2009 Kili Journey 

Day 1    Saturday-Feb. 14th
                   Fly to Moshi, Tanzania

Day 2    Sunday-Feb 15th
                        Arrive in Moshi in late afternoon.  Stay at Springlands Hotel.

Day 3    Monday-Feb 16th
               Hotel  and meet group day.  Tour Moshi.

Day 4    Tuesday-Feb 17th
                         Climbing  To Mt Mkubwa Camp     2100m to 2750m      6900ft to 9000ft      About 3 hours

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m / 7382 ft, 2.5 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100m / 6890 ft, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mt Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Day 5    Wednesday-Feb 18th               
                       Climbing To Shira 1 Camp     2750m to 3500m       9000ft to 11,500ft        About 5 hours

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed, then it  gains the Shira Ridge at about 3600m (11,811 ft) and drops gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau. 

Day 6    Thursday-Feb 19th
                   Climbing To Shira 2 Camp     3500m to 3850m       11,500ft to 12,600ft        About 2 hours

After breakfast, a gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Day 7    Friday-Feb 20th               
                   Climbing To Barranco Hut     3840m to 3860m     12,600ft to 12,700ft      About 6 hours

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876 meters (15,997 ft). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860 meters (12,664 ft). Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 8    Saturday-Feb 21st
                   Climbing To Karanga Hut      3860m to 4200m        12,700ft to 13,800ft        About 4 hours

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley (4200m / 13,780 ft) campsite.

Day 9    Sunday-Feb 22nd
                   Climbing To Barafu Hut      4200m to 4600m        13,800ft to 15,100ft        About 4 hours

After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 meters (15,092 ft). You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 10    Monday-Feb 23rd
                     SUMMIT DAY!

                    To Summit and Mweka Hut        4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)

                    15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)         About 11 hours

In the early morning, we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5985 meters (19,636 ft). This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site at 3100 meters (10,171 ft). This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut -- the only place on this route

Day 11    Tuesday-Feb 24th
             Descend- To Moshi      3100m to 1830m        10,200ft to 6000ft         About 4 hours

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi. It is time for celebration!

Day 12    Wednesday-Feb 25th

We will leave this day for our flight back to the States or start safari.

Safari: We will collect you from your hotel and travel by van to Lake Manyara for a safari.  Stay in Highview lodge.

Day 13    Thursday-Feb 26th

Non-Safari goers arrive back in the USA.

Safari: Ngorongoro AM Village by Highview PM (stay at Highview)

Day 14    Friday-Feb 27th

Return from 3 day Safari via local stops such as Elephant Cave walk, Village tours (very interesting) and night flight to USA or continue with 5 day safari- Ngorongoro and drive to Serengeti, tour afternoon  and overnight at Serengeti Wildcamp FB.  This private camp is located in the Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park. It is composed of several accommodation tents and a dining tent set in the wild bush. Tents are very spacious and are equipped with 2 large beds, a table and chairs and a bathroom with portable toilet and shower (warm water comes from buckets). Each tent also has a private veranda where you can relax in the evenings watching the sunset.  

Day 15    Saturday-Feb 28th

3 day safari Arrive back in USA.
Or Continue with 5 day Safari-Full Day tour and afternoon in Serengeti and overnight at  Serengeti Wildcamp FB

Day 16    Sunday-March 1st

Finish Safari 5 day via local stops such as Village tours, night flight depart for States

Day 17    Monday-March 2nd

5 day safari Arrive back in USA