16 DAY KILIMANJARO + ZANZIBAR

Climbing Kilimajaro is an amazing thing to accomplish. The guided tour treks to the Uhuru Peak over an 8 day duration. This tour is only guided up to Zanzibar, from where you will be free to enjoy as much kitesurfing, and exploring as you like. We have recommended luxurious accommodation whilst in Zanzibar to finish off this amazing tour in style, however we can adjust this tour specifically to your requirements, so just let us know.

Day 1: Depart UK

Fly overnight from the UK.

Day 2

You will be met by our ground agents, and there will be a trip briefing in the afternoon/evening. Please take with you your passport and insurance details, and your air ticket details. The briefing will cover all aspects of your trip and will include the distribution of any hired equipment you have booked.

Day 3: Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, Lemosho

In the morning you will transfer by 4WD vehicles to Londorossi (2250 m), passing between the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater of Mt. Meru (a distance of about 120 km). After completing the necessary registration formalities, you drive on for a short distance through farmland and plantations to reach the Lemosho roadhead. The last 5 km of the road to the park gate is of poor quality, particularly after rain, and the drive there should be considered part of the adventure. You often have your lunch in the glades before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest, this area has a variety of game including buffalo. Camp at Lemosho Forest camp (2650 m). Approx 3-4 hours walking.

Day 4: Shira

The trail starts out in the lush rich montane forest before ascending into the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with views across the plains opening out as we reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness especially if the afternoon mists come in. Camp in the centre of the plateau at Shira One(3550 m). Approx 6-7 hours walking.

Day 5: Exploring Shira

An easy day to help acclimatisation and to explore the grassy moorland and the volcanic rock formations of the plateau. Walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here (especially when the afternoon mists come in!) and the views from our camp near Shira Hut (3840m) of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. The afternoon is free to relax. Approx 4-5 hours walking.

Day 6: Lava Tower, Great Barranco Valley

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m), you descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. Approx 5-7 hours walking.

Day 7: Barranco Wall, Karanga

A short steep climb up the famed Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to volcanic scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and a powerful sense of mountain wilderness. The next camp is at Karanga (4000m) a short distance away, the valley floor has the last water point on the approach to Barafu, whilst you camp on the higher sides of the valley with views towards the glaciers of the southern icefields. Approx 4-5 hours walking.

Day 8: Barafu

The trail follows an easy path on compacted scree with wide views including the Barafu Ridge where our camp lies, the trail climbs unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the Southeast valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. Approx 3-5 hours walking.

Day 9: Trekking descent to Barafu

You will start your ascent by torchlight around midnight so that you can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. You will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, continue to descend to reach your final campsite (3800m) at Millenium camp. Most of you will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowded campsite. This is an extremely long and hard day with between 11 and 15 hours of walking at high altitude.

Day 10: Mweka, Arusha

A sustained descent on a well-constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Your route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! You return by bus to Arusha (a distance of about 100 km). Approx 4-6 hours walking.

Day 11 - 15: Zanzibar

This morning you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport and fly to Zanzibar, on arrival you will transfer to your accommodation in Paje, the beautiful 5* Breezes Beach Club & Spa.

Whilst in Zanzibar you can free kite in the amazingly beautiful waters, take lessons from our partner centre, or rent equipment. You could also visit the fascinating capital, Stone Town where you can take tours, and sight see. Or if you prefer diving, you will be in your element in Zanzibar, the underwater world is stunning!

Day 16: Back to UK

After 5 days kiting in the paradisiacal Zanzibar, it's time to return home. A Driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Zanzibar airport from where you will fly back to the UK.