Kilimanjaro 2025: Sacred Dimensions

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to a 4-star Kibo Palace Hotel (here).  Enjoy an included welcome drink on arrival.

After breakkfast, there will be a short briefing about the Kilimanjaro trek.  Then, we will be pickedd up from the hotel and transferred to Moshi. The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes.  The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the mountain's lower slopes.

We now leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge.  Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea.  We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Machame Gate (1800m)-Machame Camp (3000m)

-Distance: 11 km
-Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
-Habitat: Rainforest

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Machame Camp (3000m)-Shira Camp (3840m)

-Distance: 5 km

-Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

-Habitat: Moorland

After having breakfast, we will leave the rainforest glades and continue our journey on an uphill path.  We will cross a small valley and walk along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until we reach the end of the ridge.  From there, we will head west towards a river gorge.  We will take a break, have dinner, and spend the night at the Shira campsite.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Shira Camp (3840m)- Lava Tower (4600m)- Baranco Camp (3950m)

-Distance: 10 km

-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

-Habitat: Semi Desert

After leaving the Shira Plateau, we will travel towards the east up a ridge and pass a junction that leads to the peak of Kibo.  Then, we will change direction towards the southeast and head towards the Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth." 

Shortly after passing the tower, we will come across the second junction leading us to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 ft.  We will then continue our descent towards the Barranco Hut, located at an altitude of 13,000 ft, where we will rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.

Although we will end the day at the same elevation we started, this day is crucial for acclimatization, while will help our bodies prepare for the summit day.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Baranco Camp (3950m)- Karanga Camp (4000m)

Distance: 5km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After having breakfast, we will start our day by descending into a ravine towards the base of the Great Barranco Wall.  Following this, we will climb the steep but non-technical 900-ft cliff leading to the top.  Once we reach the summit of the Barranco Wall, we will traverse a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley.  From there, we will climb one more steep climb to Karanga Camp.  This day's trek is relatively shorter and meant to aid in acclimatization.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Karanga Camp (4000m)- Barafu Camp (4600m)

-Distance: 4km

-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

-Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we will leave Karanga Camp and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.  From there, we will continue climbing up to the Barafu Hut.  Once we get to the Barafu Hut, we will have completed the South Circuit, offering us spectacular views of the summit from many angles.  We will set up camp here, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit day.  From here, we can see the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Barafu Camp (4600m)- Uhuru Peak Camp (5895m)- Mweka Camp (3060m)

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Distance: 5km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

We will put on our headlamps at midnight and start the ascent toward the summit under the starry sky.  We will head northwesterly and climb through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.  This part of the trek is steep, long, and physically and mentally challenging.  However, the energy of our group and the rhythm of our guide's Swahili chants will help you keep going.  We will all dig deep and remember why we are doing this together.  We will rest briefly at Stella Point (5,756m) and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise (weather permitting).  On the 1-hour ascent to the summit, you may encounter snow from Stella Point.  Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will reach the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent.  If you are one of the faster hikers, you will see the sunrise from the summit.

We will return to our camp after taking in the views and capturing some pictures.  Gaiters and trekking poles will be necessary for the loose gravel going down.  In the afternoon, we will head back through the Alpine Desert and Moorland to our camp in Heath.  Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.  Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and get some well-earned rest.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Mweka Camp (3060m)-Mweka Gate (1640m)

Distance: 10km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our final trek day, we descend towards Mweka Gate to collect our summit certificates.  The lower elevations tend to be wet and muddy, so we have to be extra careful.  After reaching the gate, we continue our trek for another hour towards Mweka Village.  Once we arrive at Mweka Village, we will have lunch and celebrate.  Then, we will be transferred back to our 4-star Kibo hotel in Arusha (here)

Self-paid dinner at the hotel (Breakfast, lunch)

Maasai elders sacred blessing

After breakfast, transfer to Karatu via Mto Wa Mbu.  Lunch and a visit to a Maasai boma (village), where we meet a group of respected elders.  A meeting with Maasai elders, including a sacred ceremony and blessings from elders (pouring milk and honey).  This unique and ancient tradition is a powerful way to connect with the Maassai culture and spirituality.  Be part of this incredible moment as the elders offer blessings by pouring milk, honey, and guidance through a centuries-old ceremony.  Transfer to Karatu.

Dinner at the Baghayo Garden Suites.  Baghayo Garden Suites Lodge is also a coffee plantation. (here)

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Serengeti

Breakfast.  After an early breakfast, we will transfer to the iconic Serengeti National Park to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.  On the way, we will have a picnic lunch.

Witness nature's most magnificent annual wildebeest migration in the Northern Serengeti.  Thousands of these beautiful creatures cross the Mara River, making it one of the most unforgettable experiences ever.  Our lodge is only a 20-minute drive from the Mara River.

Dinner and overnight will be at Kogatende Migration Camp (here)

(Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner)

We can either leave camp after breakfast with a picnic lunch and spend the day observing the migration in Mara River or get an early start and return to camp for lunch and an afternoon rest.  We can also go on another game drive at sunset at Mara River.

Dinner and overnight at Kogatende Migration Camp (here)

(Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner)

After an early breakfast, we will transfer to Arusha.  On the way, we will have the last game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater, followed by a scenic picnic lunch at the hippo pool.  We will then return to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) so you can catch your return flight home (KLM might have an evening flight) or spend an extra night in Arusha.  Note: We will arrive at Arusha and Kilimanjaro airport around 6 PM.

(Breakfast, picnic lunch)