African Big Cats Safaris

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$2,497 pp (USD)

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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast we will drive straight to Kilimanjaro. Getting to the Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) takes approximately two hours from Arusha. At the gate you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities before being transported to your trek’s starting point, which is an additional 12km from Londorossi.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Forest Camp - Shira 1 Camp

Forest Camp - Shira 1 Camp

Today we will continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. We’ll ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams before reaching the Shira Ridge and dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Shira Camp 1 - Moir Hut

Shira Camp 1 - Moir Hut

After breakfast, you will continue on your hike across and up the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters. Here you will join trekkers from the Machame Route whilst enjoying stunning views across the valley below and the western breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for strong winds and temperatures getting below zero in the early hours.

You’ll then continue up the Shira Caldera and onto an off-the-beaten path to Moir Hut.

Today is long and finishes at high altitude. You may start feeling altitude sickness symptoms. Make sure you monitor yourself closely. Sleeping high on this night will pay dividends on your trek going forward.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Moir Hut - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp

Moir Hut - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp

On day four you will continue trekking through a desert-like landscape as you approach Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters. You will have lunch at Lava Tower before joining the Southern Circuit trail, which descends to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters). You will spend the night at a very similar elevation as the night before.

Climbing high and sleeping low is a good way to acclimatize the body to altitude.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we’ll leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall towards the Karanga Valley campsite. From Karanga we’ll hit the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Once we arrive at the Barafu Hut we’ll have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Barafu camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka

Barafu camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka

You will wake up around 1130pm, and after some tea and biscuits, start climbing to Uhuru peak into the early morning. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with perhaps the most beautiful sunrise you will ever see. The time spent on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue.

You will walk back to Barafu from the summit. Here you will have a well-earned (but short) rest and collect the rest of your gear before heading down to Mweka Hut (3100m). Be sure to enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate

Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short (three-hour) and scenic hike back to the park gate. Here you’ll sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, which is normally a muddy 3km (one-hour) hike. Upon arrival at the hotel you will freshen up.

Main Destination:
Arusha (City)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by African Big Cats Safaris, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.