Northern Crater route

DAY 2 Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time 5-6 hours Habitat: Heath We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

DAY 4 Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Moir Hut Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Kilimanjaro

DAY 6 Pofu Camp to Third Cave Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Heath As we head up Pofu Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse.  This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

Kilimanjaro

DAY 8 School Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft Distance: 1 km/.6 miles Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours Habitat: Artic During normal morning hours, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as we make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), we see the summit sign in the distance. We continue the around the crater rim until finally we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. We then descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved so the guides will monitor you very closely.

Kilimanjaro

DAY 10 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.   Included in the Prices: -- 2 Airport Transfers, from JRO Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi when you arrive, then transfer back to the Airport for your flight home. -- 2 nights Hotel Lodging on Bed and Breakfast basis, Double or Triple Occupancy (3 star hotel you will need to pay extra if you want to have a 4 or 5 star hotel) -- 3 Delicious meals a days plud snacks if applicable, boiled and filtered drinking water while on the mountain. -- Warm water for washing to be provided every morning and evening. -- Oxygen Cylinder - only for emergency -- English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cook and porters -- Staff salaries and fees. --All huts and camping fee -- Transport to/from national park gates. -- Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town. -- 3 litres of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams to be boiled and filtered for you Camping equipment on Machame/ Shira/ Lemosho/ Rongai & Umbwe routes (tents) Portable oxygen for emergencies (returnable on completion of climb) Certificate of successful completion Tanzania government taxes.   Excluded From the Prices: -- Prices do not include sleeping bags – Gratuities (tips for guides and porters) -- Soda/alcohol unless otherwise noted (plenty of water will be provided for hydration) -- Health insurance -- International airfare -- Laundry -- All Meals and drinks in Moshi town --Round-trip airfare to and from Kilimanjaro (JRO airport) --Travel and visa documents --Optional travel insurance --Additional equipment rental (walking sticks, sleeping pads, etc.) --Personal items   Cancellation Policy: -- Cancellation before 1 month: full refund of advance paid -- Before 15 days: 75% refund -- Before 7 days: 50% refund -- Less than 7 days: no refund