This route is the steepest with the shortest and most direct routes to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach and Uhuru Peak. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. However it is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. Very steep route best suited to experienced trekkers.
Day 0: Arrival & Briefing
• Transfer: If you’ve arranged airport pick‑up, we’ll meet you at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and drive you to your lodge in Moshi (or Usa River).
• Evening session: Gear check, paperwork and a detailed trek briefing at your lodge. We’ll go over the route, review your equipment list, and rent any missing items. Aim to arrive at least one day before you set off
Key Tips:
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself—altitude is the main challenge.
- Bring layered clothing: tropical forest to freezing summit.
- A good porter team makes the climb far more enjoyable—let them carry the heavy kit so you can focus on the views!
- Drive: ~1 hour from Moshi to Umbwe Gate
- Trek: 11 km (≈6–7 mi), 5–6 hours
- Elevation gain: 1 660 → 2 850 m (5 450 → 9 350 ft)
- Habitat: Montane rainforest
- Meals: Lunch en route, dinner at camp
- Hike steeply through lush forest, emerging onto the edge of a ridge. Your camp is tucked into a natural cave with spectacular valley views.
- Trek: 6 km (≈4 mi), 4–5 hours
- Elevation gain: 2 850 → 4 000 m (9 350 → 13 100 ft)
- Habitat: Moorland & heather
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Leave the forest behind for open moorland. The terrain is rocky and sometimes boggy, but the vistas across the southern icefields are unforgettable.
- Trek: 5 km (≈3 mi), 3–4 hours
- Elevation gain: 4 000 → 4 050 m (13 100 → 13 250 ft)
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall—a short but exhilarating scramble—then traverse into the Karanga Valley. Camp beneath Kibo’s slopes.
- Trek: 4 km (≈2.5 mi), 3–4 hours
- Elevation gain: 4 050 → 4 600 m (13 250 → 15 100 ft)
- Habitat: High alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Climb steadily up moraine ridges to Barafu—Swahili for “ice.” Rest in the afternoon, enjoy dinner early, and sleep before your summit push.
- Ascent: 4 600 → 5 895 m (15 100 → 19 341 ft)
- Descent: 5 895 → 3 100 m (19 341 → 10 170 ft)
- Distance/Time: ~7 km up (6–8 hrs), ~23 km down (6–8 hrs)
- Habitat: Scree, ice, then rainforest
- Meals: High‑energy snacks on the mountain; dinner at Mweka
- Depart around midnight, summit at dawn to watch the sunrise from Uhuru Peak. After celebration photos, retrace your steps down to Mweka Camp for a well‑earned dinner and sleep.
- Trek: 10 km (≈6 mi), 3–4 hours
- Elevation loss: 3 100 → 1 650 m (10 170 → 5 400 ft)
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- A gentle walk through forest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Then it’s a short drive back to Moshi—time for a hot shower and celebration!
Cost
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Portable Private Toilet and Porter
- Quality Imported Equipments
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew is recommended $450 per person
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early decent from the mountain $150 per room
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