This itinerary allow you to enjoy the scenery and unique ecology of the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route for the final part of the climb.
Day 1: SIMBA STREAM CAMP (10,600ft).Drive approximately two hours from Arusha to the Londorossi National Park Gate where you will obtain our climbing permit. From here you will drive for an hour to the edge of the Shira Plateau and then walk about 2 hours across the northern end of the plateau to our camp at Simba Stream. Overnight at Simba Stream Camp.
Day 2: SHIRA PLATEAU EAST SIDE - FISCHER'S CAMP (12,950') The hike today will be about one hour across the Shira Plateau and one hour up the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Camp will be in the upper heath (moorland) zone with a wonderful view down to the Plateau itself. Here is a good place for an afternoon hike for acclimatization.
Day 3: BARRANCO CAMP (13,000') Today you will hike to the Barranco Valley on the South West side of the Kibo massif. The 6 hour hike will take you up to 14,500 feet just below Lava Tower and then back down to our camp in the Great Barranco Valley. The views of the Great Breach Wall are better from this camp than anywhere on the mountain.
Day 4: KARANGA CAMP (13,400') Climbing out of the Barranco Valley you enjoy a short day hike to the Karanga Valley directly below the southern face of Kibo. After a warm lunch at camp you can explore the glacial moraines of the upper Karanga Valley, or just rest up in camp.
Day 5: BARAFU CAMP (15,500') The route today climbs up from the Karanga Valley and ascends to over 14,000 feet. You then traverse under the glaciers of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. As you traverse we will have close-up views of all of the mountain's Southern Glaciers. You then make the final 1000ft ascent to Barafu Hut.
Day 6: MWEKA CAMP (9,600') Summit day. You will start the ascent to the summit (19,340') very early in the morning (12 midnight!). This will allow you to be near the crater rim as the morning sun is rising. After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak you will begin the long descent back to Barafu Hut, where there is the chance to rest and get a snack brunch, and on down to Mweka Hut for a well deserved sleep.
Day 7: MWEKA PARK GATE. It takes about 2 to 2 and a half hours to make the 3,500 foot descent to the roadhead. Here you will have our lunch and say goodbye to the mountain staff. Transfer back to Arusha and overnight at Ngaresero Mountain Lodge on the slopes of Mount Meru, where you will enjoy celebratory drinks and dinner.