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The above video is reproduced from the “Kilimanjaro: To The Roof of Africa” by David Breashears: A quick view of your 8D7N trek through different terrains and climate changes from the forest of Tanzania to the snow-capped Kilimanjaro – the Roof of Africa.

1. Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Singapore – Tanzania (via Mumbai)

Day 2: Arrive in Tanzania. One-day rest and prepare for the trek on the next day.

Day 3: Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2360m), and trek to Mti Mkubwa (2895m)

We will trek the Lemosho route – the longest route on the top of Kilimanjaro. This route starts from the west of the mountain and ascends via the Shira Plateau, and continues up to the Summit via Stella Point. It is a beautiful passage through thick mountain forest on a small trail with a moderate climb. This is probably the best route on the mountain for acclimatization and scenic view. Lemosho is highly recommended and it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season from Longido game controlled area.

Day 4: Trek from Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1 (3505m).

Hike through the forest on day two for Kilimanjaro’s moorland. This is the day that you will enjoy the greatest variety of Kilimanjaro’s wildflowers. When the trail flattens out, you will have your first views of Kibo peak. After lunch, you will climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled up the Shira crater. The weather and volcanic action have decimated the crater rim. Today you’ll get your first close views of the summit of Kilimanjaro.

There are a couple more steep ridges, offereing great views, a well deserved break, and a descent in the valley on the other side.

Day 5: Trek from Shira Camp 1 (3505m) to Shira Camp 2 (4200m)

This is an acclimatization day that allows you to take day hikes that explore the Shira Plateau. You will hike only a short while and gain just over 100 meters in elevation. Look to the west at sunset and you may catch a glimpse of the twin eruptions from the craters of Ol Donyio Lengai (The Mountain of God), an active volcano 100 kilometers distant.

Day 6: Trek from Shira Camp 2 (4200m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)

The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut (4640m). The vegetation becomes more sparse as the landscape moves toward an afro-alpine desert. The climb passes through the spacious and sweeping Barranco Valley with its giant Senecias and Lobelia plants. After 6 – 7 hours walking, you will arrive at perhaps the most beautiful camp on the Kilimanjaro- the Barranco Camp, at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise. Here you will stay for the night.

Day 7: Trek from Barranco Camp (3900m) to Karanga Valley (3963m)

This day’s trekking leg has many ascents and descents. Shortly after the start, you will tackle the steepest part of the entire route – the Barranco Wall. Every now and then, you may need your hands to hold on tight – but no fears: there are no alpine climbing passages. Safety is paramount and your guide will secure you with a safety line upon agreement whenever necessary. After that, you will walk along the mountain ridge with a fantastic view of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as an amazing sight of the Kibo summit.

Day 8: Trek from Karanga Valley (3963m) to Barafu Camp (4600m)

You will walk along a trail that passes through the afro-alpine dessert until you reach the Barafu Camp. This camp is situated at an altitude of 4640 meters and will be reached in about 3 to 4 hours. After a filling evening meal, you can relax and take an early sleep as you will awake before midnight for your summit ascent.

Day 9: Barafu Camp (4600m) to the Summit of Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak (5896m). Descend to Mweka Camp (3100m).

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your headlamp. The Machame ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire six-day trek. The going is steep and slow until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.

From “The Roof of Africa”, you will be able to see the surrounding summits and landscape being lit up and warmed by the suns first rays – a truly liberating experience. On the way down from the Summit back to Barafu Camp, enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat brunch, drink lots of tea, and take a short break. You still have another three to four hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Day 10: Descend from Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1828m) and drive back to Moshi.

The day takes you through some really pretty forest with lots of birdlife. Once you get to the gate you’ll have to endure some more formalities, but eventually you will say good bye to your guides (a sad and emotional moment), climb into the vehicle waiting for you and be whisked away to your hotel for hot showers and cold beers.

Day 11: Depart for Singapore.

Day 12: Arrive home!

2. Optional Safari (after the trek)

A 4-day safari can be organized after the Kilimanjaro trek and is NOT part of the O-Adventure. Interested participants please see FAQ and contact me or Xieheng for further arrangement.

3. Package Info

* Included:

- Trek cost (Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fee, camping fee, rescue fee)

- Tents, salaries for tour guides, cooks, porters, food during trek days as indicated in the itinerary.

- All transportation while in Tanzania; hotel accommodation in Tanzania before and after the trek.

*Excluded:

- 2-way airfare (currently at SGD 1300 inclusive of all fares and taxes). We can arrange to book air tickets altogether.

- Tips for porters and guides; food while in town.

- Expenditures that are not listed in the “Included” above.

4. Fitness

We have received many inquiries about fitness level required for the trip. Albeit its name as the highest mountain in Africa, the 5895m peak of Kilimanjaro can be approached with care and is do-able to any moderately fit person. This expedition is all about trekking to the top, involving no climbing. Training will be provided weekly in NUS and Bukit Timah hill. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend.

You can read the below articles/reviews when considering your participation. Many at different ages have made it to the top.

http://www.quora.com/Is-Mt-Kilimanjaro-easy-to-climb-for-a-newbie

http://www.journeys.travel/portal/kilimanjaro/can_i_do_it_page.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7919100.stm

http://www.jao.com/africa/kilimanjaro/faq.html

5. Inquiry?

Download FAQ here.

6. Camping Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, you will be transported to Lake Manyara. After a short rest, while you stretch your legs and the staff removes all gear from the vehicle which is not needed for the afternoon game viewing, you will go on a game drive in beautiful Manyara National Park. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

Set out for the endless open plains and stunning skies of the Serengeti. After a scenic four hour drive to the park, and a brief stop at your evenings camp/lodge where the staff will unpack the vehicle, you will proceed on a game drive together with late evening game drive.
Dinner and overnight at campsite.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater.

After a relaxing morning and an early lunch, proceed with a game drive enroute to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the night will be spent on the Crater Rim campsite.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – back to Moshi.

After an early breakfast, proceed down to the crater floor for a game drive with picnic lunches.

Drive back to Moshi and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: R&R in Moshi

Day 6: Flying off