Thursday, 9/26/2019: Mweka and Departure

Complete the descent through the rain forest, where vehicles will be waiting to take us back to the real world. After freshening up at our day room in Arusha, we will be transferred to the airport for our departure flight home.

3 - 6 hours trekking

Celebrate with Guides and Crew

Celebrate the completion of the mountain adventure with a farewell lunch at the park gate. This is a great opportunity to thank the crew and say goodbyes to those who made the trek a success.

Accommodations: Day room at Airport Planet Lodge, Arusha, resting up and readying for departure.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Wednesday 9/25/2019: Alpine Desert to Heath

Ruthanna says that it was a stiff climb today, and that all is well. They are actually at 11,500 feet, but hoping for more details soon.

Her itinerary lists the following:

After a celebratory breakfast, depart the barren landscapes of the Alpine Desert zone as we begin the descent to our camp nestled in the thick heather.

Celebratory Summit Breakfast

5 - 7 hours Trekking

Tipping Ceremony
Celebrate the achievement with the fellow trekkers and mountain crew and partake in a ceremony to thank the guides and porters, acknowledging their hard work and contribution to the success

Accommodations: Mweka Camp 10,065 feet

Tuesday 9/24/2019: Alpine Desert and Uhuru Peak SUMMIT!!!

Continue through the alpine desert this morning, making the gradual journey toward Kilimanjaro's glaciers and the summit, Uhuru Peak.


8 - 10 hours Trekking was on the agenda, but Ruthanna and Laurie say it was 14 hours and involved some scrambling. Ruthanna says, "The most challenging thing I have ever done!"


Afternoon Uhuru Peak Summit!!

Exploration of the Crater


Accommodations: Barafu Camp 15,331 feet

Monday, 9/23/2019: Moorland to Alpine Desert

Proceed steadily upward over expansive ridge lines of high alpine desert where we will camp amid this lunar landscape.

3 - 4 hours trekking

Accommodations: Barafu Camp 15,331 feet

Sunday, 9/22/2019: Alpine Desert to Moorland

A drop in elevation from the desert into the moorlands, giving time to acclimatize to the elevation. On the way, a scramble up the Barranco Wall.

6 - 7 hours trekking

Accommodations: Karanga Camp 13,231 feet

Saturday, 9/21/2019: Moorland to Alpine Desert

Long, steady day of climbing up expansive ridge to an extraordinary rock formation called Lava Tower.

4 - 6 hours of trekking

Accommodations: Lava Tower Camp 15,213 feet

Friday, 9/20/2019: Heath to Moorland

The trek resumes from the savannah of heather and grasses into the moorlands, where camp will be set among a misty, cloud-covered terrain of bizarre flora and volcanic rock.

3 - 4 hours trekking

Accommodations: Shira Camp 2 at 12,795 feet