This route is regarded as the most scenic of the trails up Kilimanjaro. You ascend gradually through the forest till you emerge onto the Moorland of Shira Plateau, from which there are superb views of the Kibo Peak and the Great Western Breach.
Important Note:The Breach wall is complicated while it involves a lot of risks possed by falling rocks released by melting ice! Every person ascending the Crater wall must be aware they are taking it at there own risk besides being a difficult route and not forgetting that as the elevation gets beyond an elevation of 5500m,its no turning back ! regardless of any evacuation/Rescue becoming very necessary;It can’t be walked down due to its delicate terrain and difficulties associated with its gradient.
Day 1: Arusha- First camp
Transfer to the gate(1490m).Trek through the lush forest to the Hut (10,000ft/3000m) Camp for overnight
Day 2: Machame Hut-Shira hut (3840m)
Leaving the forest, follow a steep ridge passing through giant heather and open moarlands and crossing a ridge to reach shira hut (12,500ft/3,800m) Camp overnight.
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Shira Plateau (3840m)
The Shira Plateau is beautiful with good views of the Western Glaciers. There are several fine minor summits to be climbed. Dinner and overnight -Shira Hut.
Day 4:Shira hut -Lava Tower (4630m)
After breakfast,take on a leisure Hike up the ridge towards lava tower 4630m.Arrive in time for a hot lunch Dinner&Overnight; in camp
Day 5:Lava Tower-Arrow Glacier(4870m)
Start a tough walk up steep scree ridge with some easy rocks scrambling. Snow cove makes the scree easier but an ice axe is then required. Dinner and overnight at Arrow glacier camp.
Day 6:Arrow Glacier-Crater Camp(5700m)
The start to the crater rim is made in the early hours of the morning; for more than 5 hours you climb the steepest wall to reach the crater.Overnight at Crater camp 5700m
Day 7: Crater Camp -Uhuru Peak(5896m)
Early start from crater camp to take advantage of frozen ice to Uhuru Peak.Arrive in time for the sunrise.Descend downward via Barafu to Mweka Hut(3100). Dinner and overnight.
Day 8:Mweka Hut -Mweka Park Gate (1980)
Walk through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate from where you are transfered back to Arusha.
What to bring:-warm sleeping bags(preferably -10 degrees),light water-proof boots,warm jacket,fleece jacket,rain gear,wind stoppers,sun glasses,warm gloves,enough pair of cotton socks,inner thermals,head cover,head light,water bottle and other personal items.Tents of aluminium frames due to strong winds
The cost of the expedition is US$2750 per person
inclusive:-all park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, porter crew, all meals during the trip, transport to the mountain and back
