Ark Adventures Mountain Treks
Ark Adventures offers quality Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru treks, the two highest mountains in Tanzania. This page has a lot of information and is divided out as follows:
Mt Kilimanjaro Treks
Ark Adventures specializes in Mt Kilimanjaro treks. We know that you will most likely only get the opportunity to trek Mt Kilimanjaro once in your life. Ark Adventures promises to work hard to give you the best chance of a successful trek. We take our responsibilities seriously and take no shortcuts. From hiring top quality, experienced guides and climb staff, to the quality of the food, health and safety monitoring, and using camping equipment that is inspected before every trek and properly cared for, we strive to be sure that the challenges of reaching the summit come from the mountain itself and not from poor support.
Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain that can be climbed without technical climbing skills and equipment. It is termed a "walk up" mountain. But that does not mean that it is an easy achievement. Far from it. But you are not looking for an easy acheivement, are you? The thrill is in the challenge. At the summit, the available oxygen is only half that as at sea-level. It takes time for your body to adjust to the change in atmosphere and being a "walk up" mountain means that you can progress too quickly. It takes a guide trained to notice early symptoms of altitude sickness and to make adjustments accordingly. Left unchecked, fluid can build in the lungs and/or brain. Our mountian guides are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) with periodic refresher training. You will be given regular health checks on the mountain to make sure that you have a safe experience. Emergency oxygen is brought along on very trek. In the event that a climber is not capable of continueing the trek, they will be accompanied down the mountain with a guide and porter(s). The descent may be by foot, by stretcher, or by helicopter depending on the health condition of the climber. We require all climbers to have medical insurance which includes evacuation. For insurance purposes, a Kilimanjaro trek is classified as a hike of under 6,000m.
There are several routes on Mt Kilimanjaro. We suggest taking the longest itinerary that your time/budget will allow. The Marangu Route differs from all other routes in that overnights on Marangu are in dormitory style huts with solar lighting. All other routes are camping routes. Marangu Route is also the only route where the path down the mountain is the same as the path going up, making the camps busy with climbers going both directions, also not offering as much variety in scenery as other routes. It should be noted that you can climb Mt Kilimanjaro during any time of the year but the wettest months are March - May and November - early December. The northern side of the mountain receives less precipitation meaning the Rongai Route and Northern Circuit Route become a good choice during these months and the option of overnights in huts on Marangu Route might be more appealing.
Kilimanjaro Trek Itineraries
Lemosho Route
This route starts on the western side of the mountain then crosses the southern side of the mountain, merging with the Machame and Umbwe Routes. It is a very scenic route, and offers very good acclimatization. Some older websites list this as a little used route, but this is quite outdated since it is a very popular route now. Like the Northern Circuit Route, it is a long route. We offer both an 8 days and a 7 days itinerary. For most people, we suggest the 8 days version. This route has a high success rate.
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be anseered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: Moshi to Londorosi Gate to Big Tree Campsite
Elevation: 1,200 m to 1,950 m to 2,850 m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel your hotel and transport you to Londorosi Gate for registration.
After this formality, you board the vehicle and drive again to Lemosho Glade. From this point you will start the
trek across undisturbed montane forest decorated with black and white colobus monkeys to the camp where dinner
and overnight will take place.
Day 2: Big Tree Campsite to Shira One Campsite
Elevation(m): 2850m to 3500m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland and heather land
This is an acclimatization trek because you will gain over 650m by starting walking across a beautiful valley outside
Shira’s caldera rim (3600m). After few hours you will reach into Shira Caldera. A high altitude desert, Shira is the
one among the three peaks which erupted in Kilimanjaro ecosystem. The peak later collapsed and formed a crater which
eventually became filled with the lava flow from Kibo Peak. Its rim is eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic
action. Camp and overnight at 3500m elevation at the Shira One Cmpsite.
Day 3: Shira One Campsite to Shira Two Campsite
Elevation: 3500m to 3800m
Distance: 7km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland and rocky
This day you will trek to east across Shira Plateau visiting Cathedral Peak (3850m) for acclimatization. Arriving at this
peak you will find spectacular views of Mt. Meru and Kibo Peak. We then continue trekking to Shira Two Camp where we will
stay for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 4: Shira Two Campsite to Barranco Campsite
Elevation: 3800m to 3950m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
This is long acclimatization day. You will have an early breakfast then trek east to a junction leading to Lava Tower Rock
4600m for acclimatization. Afterwards, you will descend down to Barranco Campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Barranco Campsite to Karanga Campsite
Elevation: 3950m to 3963m
Distance: 5.5 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply,
up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock,
not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the
Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga Camp,
set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around
4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Day 6: Karanga Campsite to Barafu Campsite
Elevation: 3963m to 4620m
Distance: 3 km
Hiking time: 3 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu Camp at 4640m. The climb will take us
across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult
by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night
and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some
sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
Day 7: Barafu Camp/ Uhuru Peak/ Millenium Camp
Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3790m
Distance: 13.5km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert and ice
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so
that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. The trails is a series of switchbacks up steep scree
or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 5 AM. At this point
you will be having the views of the fabled crater and its glaciers facing you. Then after 1 hour of hiking along the
Kibo Crater Rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro true summit, Uhuru Peak. Here you will spend
some minutes taking photos and enjoying the achievement. After your summit activities done, you will descend back
to the Barafu Campsite, for lunch, rest, collect your equipment, and continue down through moorland and heath zone
to Millenium Campsite. Dinner and overnight at Millenium Campsite.
Day 8: Millenium Campsite to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 12km
Descending time: 6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates,
which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat
yourself to a hot welcome shower.
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be anseered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: Moshi to Londorosi Gate to Big Tree Campsite
Elevation: 1,950m to 2,850m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel your hotel and transport you to Londorosi Gate for registration.
After this formality, you board the vehicle and drive again to Lemosho Glade. From this point you will start the
trek across undisturbed montane forest decorated with black and white colobus monkeys to the camp where dinner
and overnight will take place.
Day 2: Big Tree Campsite to Shira One Campsite
Elevation(m): 2850m to 3500m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland and heather
This is an acclimatization trek because you will gain over 650m by starting walking across a beautiful valley outside
Shira’s caldera rim (3600m). After few hours you will reach into Shira Caldera. A high altitude desert, Shira is the
one among the three peaks which erupted in Kilimanjaro ecosystem. The peak later collapsed and formed a crater which
eventually became filled with the lava flow from Kibo Peak. Its rim is eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic
action. Camp and overnight at 3500m elevation at the Shira One Campsite.
Day 3: Shira One Campsite to Shira Two Campsite
Elevation: 3500m to 3800m
Distance: 7km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland and rocky
This day you will trek to east across Shira Plateau visiting Cathedral Peak (3850m) for acclimatization. Arriving at this
peak you will find spectacular views of Mt. Meru and Kibo Peak. We then continue trekking to Shira Two Camp where we will
stay for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 4: Shira Two Campsite to Barranco Campsite
Elevation: 3800m to 3950m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
This is long acclimatization day. You will have an early breakfast then trek east to a junction leading to Lava Tower Rock
4600m for acclimatization. Afterwards, you will descend down to Barranco Campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Barranco Campsite to Barafu Campsite
Elevation: 3950m to 3900m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today is long day walk. In the morning you will start climbing Barranco Wall and reach 4200m for acclimatization and continue
crossing ridges and valleys to Karanga Campsite for hot lunch. After lunch you will proceed to Barafu Campsite for
dinner and some sleep before beginning the midnight ascent to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp/ Uhuru Peak/ Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert and ice to Montaine forest
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so
that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. The trails is a series of switchbacks up steep scree
or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 5 AM. At this point
you will be having the views of the fabled crater and its glaciers facing you. Then after 1 hour of hiking along the
Kibo Crater Rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro true summit, Uhuru Peak. Here you will spend
some minutes taking photos and enjoying the achievement. After your summit activities done, you will descend back
to the Barafu Campsite, for lunch, rest, collect your equipment, and continue down through moorland and heath zone
to Mweka Campsite. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Campsite.
Day 7: Mweka Hut Campsite to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9k
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast, you will descend down to Mweka Gate walking across montane forest.
This descent will take 3-4 hours. At the gate you will sign out and board the vehicle, ready for the transfer back to your
hotel for your certificate presentation and celebration.
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Northern Circuit Route
This route starts on the western side of the mountain, the same as Lemosho Route, then deviates as it winds around the north side before ascending up to Uhuru Peak from the east. The descent is down the Mweka Route. This is a newer route so it is not yet very busy but we look for this route to become increasingly popular. This route is a good choice for people wanting more solitude. It is also a good route choice during wetter times of the year. This route offers a good variety of scenery, as you will be seeing the western, northern, and eastern sides of Kilimanjaro. We offer the Northern Circuit Route as either an 8 days or a 9 days itinerary.
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be anseered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: Moshi to Londorosi Gate to Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
Elevation: 1,200m to 1,950m to 2,850m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
After breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up and transport you to Londorosi Gate for registration. After this formality,
you board the vehicle and drive again to Lemosho Glade. From this point you will start the trek across undisturbed Montane
forest decorated with black and white colobus monkeys to the camp where dinner and overnight will take place.
Day 2: Big Tree Campsite to Shira One Campsite
Elevation(m): 2850m to 3500m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland and heather
This is an acclimatization trek because you will gain over 650m by starting walking across a beautiful valley outside
Shira’s Caldera Rim (3600m). After few hours you will reach into Shira Caldera. A high altitude desert, Shira is one of
the three peaks which erupted in Kilimanjaro ecosystem. The peak later collapsed and formed a crater which eventually
became filled with the lava flow from Kibo Peak. Its rim is eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic action.
Camp and overnight at 3500m elevation at the Shira One Campsite.
Day 3: Shira One Campsite to Shira Two Campsite
Elevation: 3500m to 3850m
Distance: 7km
Hiking time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a
little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above.
The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below freezing.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then north to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
Elevation:3850m - 4600m (Lava Tower) - 4200m (Moir Camp)
Distance: 14km
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low Alpine zone / High Alpine zone
Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine
desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters,
where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.
This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good
for the acclimatisation process.
Day 5: Moir Hut Campsite to Buffalo (Pofu) Campsite
Elevation: 4155m to 4145m
Distance: 6
Hiking time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today you will start the hike by hiking out of the Moir Valley. Hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the
main trail. Continue east through a rock field. Finally reach Buffalo (Pofu) Camp at the end of the day.
Day 6: Buffalo Campsite to Third Cave Campsite
Elevation: 4145m to 3936m. Elevation loss 209m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Today you will climb to the top of Buffalo Ridge before continuing on through the barren landscape to Third Cave Camp.
You cross many gullies during this day you will actually lose 209m of altitude today.
Day 7: Third Cave Campsite to School Hut Campsite
Elevation: 3936m to 4717m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Begin the day by backtracking yesterday’s trail until the dry riverbed. Head west toward Kibo on a steady upward climb.
By the early afternoon, reach School Hut on the eastern slopes of Kibo. The Saddle to Mawenzi lies just a few minutes
from the camp. Prepare for your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 8: School Hut Camp/ Uhuru Peak/ Millenium Camp
Elevation: 4717m to 5895m to 3950m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert and ice to Moorland
Due to the steep ascent at high altitude, this is the most challenging day of the ascent. Leave School Hut around midnight
to begin your hike to the top of Kibo Crater. It is important to remember to snack during the ascent to keep your energy up.
You will likely lose your appetite during this day and begin to feel new effects of altitude sickness. Reach Gilman’s Point
on the crater rim. Continue on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, and will take
approximately 1.5 hours from Gilman’s Point. After reaching the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and brunch.
Around 1pm, descend to Millennium Camp. Typically you will reach Millenium Camp a bit before sunset.
Day 9: Millenium Campsite to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3950m to 1700m
Distance: 10km
Descending time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast you will descend down to Mweka Park Gate walking across Montane forest.
Here at the gate you will sign out and get ready to board the vehicle ready for the
transfer back to the hotel for your certificate presentation and a well deserved celebration.
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be anseered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: Moshi to Londorosi Gate to Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
Elevation: 1,200m to 1,950m to 2,850m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
After breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up and transport you to Londorosi Gate for registration. After this formality,
you board the vehicle and drive again to Lemosho Glade. From this point you will start the trek across undisturbed Montane
forest decorated with black and white colobus monkeys to the camp where dinner and overnight will take place.
Day 2: Big Tree Campsite to Shira One Campsite
Elevation(m): 2850m to 3500m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland and heather
This is an acclimatization trek because you will gain over 650m by starting walking across a beautiful valley outside
Shira’s Caldera Rim (3600m). After few hours you will reach into Shira Caldera. A high altitude desert, Shira is one of
the three peaks which erupted in Kilimanjaro ecosystem. The peak later collapsed and formed a crater which eventually
became filled with the lava flow from Kibo Peak. Its rim is eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic action.
Camp and overnight at 3500m elevation at the Shira One Campsite.
Day 3: Shira One Campsite to Moir Hut Campsite
Elevation: 3500m to 4155m
Distance: 11km
Hiking time: 7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
It is a really good day whereby you will follow the trail to Lava Tower (4,542 meters). This day allows you to climb high
and sleep low and is critical for acclimatization. Stronger hikers may continue to the ruined camp at Arrow Glacier
(4,871 meters). Continue hiking from Lava Tower to Moir Hut.
Day 4: Moir Hut Campsite to Buffalo Campsite
Elevation: 4155m to 4145m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today you will start the hike by hiking out of the Moir Valley. Hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the
main trail. Continue east through a rock field. Finally reach Buffalo (Pofu) Camp at the end of the day.
Day 5: Buffalo Campsite to Third Cave Campsite
Elevation: 4145m to 3936m. Elevation loss 209m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Today you will climb to the top of Buffalo Ridge before continuing on through the barren landscape to Third Cave Camp.
You will cross many gullies during this day you will actually lose 209m of altitude today.
Day 6: Third Cave Campsite to School Hut Campsite
Elevation: 3936m to 4717m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Begin the day by backtracking yesterday’s trail until the dry riverbed. Head west toward Kibo on a steady upward climb.
By the early afternoon, reach School Hut on the eastern slopes of Kibo. The Saddle to Mawenzi lies just a few minutes
from the camp. Prepare for your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7: School Hut Camp/ Uhuru Peak/ Millenium Camp
Elevation: 4717m to 5895m to 3950m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert and ice to Moorland
Due to the steep ascent at high altitude, this is the most challenging day of the ascent. Leave School Hut around midnight
to begin your hike to the top of Kibo Crater. It is important to remember to snack during the ascent to keep your energy up.
You will likely lose your appetite during this day and begin to feel new effects of altitude sickness. Reach Gilman’s Point
on the crater rim. Continue on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, and will take
approximately 1.5 hours from Gilman’s Point. After reaching the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and brunch.
Around 1pm, descend to Millennium Camp. Typically you will reach Millenium Camp a bit before sunset.
Day 8: Millenium Campsite to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3950m to 1700m
Distance: 10km
Descending time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast you will descend down to Mweka park gate walking across Montane forest.
Here at the gate you will sign out and get ready to board the vehicle ready for the
transfer back to the hotel for your certificate presentation and a well deserved celebration.
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Machame Route
The Machame Route is a wonderfully designed route. This route is shorter than either Northern Circuit or Lemosho Routes, but still offers good acclimatization since on several days, after trekking higher up, you descend to a slightly lower altitude for overnight rest. This route starts on the southern side of the mountain and merges with the Lemosho Route and Umbwe Route. This is a busy route. We offer this route as either a 7 days or 6 days itinerary.
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be anseered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: From Hotel /Machame Gate /Machame Campsite
Elevation: 1200m to 1700m to 3000m
Distance: 13 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
After breakfast our vehicle will transport you from the hotel drive to Machame Gate. Here you will go through the
registration procedures then you will start the trek through the rainforest to Machame Camp where you will find the
tents are already setup for you. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Day 2: Machame Campsite to Shira Campsite
Elevation: 3000m to 3800m
Distance: 9km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
After breakfast leave the glades of rainforest and continue ascending by crossing little valleys and steep rocky
ridge covering with heather plants to the western side of the mountain where the camp is situated. At this camp
you will able get the spectacular view of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak and the sunset. Here is where
dinner and overnight will be enjoyed.
Day 3: Shira Campsite to Barranco Campsite
Elevation: 3800m to 3950m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
This is long and important acclimatization day so you will be having an early breakfast then continue trekking east
to a junction leading to Lava Tower Rock 4600m for acclimatization. Afterwards you will continue down to Barranco Camp.
The camp location is in the bottom valley of Barranco Wall where you will stop for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Barranco Campsite to Karanga Campsite
Elevation: 3950m to 3900m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today is short day walk. In the morning you will start climbing Barranco Wall and reach 4200m for acclimatization
and continue crossing ridges and valleys to Karanga Campsite for hot lunch. After lunch you will have a bit of
rest and get another acclimatization of trekking up the scree slopes towards the southern ice field. You will
then return to the camp for supper and overnight.
Day 5: Karanga Campsite to Barafu Campsite
Elevation: 3900m to 4620m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
On this day, the trek up to the Barafu Ridge Campsite is tough because of altitude. The walk take few hours although
the distance is short but is steep needing a slow pace to avoid fatigue. You will trek across an alpine desert.
Chances are that a strong, cold wind will be blowing from Kibo Peak and its ice. You will have an early dinner
at 1700hrs then rest until midnight when we you will attack the summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp/ Uhuru Peak/ Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert and ice
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so
that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. The trails is a series of switchbacks up steep
scree or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 5 AM. At
this point you will be having the views of the fabled crater and its glaciers facing you. Then after 1 hour
of hiking along the Kibo Crater Rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro true summit, Uhuru Peak.
Here you will spend some minutes taking photos but it will depend on how you feel. After your summit activities done,
you will descend back to the Barafu Campsite, for lunch, rest, collect your equipment, and continue down through
moorland and heath zone to Mweka Campsite. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Campsite.
Day 7: Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast you will descend down to Mweka Gate walking across a montane forest.
This descent will take 3-4 hours. Here at the gate you will sign out and get ready to board the vehicle ready for the
transfer back to the hotel for your certificate presentation and a well deserved celebration.
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be answered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: From Hotel /Machame Gate /Machame Campsite
Elevation: 1200m to 1700m to 3000m
Distance: 13 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
After breakfast our vehicle will transport you from the hotel drive to Machame Gate. Here you will go through the
registration procedures then you will start the trek through the rainforest to Machame Camp where you will find
the tents are already setup for you. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Day 2: Machame Hut Campsite to Shira Campsite
Elevation: 3000m to 3800m
Distance: 9km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
After breakfast leave the glades of rainforest and continue ascending by crossing little valleys and steep
rocky ridge covering with heather plants to the western side of the mountain where the camp is situated.
At this camp you will able get the spectacular view of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak and enjoy
the sunset. Here is where you will have dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Shira Campsite to Barranco Campsite
Elevation: 3800m to 3950m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
This is long and important acclimatization day so you will be having an early breakfast then continue trekking
east to a junction leading to Lava Tower Rock 4600m for acclimatization. Afterwards you will continue down
to Barranco Camp. The camp location is in the bottom valley of Barranco Wall where you will stop for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Barranco Campsite to Barafu Campsite
Elevation: 3950m to 3900m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today is long day walk. In the morning you will start climbing Barranco Wall and reach 4200m for acclimatization
and continue crossing ridges and valleys to Karanga Campsite for hot lunch. After lunch you will proceed to
Barafu Campsite for dinner and overnight before the midnight ascent to the summit.
Day 5: Barafu Camp/ Uhuru Peak/ Mweka Camp Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert and ice
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before
dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. The trails is a series of switchbacks
up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 5 AM.
At this point you will be having the views of the fabled crater and its glaciers facing you. Then after 1 hour
of hiking along the Kibo Crater Rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro true summit, Uhuru Peak.
Here you will spend some minutes for taking photos and enjoying your victory. After your summit activities done,
you will descend back to the Barafu Campsite, for lunch, rest, collect your equipment, and continue down through
moorland and heath zone to Mweka Campsite. Dinner and overnight at Mweka campsite.
Day 6: Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast you will descend down to Mweka Gate walking across a montane forest.
This descent will take 3-4 hours. Here at the gate you will sign out and get ready to board the vehicle ready for the
transfer back to the hotel for your certificate presentation and a well deserved celebration.
Departure Day
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is considered by some to be the easiest route on Mt Kilimanjaro. It is a gentle route and those choosing this route do not have to scale the Barranco Wall that some trekkers fear. This route starts on the north side of the mountain, very close to the Kenyan Border. It is fairly scenic and is not busy. The descent follows the same path as the Marangu Route. Note that although the Marangu Route uses huts for overnight accommodations, those descending using the Rongai Route use tents for overnights. The north side of Kilimanjaro receives less precipitation, so during the wetter months of March, April, May, November, December this route is a good consideration. Rongai Route can be chosen as either a 6 days or 7 days itinerary.
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be answered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation: 1,387/915 m to 1,950m to 2,750m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
You will have an early breakfast. Transfer by our vehicles through many villages and coffee and plantations for 2-3 hour
drive to Rongai Gate (1,950 m/6,398 ft). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will start hiking on a wide
path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, and then enter into montane forest. You will then start to
climb gently but consistently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins
to thin as you arrive at Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530ft) with fantastic views over the Kenyan plains.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 2,750m to 3,600m
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
After an early breakfast you will have a steady ascent to the second cave where you will stop for lunch. You leave the
direct trail at this point and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path toward Mawenzi Peak to Kikelewa Camp
in a sheltered valley. At the Kikelewa Camp you will settle for your dinner and overnight rest.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp
Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
Distance: 7km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Semi-Desert
After breakfast you will face a short, steep climb up grassy slopes; rewarded by superb all-round views, immersed in the
vast surrounding wilderness. Soon after, you leave the vegetation behind and arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which
is situated in a spectacular cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. After this hike, you will
reach to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp where you will also see the amazing lake (tarn) with no inlet as well as no outlet.
Here you will have lunch, rest, then dinner and overnight at this camp.
Day 4: Acclimatization day
This is your extra day on the mountain, and you will spend an extra night at Mawenzi Tarn. You will hike up towards
Mawenzi for a splendid acclimatization hike. Then after return back to the camp for lunch the dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp to Kibo Huts Camp
Elevation: 4,330m to 4,695m
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After an early breakfast you will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak to Kibo
Huts Camp at the bottom of Kibo’s crater wall. You will spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for
your summit climb.
Day 6: Summit Day! Kibo Huts Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts Camp
Elevation: 4,695m to 5,895m to 3,690m
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so
that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. Leave to the peak at 12; 00AM, switchback up steep
scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 6 AM. At
this point, you will have views of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. Then after 2 hours of hiking
along the Kibo Crater Rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak here you
will spend some minites for taking photos and denjoying the achievement. After your summit activities done,
descend back to the Kibo Huts Camp, have lunch, rest, collect your equipment, and continue on down, re-crossing
the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Camp.
Day 7: Horombo Huts Camp to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Elevation: 3,690m to 1,830m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
After a long and enjoyable sleep you will be awaked for breakfast and pack up, start descend through the moorland
to Mandara Huts. Here you will have lunch then precede with your triumphant recessional down through lush forest
to Marangu Gate. Here you will sign out then after a vehicle will take you to back to the hotel where it is definitely
time for certificate presentation and celebration!
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be answered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation(m): 1,950m to 2,750m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
You will have an early breakfast. Transfer by our vehicles through many villages and coffee and plantations for 2-3 hour
drive to Rongai Gate (1,950 m/6,398 ft). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will start hiking on a wide
path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, and then enter into montane forest. You will then start to
climb gently but consistently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins
to thin as you arrive at Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530ft) with fantastic views over the Kenyan plains.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Elevation: 2,750m to 3,200m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
After an early breakfast you will have a steady ascent to the second cave where you will stop for lunch. Then after lunch
you will have a little rest before acclimatization session whereby you will be walking higher then descend back to the
same camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Third Cave Camp
Elevation: 3,200m to 3,900m
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Vegetation Zone: Semi-Desert
Today after your breakfast you will start your walk to Third Cave Camp where you will have your hot lunch then short
rest followed with acclimatization session then after you will be brought back to the same camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Third Cave Camp to Kibo Huts Camp
Elevation: 3,900m to 4,695m
Distance: 7km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After an early breakfast, you will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks to Kibo Huts
at the bottom of Kibo’s crater wall. You should spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for your summit climb.
Day 5: Summit Day! Kibo Huts Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts Camp
Elevation: 4,695m to 5,895m to 3,690m
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert to Ice to Moorland
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that
you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. Leave to the peak at 12; 00AM, switchback up steep scree or
possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 6 AM. At this point,
you will have views of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. Then after 2 hours of hiking along the Kibo Crater Rim
near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak here you will spend some minutes taking
photos and treasuring the moment. After your summit activities done, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest,
collect your equipment, and continue on down, re-crossing the saddle to the Horombo Huts Camp. Have dinner and overnight
at Horombo Camp.
Day 6: Horombo Huts Camp to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Elevation: 3,690m to 1,830m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
After a long and enjoyable sleep, you will be awaked for breakfast and pack up, start descend through the moorland
to Mandara Huts. Here you will have lunch then preceed with your triumphant recessional down through lush forest
to Marangu Park Gate. Here you will sign out then after a vehicle will take you to back to the hotel where it
is definitely time for certificate presentation and celebration!
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is the oldest route on Mt Kilimanjaro. It is a short route and is different than the other routes in two ways. First, this route features overnights in huts instead of tents. The huts are very basic dormitory style with solar panel lighting. Second, it is the only route where the path down is the same as the path going up. Since climbers going both directions stay at the same camp, it is more crowded. It is also not as scenic as the other routes. Due to the extra comfort of the huts, and short number of days needed, this route is chosen by many less committed climbers. In addition, with the short number of days to acclimmatize to the altitude, this route has a lower success rate. This route is offered as either a 5 days or 6 days itinerary. We strongly suggest the 6 days version if possible for a better chance for a successful summit.
Marangu Route is a popular route and the only route where overnights are in dormitory style huts. For tour companies that have very few Kilimanjaro treks this route is promoted heavily due to to fact that the companies do not need to provide tents (therefore fewer porters) and logistically it is a less complicated route due to the fact that the route down is the same as the route going up. This is the least scenic route though. It can be done as a 5 days trek although the success rate increases if you use the 6 days itinerary.
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be answered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1:Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,750m to 2,750m
Distance: 9 km
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
You will be transferred to Marangu Gate from your hotel after breakfast and go through registration at the gate.
Afterwards, you will begins trekking through the rainforest to Mandara Hut. Here you will have an acclimatization
opportunity of visiting Maundi Crater. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2750m to 3,807m
Distance:13km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorlands
After breakfast you will out climb the rainforest and continue trekking to Horombo Hut where you will trek through rolling
moorlands and get your first clear view of the towering Kilimanjaro peak.
Day 3: Horombo Hut
Spend an extra day here at Horombo during the 6 day itinerary for acclimation purposes. This day you will hike to Mawenzi Ridge
or Zebra Rock to have your body adjust to higher altitudes. After this session you will return back to Horombo Hut for lunch,
resting until dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation(m):3807m to 4725m
Distance: 13 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert
After a good night rest and breakfast you will trek past the last water point to reach Kibo Saddle, a great desert
between the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. An early dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.
Day 5: Summit Day Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,695m to 5,895m to 3,690m
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast then prepare for your summit ascent. Because you will climb to the summit in the dark
you will need to have your headlamps / flashlights. It will also be very cold until you start descending, so you will
need to have all of your warm layers. This is an important time to keep on slowly slowly (pole pole in Swahili).
The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. Switchback up
steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 6 AM.
At this point, you will have a views of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. Then after 2 hours of hiking
along the Kibo Crater Rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak. Here you
will spend some moments for taking photos and letting the victory sink into your mind. After your summit photos
and taking in the view, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your equipment and continue down
through re-cross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Huts.
Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Elevation): 3,690m to 1,830m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
After a long sleep you will be awaken for breakfast and pack, continue your descent through the moorland to Mandara Huts.
Here you will have lunch then proceed your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to Marangu Gate. After the
gate sign out, a vehicle will take you to back to the hotel where it is definitely time for your certificate presentation
and celebration!
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with a Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be anseered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1:Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,750m to 2,750m
Distance: 9 km
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
You will be transferred to Marangu Gate from the hotel and do a registration at the gate. Afterwards, you will begins trekking
through the rainforest to Mandara Hut. Here you will have an acclimatization opportunity of visiting Maundi Crater. Dinner
and overnight at Mandara Hut.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2750m to 3,807m
Distance:13km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorlands
After breakfast you will out climb the rainforest and continue trekking to Horombo Hut where you will trek through
rolling moorlands and get your first clear view of towering Kilimanjaro. In the evening then you will have an
acclimatization session to Zebra Rock. Then back to the hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation(m):3807m to 4725m
Distance: 13 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert
After a good night rest and breakfast you will trek past the last water point to reach Kibo Saddle – a great desert
between the two peaks Mawenzi and Kibo. An early dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.
Day 4: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,695m to 5,895m to 3,690m
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast then prepare for your summit ascent. Because you will climb to the summit in the dark
you will need to have your headlamps / flashlights. It will also be very cold until you start descending, so you will
need to have all of your warm layers. This is an important time to keep on slowly slowly (pole pole in Swahili). The
goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. Switchback up steep
scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 6 AM. At this
point, you will have a views of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. Then after 2 hours of hiking along the
Kibo crater rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak here you will have a
few minutes for taking photos and taking in the view. After your summit photos and taking in the view, descend back
to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your equipment and continue down through re-cross the saddle to the
Horombo Huts. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Camp.
Day 5: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Elevation): 3,690m to 1,830m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
After a long sleep you will be awaked for breakfast and pack, continue your descent through the moorland to Mandara Huts.
Here you will have lunch then proceed your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to Marangu Gate. After the
gate sign out, a vehicle will take you to back to the hotel where it is definitely time for your certificate presentation
and celebration!
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is short and steep. It is the most difficult route on the mountain. It is chosen by well-experienced mountaineers who are looking for the most difficult challenge they can find. As you can imagine, this is the least used route. This route is offered as both a 6 days and 7 days itinerary, though the 7 days option is not chosen often because it would then cease to be the most difficult option.
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi
Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m
Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour
Vegetation Zone: Town
Our driver will be waiting for your arrival at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight (B/B plan). Do not worry if your flight is late or if the immigration process
is taking a long time, our driver will wait just outside the secured area with an Ark Adventures sign with your name on it. If
you unfortunately miss a connection and won't be on rour scheduled arriving flight, if you find a way to contact us that would be
appreciated. Unless you have a late night arrival time, on this day we will go through an equipment check and you will have a
pre-climb briefing with your guide and all questions will be anseered. All equipment/clothing needed for the trek can be rented
locally and are of good quality.
Day 1: From hotel to Umbwe Cave Campsite
Elevation: 1700m to 2850m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
After breakfast, we pick you up with our vehicle from the hotel, drive to Umbwe Gate. Here after completing the gate
registration procedures, the trek starts through the rainforest to Umbwe Cave Campsite where you will find all tents
already setup then stop for dinner and overnight. Today you will walk across ridges and valleys into a really thick forest.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Campsite to Barranco Campsite
Elevation: 2850m to 3950m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest and heather
This day after breakfast you will trek through the remaining forest to the moorland and heath zone and you will be
enjoying some wonderful views of Barranco valleys and the ice cap on top of the mountain. Then you will arrive to
Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Barranco Campsite to Karanga Campsite
Elevation: 3950m to 3900m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Today you will be having a short day walk and in the late morning you will start climbing Barranco Wall and reach
4200m for acclimatization and continue crossing ridges and valleys to Karanga Campsite for hot lunch. After
lunch you will have a short rest and get another acclimatization of trekking up the screed slopes towards
the Southern Ice Field then you will return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Karanga Campsite to Barafu Campsite
Elevation: 3900m to 4620m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Today trek up to the Barafu Ridge Campsite is tough because of altitude. This part of the route is steep and because
of the increasing altitude the pace will be very slow to avoid fatigue as well as high altitude sickness. You will
walk across alpine desert with strong cold wind blowing from the Kibo's glaciers. You will have lunch and early dinner
of around 1700hrs then rest until midnight when you commence you push for the summit.
Day 5: Barafu Hut Campsite to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut Campsite
Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time; 10 – 12 hours
Vegetation Zone: Desert and ice to moorland
The day starts around midnight with a light breakfast, and then last preparations for your summit ascent. The goal
is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. We start the final push at 12:00am,
switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861m between 4 and 5am.
At this point, you will have views of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you and all spectacular all area
surrounding you. Then after 1 hour of hiking along the Kibo’s crater rim near the celebrated snows takes you to
Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak. Here you will spend some minutes for photos and to cherish your accomplishment.
After your summit activities are done, descend back to the Barafu Huts Campsite, have lunch, rest, collect your
equipment, and continue your walk down through moorland and heath zone to Mweka Huts Campsite, then dinner and
overnight at Mweka Hut Campsite.
Day 6: Mweka Hut Campsite to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descendng time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
After breakfast, today is your last day on the mountain so you will descend down to Mweka Gate walking across montane
forest this descent will take 3-4 hours. Then here at the gate you will do sign out and get ready to board the vehicle
ready for the transfer back to the hotel in Moshi for certificate presentation and a well deserved celebration.
Departure Day:
Breakfast at your hotel in included in your climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your flight (Zanzibar? Fly-n Safari? Home?). Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight we can try to
arrange a late checkout, or book a day room (extra charge for a day room).
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Mountain Trek Additional Information
Mt Meru Treks
The second highest mountain in Tanzania, Mt Meru is too often overlooked as a trek. This is a great acclimatization trek before attempting Mt Kilimanjaro but is also a wonderful experience in its own right. There is only one route on Mt Meru and the trek is typically done in 4 days, although a 3 days itinerary is also possible. Overnights are in dormitory style huts with solar lighting, similar to Marangu Route on Mt Kilimanjaro. All treks are accompanied by an armed park ranger since at the lower altitudes there are a fair number of animals. Note: Depending on the availability of rangers, Arusha National Park has the authority to have groups from different tour companies share one park ranger. Each group will still have its own climb staff servicing their respective clients. But we cannot guarentee that your group will not be along side a different group since the decision to share a park ranger belongs to Arusha National Park Authorities exclusively. The packing list, suggested tips, mountain diet, safety, etc. for Mt Meru is the same as Mt Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Momela Gate to Miriakamba 1500m to 2514m.
Today after driving one hour from Moshi town to Momela gate and meet with the ranger to accompany the group, we start walking passing in some open grassland with a great chance to see buffalo and warthog. The trail let us passing through less dense forest where there is an abundance of birds and monkeys including black and white colobus. Approximately 5 to 6 hours walking. Today we will overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut 2514m to 3570m
The walking today is short, but a considerably steep and sustained climb all the way. Starting through attractive open and lush montane forest through Elephant Ridge and giants heather and moorland vegetation to Saddle Hut. Arrive at approximately 2pm. Acclimatization to Little Meru. Return for dinner. Sleep for approximately 5 hours.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut, 3570m to 4566m to 2514m
Wake up at 1am to start to the summit. Watch sunrise between Cobra and Socialist Peak. Summit approximately 7am. Return to Saddle Hut for a meal and packing. Depending on timing, possible 1 hour of sleep. Now we make our way to Miriakamba Hut for overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momela Gate, 2514m to 1500m
Start at Miriakamba through the forest route where there is a waterfall for a short visit. Walk through the open plain where you can see the buffalo and possibly giraffe. Proceed to Momela Gate to sign out and drive back to your local accommodation.
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com
Day 1: Momela Gate to Miriakamba 1500m to 2514m.
Today after driving one hour from Moshi town to Momela gate and meet with the ranger to accompany the group, we start walking passing in some open grassland with a great chance to see buffalo and warthog. The trail let us passing through less dense forest where there is an abundance of birds and monkeys including black and white colobus. Approximately 5 to 6 hours walking. Today we will overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut 2514m to 3570m
The walking today is short, but a considerably steep and sustained climb all the way. Starting through attractive open and lush montane forest through Elephant Ridge and giants heather and moorland vegetation to Saddle Hut. Arrive at approximately 2pm. Acclimatization to Little Meru. Return for dinner. Sleep for approximately 5 hours.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut, 3570m to 4566m to 1500m
Wake up at 1am to start to the summit. Watch sunrise between Cobra and Socialist Peak. Summit approximately 7am. We then descend the entire way to Momela Gate to sign out and drive back to your local accommodation.
For a price quote or for further information contact us at arkadventuresbooking@gmail.com