6 DAYS KILIMANJARO HIKING SAFARI
6 DAYS KILIMANJARO HIKING SAFARI.
Overview.
If your dream has always been to take on the peak of Africa’s tallest Mountain, then the 6 days Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari is the best hiking package for you. With an elevation of 5895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the tallest Mountain in the African Continent. It features three Volcanic Cones-Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, with Kibo still active.
There are presently four outstanding routes for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with some being difficult while others easy to hike and these include Machame (whiskey) route, Marangu route, Rongai Route and Lemosho Route. For this 6 days Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari, you will be taking on the Machame (or whiskey) route, known for challenging climbs yet breathtaking sceneries.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Drive to the Machame Camp, Kilimanjaro National Park.
Pick-up from the Hotel in Arusha or Moshi (the Capital of Kilimanjaro Region) after breakfast for a transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park. Briefing from your safari driver and start your ascent through lush and thick rainforest, blanketing the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Climb for 5-6 hours through the stunning ancient forest while encountering outstanding wildlife species such as the black and white colobus monkeys. Pitch Camp at the Machame Camp (about 3000 meters above sea level) where food, warm bathe and tent will be set for overnight.
Day 2: Climb from Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
As the sun rises, you should be up for breakfast and continue ascending but this day will be the shortest day of hiking. The verdant rainforest provides way to the scrubby moorland on this day, preparing for a whole extraordinary hiking experience.
Reach Shira Camp by afternoon, allowing you to unwind while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Kibo glacier from the stunning Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via the Lava Tower.
The main challenge on this day is to take on the intimidating Lava Tower (at 4640 meters) thus be prepared for hyperventilation at this point. After climbing 700 meters to the Lava Tower, start gradually descending towards Barranco Camp at approximately 4500 meters above sea level.
The trek here also allows you to explore varying vegetation types and set up your tents at the spectacular Barranco Camp within the backdrop of the dramatic Barranco wall. This point prides in being the most awe-inspiring of all the Camps on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 4: From Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.
The real taste of difficulty during Mount Kilimanjaro climbing will be experienced on this day, while you take on the magical Barranco wall for some bit of old-fashioned rock climbing. On succeeding, proceed towards the Karanga Valley where you will make a stop of lunch.
After this sumptuous meal, go on for another 2-4 hours up to the Barafu Camp. As you will be approaching the summit (peak) tomorrow, it’s crucial to have a hefty meal and drinking enough water before returning for the evening.
Day 5: From Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp, Uhuru Peak
You will be required to start the hike earlier than other days (at least by midnight) thus your climbing team will make sure that you are up for a cup of tea/coffee and light snack and start the challenge ahead of you. Hiking on this day will be done in total darkness for the nest 5-7 hours and reach Stella point before dawn. From this point, hike intensely for another 2 hours before getting to Uhuru Peak (the utmost goal for this day).
While standing at 5895 meters (at Uhuru Peak), enjoy sunrise and picturesque views while taking photos. Start the descent towards Barafu Camp where you will have Lunch and celebrate your great achievement. After short relaxation, proceed downwards until Mweka Camp for meals and overnight.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Reaching the highest Peak of Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) calls for celebration and thus on waking up, enjoy the last breakfast of the safari and begin descending to Mweka Gate. Interact with the climbing team (guides and porters) as they share their experiences and be awarded a certificate of completion. Transfer to Moshi or Arusha for meals and overnight.
End of hiking safari.