Kilimanjaro Adventure 2012

Would you like to take part in one of the greatest outdoor challenges on our planet? Join us as we trek above the clouds and climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to look down from 5895 metres across the vast plains of Africa!

We’ll carry all of your overnight bags as you experience one of the world’s most famous mountain summits! You’ll travel through lush African rainforests, heather-covered moorlands, alpine deserts and the snow-and ice-covered summit, as well as 5 different climate zones on your journey to Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak!

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Saturday 22nd September – Arrive in Africa

We are met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer across to the small town of Moshi, situated at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s been a long journey and the Bristol Cottages Hotel is a welcome sight. There is a lush, green and pleasant garden and the hotel is perfectly located for easy access to Moshi.

Day 2 : Sunday 23rd September – Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (3 hours hiking)

After breakfast we have a pre-trek briefing with our experienced trekking guide before setting off via 4×4 Safari Jeeps to the Lemosho National Park Gate. We’ll enjoy lunch listening to the rhythm of nature surrounding us and then start our walk through pretty forest, perhaps sighting some colobus monkeys on the way. We continue on to Mti Mkubwa campsite, where we arrive late this afternoon. You’ll find your tents already set up, and your dinner being prepared by the crew (2750m altitude). BLD


Day 3: Monday 24th September – Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (6-7 hours hiking)

We depart Mti Mkubwa Camp and head towards the Shira 1 Campsite, walking through the remaining area of forest and witnessing the changing climatic zones as you eventually find yourself in the giant heather moorland zone. You’ll enjoy your lunch at the valley door of the Shira crater before heading towards the Shira Cathedral – a rarely visited high-altitude desert. A well-earned dinner will be enjoyed at the Shira 1 campsite (3504m altitude). BLD


Day 4: Tuesday 25th September – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (4 hours hiking)

Today you take a gentle walk through the Shira Plateau and its moorland vegetation and enjoy a magnificent view of the Western-breach and its stunning glaciers. This is a good day for final pre-summit acclimatisation as we arrive at the Shira 2 campsite in time for a hot lunch. It’s a fairly exposed site and can be quite cold here (3873m). BLD

Day 5: Wednesday 26th September – Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (7-8 hours hiking)

Today may seem like even more of a challenge but is essential for proper acclimatisation. We head up towards the Lava Tower, with good views of the ice fields. The land looks almost lunar-like – a barren moonscape of semi-desert where only a few grasses and lichens survive. After a hot lunch we continue to ascend to our highest acclimatisation at 4630m, before descending through Giant Lobelia and Senecia plants to our camp at Barranco. The camp is nestled dramatically beneath the Great Barranco Wall so you are likely to experience an amazing sunset here (3985m altitude). BLD


Day 6: Thursday 27th September – Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (7 hours hiking)

We start with a steep ascent of the Breach Wall, which looks imposing at first but often seems easier than anticipated! Topping out just below the Helm Glacier, you’ll be able to appreciate Kilimanjaro’s true beauty as our route descends into the Karanaga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys. We have a steady walk through the valley and traverse across to Barafu, which is the swahili word for ‘ice’. Once we arrive at Barafu Camp you will want to rest up as much as possible as we have a very early departure tomorrow morning for our attempt on the mountain summit. It will be very cold at this altitude and it’s vital that you keep up your fluid intake. Have a very early supper and get some rest by retiring at around 7pm as you will be woken around midnight (4550m altitude). BLD


Day 7: Friday 28th September – Barafu Camp, Summit Bid, Then Descend To Mweka Camp (10 hours hiking)

We are woken at around 11.30pm with tea and biscuits and we head off towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walk is up a scree slope and is for many climbers, mentally and physically the most challenging on the route due to the altitude. At Stella Point (5685m) we’ll stop for a short rest and be rewarded by a magnificent sunrise in the east. From here, it’s a short 2-hour climb, often through snow, across to the summit of Uhuru Peak – you’ve done it! You are standing on the highest point on the African continent and on top of the highest free-standing mountain on earth at 5895m.
We descend back to Barafu where you’ll enjoy a short and well-deserved rest before continuing on to Mweka. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. This is a very challenging day and all of your pre-trek training should have you in prime condition to achieve the summit successfully. Tonight we enjoy a hearty dinner and some well-earned sleep! (3100m altitude). BLD

Day 8: Saturday 29th September – Mweka Camp to Moshi (3-4 hours hiking)

After breakfast you’ll descend through very pretty rainforest to the Park Gate, where you’ll sign out of the park for the last time and the vehicle will meet the group. Transfer by vehicle to the hotel back in Moshi, ready for an evening of celebration. Your certificates are generally handed out by the guides (either at the gate or they may join you for a celebratory drink at the hotel). You’ll stay overnight at the Bristol Cottages Hotel with continental breakfast included tomorrow. The hotel restaurant provides a delicious range of dinner options and the bar is well stocked with Kilimanjaro Lager – the national drink of Tanzania!)(3100m altitude). BL


Day 9: Sunday 30th September – Departure Day and Transfer to the Airport

After a leisurely breakfast you have the rest of the day to sort out your gear, write postcards, pack and perhaps explore the town of Moshi and pick up some local handicrafts. In the late afternoon we join our shuttle bus for the transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for our onward flight. B