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Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania and transfer to the hotel
Arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International airport Africphotography staff will pick you up and transfer to Moshi town where you will spend the first night at a hotel. For those who will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKA) in Kenya, we will get them picked up and transferred by Riverside Shuttle Bus to Moshi.
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Day 2
Drive to Rongai Gate (2000m) and climbing to Simba Camp (2600m)
After the breakfast at the hotel,you will drive to the Rongai (Nalemoru) gate near the Kenya border. We begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The walk then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
The first day is only a half-day walk.
3-4 hours walking.forest
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Day 3
Climbing from Simba Camp to Second Cave (3600m)
In the morning the journey towards Kibo will resume. At the second ancient cave, an appetising hot lunch will be served. After lunch we will trek through a brief section of the barren dunes of the moorland and continue amid the heather vegetation zone which is studded with ethereal, enormous lobelias. There is a high possibility of viewing the breath-taking display of the Kibo peak. There is also a chance that we may spot jackals and the odd buffalo – there is no need to panic as your guide accompanies you at all times.
Walking Time: 6-8 hours walking.
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Day 4
Second cave to third cave (4,330m)
A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Zone: Low Alpine Zone
(3-5 hours walking)
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Day 5
Third Cave to Kibo hut (4730m)
Hike to Kibo hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
6 hours
Zone: High alpine zone
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Day 6
Climbing to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and descend to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 11:30 Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5685m,18,650ft) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo.
Zone Glacial zone and the all preceding zones Summit day.
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Day 7
Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1900m)
8 hours and transfer to overnight at Park View
Zone: Rainforest
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Day 8
Departure
Transfer to airport or continue with safari
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Trip concludes