
National park approved guides and porters

The Package Excludes:
All International Flights + Taxes
Visas
Travel & Personal accident insurance
Tips & personal expenses such as telephone calls...etc.
Excursions not detailed in above program

Added Value:
Complimentary 188 page VA Safari Guide covering the whole of East Africa
Complimentary VA Safari Pouch with a pen
Complimentary VA Hat

Health Requirements
All climbers MUST be in top physical condition, as this is a rigorous physical climb requiring strength and endurance. Please note you will need a Yellow Fever Inoculation, this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. If you have had any previous history of Liver Disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must.

Tips
These are considered to be compulsory for all attempting Kilimanjaro, it has become a tradition! Please budget at least USD100 for this ten-day camping hike - per guest - which gets split across the group. Old clothing is also appreciated!

Travel Insurance
Please ensure you have sufficient Medical Cover for the duration of your trip and in particular to cover you while doing the Kilimanjaro Climb.