Kilimanjaro Safaris:

[8 Day Climb] - [12 Day Climb] - [Equipment List]
Find out about Kilimanjaro Park (offsite link)

You have heard about Kilimanjaro. You have dreamed of its snows, it's perfect vistas, it's variety of scenery. You finally want to make the climb that will change your life. Climb this magnificent, austere mountain with East African Voyage and begin a journey that will bring you closer to your dreams.

Kilimanjaro is one of the world most famous mountains. It is the largest free-standing mountain in the world, its 19,340 foot summit lying a few degrees from the equator.

East African Voyage, through its long experience and incredible trained teams of guides and porters will make your personal expedition easy and educational.

At East African Voyage we use fixed and flexible itinerary which make you acclimatize easily in high altitude. We also have exclusive trail access to climbs that are not regularly travelled, giving your voyage a private and unique environment for exploration.

To make clients comfortable and safe on the mountain we send our groups with very professional trip leaders who have received the international first aid training with WMI and NOLS in the USA. Please see our Bios section for information about our qualified trip managers.

LEMOSHO/FOREST ROUTE 8 DAYS( EXPEDITION TENTS CAMPING)
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This wonderful route to the top of Kilimanjaro will bring you from the equator to the north pole during your 8 day experience. No need to walk 600,000 miles -- simply trek with us through the varied climate zones that wash down the slopes of the the Lemosho route and you will experience the world of flora and fauna that we consider our home.

Day 1: FOREST CAMP(9'200 fts)
You drive from your hotel towards the western side of Kilimanjaro where you sign in at the Londorosi gate and get a permission to start your climb. We will drive to the trail head where you find your climbing crew ready and waiting to start the climb. Your guide will tell exactly what to expect each day... weatherwise, the nature of the trail and the wildlife that you will grow to know so well. Don't hesitate to ask your guide while you're hiking to point out any special features that might interest you.
The hike will take approximatly 3 to 4 hours before you wind up and camp at the forest Camp(9200 feet) (which is thus named because it is in the forest zone of the mountain's vertical world.

Day2 SHIRA I (11'300fts)

This morning we leave the camp just after breakfast and ascend to Shira Camp which is located at the heather zone along the Shira Caldera. The hike will take about 2 to 3 hrs hiking to before we're out of the forest zone and we get into the heather zone, where we stop for lunch, then wind up the day by traversing the Shira Ridge and camp in the Shira Caldera with its dramatic views of Kibo peak.

The land here looks like a savanna grassland with a beautiful views of heather bushes which grow into the "colony" form to resist the cold weather as well as wind. In a clear sky at the night you can see a dramatic views of stars which occupies the whole sky and fabulous views of the Southern Cross. It is usual to hear some Jackals barking in the night as well as seeing some signs of Buffalo, Eland, Serval Cats and other animals during your hike.

DAY 3: FISCHER'S/ SHIRA II (12,900)
This day will involve a 4 hour hike across the Shira Caldera towards the Western side of the Kibo Volcanic Massive. This is a day you will be able to "touch the clouds". Camping at the Shira/Fischers is a wonderful opportunity! If the weather permits, you will have wonderful views towards the Rift Valley and the heart of Africa.
Shira Camp is located at the transition zone between the heather and Moorland -- the only place you can see the higher altitude plants grow (such as the Giant Ground Sells / Giant Scenencio). As you get up this far, you'll find that most of the plants cannot compete with the weather. And you'll understand why!

DAY 4: LAVA TOWER CAMP (14500fts)
The hike of 5 to 6 hrs will take us to Lava Tower Camp. This day you will feel the altitude! but your slow and comfortable ("polepole" in Swahili) pace will allow you to ascend at a comfortable and healthy speed for you and your group.
As you arrive and find your camp created, with the magnificent view of the mountain and where you've climbed from, you'll start to realize the value of this experience, and what it means to have brought Kilimanjaro onto your turf, rather than the other way around.
Tonight your 0 degrees sleeping bag will start working as it get cold, and your guides advise you on techniques for making better use of your sleeping bag.

The following morning is an easy day where you awake late in the morning and enjoy then sun rise from the eastern side of Kibo, painting the mountain in ancient gold.

DAY 5: ARROW GLACIERS: (16000fts)
Today you will gain 1500 feet hike from the Lava Camp to Arrow Camp (2 to 3 hrs). This day is about acclimitization and experience. You will learn how to pace yourself at this incredible altitude.
Today your guide will show you some important hiking techniques: resting and short step, deep breathing which are very important for the following day's hike along the Western Breach.

DAY 6: CRATER CAMP (18'500fts)
The hike is challenging today, you go through a strenuous walk and a bit of rock scrabbling. Though difficult, it is entirely 'doable' and not a technical trail or climb.

Hiking on a Western breach will bring you unforgetable experiences, you will go through the dramatic features of the Kibo ancient volcanology. You will be able to see the spectacular views of the Baranco valleys, Umbwe forest and Machame on the south part of the mountain, Shira and Mount Meru in the west.
Being in the crater will bring you a wonderful opportunity of visiting to the Kilimanjaro ash pit, western ice fields and the cathedral in the east part of the crater. Talk to the guide to see other kinds of activities which are possible to be done in the crater depending on weather conditions.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP (10'000 fts)
This is another special day in your life where your going to complete some serious achievements and goals. Hiking for one and half hours from the Crater camp will bring your life into perspective, when you stand on the top of the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain the in World. Welcome ("karibu!") to "Kilimanjaro" -- you are now 19340 feet above the sea level.

The weather will tell you how long you're going to spend on the top for taking pictures and rolling up your trip. Kilimanjaro is mostly blessed with a wonderful weather, but -- look around you, see where you are, and realize that the weather, your job at home, your mortage payments -- all stand in proportion to the snow-covered, majestic mountain which you have just managed to summit.

From the summit will take you 2 to 3 hrs hike and have a short stop for lunch around Barafu camp(15'000 fts) and proceed for 3 to 4 hrs and make to Mweka Camp(10'000fts) where you're going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration.

DAY 8: HIKE OUT
This is the day of winding up your climb and saying goodbye to the mountain to your climbing crews. You hike for 3 to 4 hours and make to the gate where you going to sign out and get your certificate, have lunch and load into the car and drive to your next destination.

Alternatively, a 12 day possible climb follows:

ITINERARY FOR THE 12 DAY KILIMANJARO CLIMB
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Day 01: The Land Cruisers transport you from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha to KIA Lodge, five minute drive from the airport. You will enjoy an evening of relaxation and the incredibly scenic with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru dominating a panorama of grasslands and high tropical landscapes.

Regarding Arrival in Arusha on Day 02:
- if you are arriving on KLM direct flight into Kilimanjaro International you will be arrive late in the evening where our staff will pick you up at the airport.
- If you choose to fly through Nairobi it is necessary you arrive on Day 02 before 10am in order to connect with shuttles departing for Arusha. It is recommended you arrive in Nairobi on Day 01 and transfer to Arusha on Day 02. (Please email us for more information about this)

Day 03: HOTEL
Today is spent relaxing and recovering from your travels. You will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the guides and fellow members of you group. Today your guide will have a trip briefing and review your equipment. Your guide will take you for a short walk as it always good to have your muscles stretched and ready for the following day's climb

Day 04; MONTANE FOREST Altitude – 7,500-9,000 feet Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

After a short drive through the beautiful grasslands and scattered Maasai villages we will arrive at the forest edge of the National Park. From here we will walk a few hours through the undisturbed lush jungle to our camp for the night. Our Tanzanian guides will share their knowledge of the local ecology as you walk through the fantastic plants and trees, hear birds, and see other exotic wildlife. With luck you will be able to see Colobus monkeys and signs of elephants on your walk to camp. Upon arriving at camp, you will find your tent set up as well as hot tea and snacks waiting for you in the dining tent. Your may relax or go on a short hike before dinner.

Day 05: SHIRA PLATEAU WEST SIDE Altitude – 11,500 feet Hiking time : 7 -9hrs

Upon waking, your guides will greet you at your tent with tea and hot water to wash with before enjoying breakfast. We will take our time walking through the forest, which enables us to acclimatize comfortably and spot the plentiful game and bird life while enjoying the views down canyon through breaks in the jungle. Today’s hike will take us through the Montana Forest and the Hagenia Zone. We will point out the unique environmental differences that characterized these separate equatorial zones.

Day 06: MOIR CAMP Altitude :- 13,800 feet Hiking Time 5-7 hours

It will take us roughly three to four hours hike then have a lunch stop then hike across the Shira Plateau for roughly two and half hours up the westerns slope of the Kibo Massif. Our Camp will be at about 13800 feet, in the upper Heath Zone.

Day07: ARROW GLACIER Altitude- 15300 feet Hiking Time 5 -7 hours

After our first class, breakfast, we will slowly hike to Camp III at 14,300 feet, just under “Lava Tower” This will be our first introduction to the Alpine Zone where the only plant life is the hardiest of grasses lichens. We will have a spectacular view of our final ascent up the Western Beach. There is an exciting optional rock scramble (non-technical) to the top of their wild lava tower. The views from the lava tower summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and the surrounding valleys are quite impressive.

Day 08: ARROW GLACIER Altitude – 15,300 acclimization day: short day hike:

We do a short hike for one to two hours back to the camp have lunch and relax ready for the following day

Day 09: SUMMIT CRATER CAMP Altitude- 18,500 feet

Hiking Time; 7 – 10 hours

We will wind our way up the Western Breach, non-technical climbing route for about six hours to the crater rim. There will be time to explore the inner crater before moving to our high camp on the crater floor. It is common to find sections of snow along this section. Our high camp will be situated adjacent to a spectacular glacier with the summit merely a short hike away! The rest of the day will be spent drinking lots of liquids and enjoying another fabulous sunset dinner.

Day 10: SUMMIT DAY Altitude 19,340 ft; MWEKA CAMP Altitude – 10,500 ft

Hiking Time: 1 -2 hours to summit 8- 10 hours to camp

After breakfast, we will leave camp and hike to the top of the crater rim. From there it is just a ten minute hike to Uhuru Summit, the highest point in Africa... 19,340 feet! We arrive at the summit and are rewarded with clear views before the mid-morning clouds roll in. We will bask in the glory of our accomplishment, grab a bite to eat, enjoy the views and take lots of photographs. After summit celebrations we will begin our descent past Barafu Hut and down to our camp near Mweka Hut, where our porters will have prepared a special celebratory feast! We will have descended almost 9,000 feet today and you will feel intoxicated by the oxygen rich air.

Day 11: DIK- DIK HOTEL – Arusha Hiking Time : 3 – 6 hours

Hiking time will vary depending on the trail conditions while traveling through the lush vegetation at this elevation. Rain can occur any time of year at this location and can make the trail muddy requiring a slower pace. Once we have descended the 4,500 feet the road head we will have our lunch and say good-by to our mountain staff before heading off to the hotel. At the Kigongoni lodge you can swim in the pool, relax on the terrace or nap in a hammock in your own private villa overlooking the magnificent gardens of this tropical paradise. A celebratory dinner at the kigongnoni lodge will follow !

Day 12: SAFARI ITINERARY or DEPART FOR HOME

Spend the day relaxing at the Dik Dik before you DEPART FOR HOME or continue your adventure with the 5 DAY SAFARI