Here is the day-by-day itinerary, where each moment will be filled with wonder and excitement!
Day 1 & 2: Get ready for the ultimate adventure as we kick off with group meetings, gear inventory, a safety briefing, bond with our fellow climbers and prepare for the extraordinary journey ahead. We’ll also embark on a local hike, getting to know our guides and gauging everyone’s fitness levels. The anticipation is building up!
Day 3: Our journey officially begins at the Londorossi Gate, where we enter the legendary Kilimanjaro National Park. From there, a thrilling drive takes us to the Lemosho Glades at 6,500 feet. It’s here that our trek commences, with the first day taking us through the lush rainforest. We’ll find ourselves surrounded by vibrant flora, and the Mti Mkubwa camp at around 8,694 feet will be our home for the night. This is just the beginning, and excitement fills the air!
Day 4: As we continue our ascent through the rainforest, we’ll gradually transition into the mesmerizing moorland. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning vistas of the Shira Cathedral and other volcanic formations. Our day comes to an end at the Shira 1 Camp, located at an elevation of approximately 11,483 feet. The beauty of Kilimanjaro unfolds before us!
Day 5: We go on an eastward path across the majestic Shira Plateau, steadily gaining altitude. The terrain transforms into a semi-desert environment, presenting us with a panorama of Mount Meru and the surrounding plains. It’s a sight that I am sure will leave us in awe!
Day 6: An exciting day as we navigate through rocky terrain and ascend to the mighty Lava Tower at 15,092 feet. From this vantage point, we’ll be treated to a truly magnificent viewpoint, providing a sense of the journey’s magnitude. We then descend to the Barranco Camp at around 12,960 feet, giving us a chance to acclimatize and prepare for the challenges ahead. The mantra is CLIMB HIGH sleep low for the best success.
Day 7: We conquer the infamous Barranco Wall! This section demands some scrambling and a lot of adventure. We’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. The route then takes us through the enchanting Karanga Valley, leading us to the Karanga Camp at approximately 13,123 feet. Our altitude, and spirits, are soaring!
Day 8: We continue our journey through the alpine desert landscapes, making our way to the bustling Barafu Camp at 15,092 feet. This is the starting point for our summit attempt, and as all the routes converge here, we expect the biggest crowds of the summit and an atmosphere filled with excitement and determination. Rest and preparation are key as we gear up for the ultimate challenge lying ahead… summit night.
Day 9: The day we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! At the stroke of midnight or just before, we begin our summit attempt, setting off on a grueling ascent up the steep slopes towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro at a jaw-dropping 19,341 feet! That’s right, we ascend over 4,000 feet that night,.. in the dark,.. in artic temperatures. It may be physically demanding, but the reward, if I make it, will be spectacular. From all accounts, the view from the summit is awe-inspiring, a truly unforgettable moment etched in peoples hearts forever. After reaching the summit, we take pictures and after about an hour or so we descend to the Mweka Camp at around 10,170 feet to rest.
Day 10: Our final day on the mountain takes us on a mesmerizing descent back through the rainforest. The trek concludes at the Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their well-deserved certificates of achievement. From there, a transfer takes us back to our hotel, where they put on a huge celebration and we are all asked to “dress up” to join in the celebrations.
Day 11: Flight from KJO-DOH-DFW will bring us back home on July 28th, but the adventure we’ve shared and the triumph we’ve achieved will stay with us forever.
Its 5 days from my departure to Africa,.. the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro soon awaits, with beautiful landscapes, challenges to conquer, where we will create unforgettable memories along the way.
Check back to see pics of me at the summit soon!
Yours in excitement,
Brian