Arrival Day in Tanzania:

Mount Kilimanjaro - Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where an Aardvark Expeditions representative will greet you and transfer you to the Arusha Planet Lodge. The hotel offers all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers to ensure you are ready to begin the climb on Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands at 5,896 meters above sea level.

Arusha – Lemosho Gate (2,385m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780m):

Mount Kilimanjaro - In the morning, you will be driven to Lemosho Gate (2,385m). Here, you will be registered by the national park authorities before starting your trek through a dense rainforest. You will have lunch before setting out on the trail. Today’s walk is relatively short, allowing you to enjoy the lush scenery, which will change dramatically over the course of your trek. You might even spot thumbless colobus monkeys in the branches above. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the beautiful Big Tree Camp.

Big Tree Camp (2,780m) – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m):

Mount Kilimanjaro - As you walk along the narrow trail through the rainforest, you will notice the vegetation becoming sparser until you reach moorland filled with lobelia and erica plants. Ascending through rolling hills, you will reach Shira Camp 1 in about 3 to 4 hours. From your camp, you will have a clear view of the snow-capped summit of Kibo. A hearty evening meal and a last glimpse at the starry sky will conclude the day.

Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900m):

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today, you will cross Shira Ridge with its rocky ground, low grasses, and shrubs. The terrain is much flatter than the previous day, making your hike more leisurely. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Meru. The moor landscape is still dotted with beautiful and distinctive giant lobelias. Walking on ground where lava once flowed, you will reach Shira Camp 2, where you will have your evening meal and overnight stay.

Shira Camp 2 (3,900m) – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m):

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, you will start your ascent to Lava Tower through boulder-strewn terrain. In the distance, you will see Kibo, encouraging you to continue uphill. Upon reaching Lava Tower, you will rest and allow your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude before continuing downwards to Barranco Camp. This method of climbing high but sleeping low helps your body adjust to the changing altitudes. Along the way, the scenery changes once more, and you will soon be surrounded by giant senecios and smaller lobelias. After 6 to 7 hours, you will reach the beautiful and green Barranco Camp, which offers great views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. After dinner, you will settle in for the night.

Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m):

Mount Kilimanjaro - The famous Barranco wall, probably the steepest part of the entire route, awaits you after breakfast. Although no technical climbing is required, some spots will require you to use your hands for a better grip and to pull yourself up. Your guide will be close by to assist if necessary. After navigating the Kissing Rock, you will make your way along the mountain ridge and through the Karanga Valley. You will also pass the last water spot before finally reaching Karanga Camp. After a well-deserved meal, it is off to bed.

Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m):

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today, you will make your way to Barafu Camp. The landscape is very dry, and the ground cracks like glass under your boots. As you trek through the afro-alpine desert to the rocky Barafu Camp, a sense of excitement will sweep over you as your final stretch is only a few hours away. The Barafu Camp, with its rocky scenery, offers a stunning view of Mawenzi Peak and the summit path ahead. After an early dinner and last-minute preparations for tomorrow, you will go to bed.

Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m):

Mount Kilimanjaro - Around midnight, you will be awoken with hot tea and biscuits to prepare for today’s ascents. You will ascend in a north-westerly direction through heavy scree toward Stella Point, arriving in about 5 to 7 hours. At Stella Point (5,730m), you may rest if necessary before taking on another 1 to 2-hour stretch along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak – the highlight of your trip. A breathtaking view awaits you as you stand on the highest mountain in Africa. After taking as many pictures as your camera allows, you will leave behind the glistening glaciers and snowy peak and make your way back down to Barafu Camp. Here, you will have time to catch your breath before heading further down to Mweka Camp, an approximate 3-hour walk. A scrumptious dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep await you.

Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Drive to Arusha:

Mount Kilimanjaro - A delicious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You will trek through the rainforest once more, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka Gate. You will be met at the gate and taken back to the Arusha Planet Lodge for a long shower and a relaxed day by the pool.

Departure Transfer:

Arusha - If your time in Africa ends today, our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked a safari or a few days on the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will help you transition comfortably from your climb to your next Tanzanian adventure.

Please Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you need a late check-out due to an evening flight, there is an option to extend your hotel stay for an extra cost.

• All park/entry fees collected by KINAPA
• Professional and experienced climbing crew (porters, camp masters, cooks)
• All ground transportation
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) pickups and drop-off transfers
• 2 nights accommodation at Arusha Planet Lodge Bed and Breakfast basis
• First Aid Kit
• Certified Wilderness First Responder guides
• Mountain Hardware tents on Mount Kilimanjaro - 2 hikers per tent (except solo climbs)
• Equipment (dining tent, Sleeping pads, Table, Chairs, Crockery & Cutlery, etc.)
• Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast
• Vegetarian, Vegan, Lactose-free, Gluten-free, Halal and other meal plans are available
• Drinks on Mount Kilimanjaro (tea, coffee, juices, etc.)

• Flight tickets - the cost of getting to Tanzania is not included.
• Hiking outfit (Boots, Sleeping bag, etc.) that you need for the hike. will be available for hire.
• The town hotel price includes breakfast only. Average price for lunch or dinner is USD 15 per person
• Travel Insurance. Highly recommended! Should cover mountain trekking activities.
• Tips for crew (optional and based on your satisfaction with the trip).
• Single accommodation at the hotel and in a tent is available at extra charge.