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Find out what happens on each day of the Kilimanjaro trek.
Upon arrival we transfer to a hotel in Moshi town where we relax after our long flight. Tonight we will sort out our kit ready for tomorrow's trek.
We drive to our starting point at Machamé Gate where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start our trek. The path winds its way through magnificent forest where the air is noticeably humid, however the climb is a steady one and takes us to our first camp at 3,100m.
Walking time approximately five-seven hours.
We continue up, out of the jungle forest with a steep climb up to more open moorland. After lunch we head for Shira Plateau and our campsite at 3,800m. Here we are greeted with amazing views of both the summit of Kili and Mount Meru.
Walking time approximately four-six hours.
Now walking on high moorland, the landscape changes dramatically as the lush forests are left behind. Traversing the southwest side of Kilimanjaro we climb up to heights of 4,600m before passing under the Lava Tower and descending towards our camp at Barranco at 3,900m.
Walking time approximately six-seven hours.
Today is a shorter day but begins with a steep ascent up the Barranco Wall which divides us from the slopes of Kibo, Kilimanjaro's neighbouring peak. The climb isn't technical but can be long and tiring. We pass under magnificent glaciers as our route takes us through the Karanga Valley to our camp at 3,963m. For those feeling strong the afternoon can be spent on a further acclimatisation trek up to 4,200m.
After a good night's rest we set off on our walk to Barafu Camp at 4,600m. The climb takes us across desolate scree and the lack of vegetation is evident. The walk is tough and steep, but we arrive at camp early and spend the afternoon resting ahead of the long night and day ahead. At 11.00pm we'll set off for the final climb to the summit.
Walking time approximately five hours.
Our night-time trek enables us to avoid walking for too long in the heat of the sun but temperatures will be below freezing. Our progress will appear slow over the scree but we gain height rapidly over a short distance. As day breaks and we approach Stellar Point the views of the ice cliffs within the crater and the African plains in the distance are breathtaking. Another hour's trekking takes us to the summit Uhuru (5,896m), the highest point in Africa. We leave the freezing crater rim and descend on scree to Millennium Camp at 3,900m.
Walking time approximately 12-14 hours.
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate where we complete park formalities and say goodbye to the mountain. Awaiting vehicles take us back to our hotel in Moshi where a welcome shower and celebration meal awaits.
Walking time approximately four-five hours.
Email hiking@macmillan.org.uk|
Call 020 7840 7887 Fax 020 7840 4717 Write to Team Macmillan, Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UQ