Tanzania: Kilimanjaro Gay Climb

Jambo! Welcome to Tanzania. Our trip begins with a group meeting at 4PM. Get to know your fellow travellers and Chief Mountain Guide while we discuss the epic climb ahead. We’ll then enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Following an early breakfast, we’ll have a 2-hour transfer to Londorossi Gate for registration, which could take a few hours. Then on to the Lemosho starting point (2,424m/7,952ft) where we’ll start our trek to the Big Tree Camp (2,785m/9,135ft) for our first night on the mountain. We may spot antelope unique to the Lemosho and Rongai routes, so keep your eyes peeled.
Ascent: 400m/1,300ft
Descent: minimal
Distance: 5km/3mi
Approximate hiking time: 3-4 hours

Rise and shine! After breakfast, we trek for about an hour to the end of the forest. Here, the trail steepens and we enter the giant heather moorland zone, crossing several streams en route. We continue to Shira 1 Camp (3,504m/11,496ft), on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, where lunch awaits and we’ll camp for the night. This afternoon, there will be an optional acclimatization ascent of Shira Ridge, which serves up the finest views of Kibo, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones.
Ascent: 720m/2,360ft
Descent: minimal
Distance: 8.4km/5.2mi
Approximate hiking time: 5-6 hours

Today we trek across the Shira Plateau to Moir Hut (4,166m/13,700ft), where we’ll break for lunch. Onwards and upwards, weather permitting, you have the option of a breathtaking sunset acclimatisation climb just before dinner (4,305m/14,125ft).
Ascent: 657m/2,155ft
Descent: minimal
Distance: 9.7 km/6mi
Approximate hiking time: 3-4 hours

We’ve got a 17km/10.5mi trek ahead of us today, moving clockwise around the mountain’s northern slopes via Pofu (4,040m/13,250ft), to Third Caves Camp (3,971m/13,000ft). Along the way we’ll enjoy impressive views to the Northwest, North, and Northeast. While the day may be long, we’ll take it slow and steady enjoying the countless lookouts.
Ascent: 247m/810ft
Descent: 466m/1530ft
Distance: 17km/10.5mi
Approximate hiking time: 6-7 hours

Today we trek upwards to School Hut (4,722m/15,500ft). While the journey is a ‘mere’ 4.9km/3mi, we’ll gain 780m/2,560ft in altitude. Dinner will be served early, as we’re off to sleep at 6PM. ‘Tomorrow’ begins with an 11PM-12AM wake-up call for our final midnight assault. Porridge and tea will be served to help get us going.
Ascent: 780m/2,560ft
Descent: minimal
Distance: 4.9km/3mi
Approximate hiking time: 3-4 hours

While it actually begins in the middle of the night, this is the day we’ve been waiting for. We’ll trek to Gilman’s Point (5,708m/18,700ft) in the dark, on switchback trails, where we’ll pause to enjoy the majesty of the sun rising above the clouds. We’ll then work our way around the crater to Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft), before reaching our final summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft). After realizing you’ve just climbed Kilimanjaro, feel free to shed a few tears, snap some photos, and bask in the well-deserved glory with your fellow climbers. This is an incredibly long and difficult day, so we may only make it to Millenium Camp. 
Ascent: 1,181m/3,875ft
Descent: 2,789m/9,150ft
Distance: 15km/9.3mi
Approximate hiking time: 12-14 hours (4-6 hours to the summit rim, 1-2 hours to reach the summit, 2-3 hours descending from the summit to Barafu Huts with a 1 hour rest, then 2 hours to Millennium Camp).

This morning we continue our descent to Mweka Gate (1,633m/5400ft), where we’ll sign the summit register to make it official. A vehicle will be waiting to take us to a local restaurant for a casual burger and beer before heading back to our hotel where we can freshen up – in real showers – before our Farewell Dinner.
Ascent: minimal
Descent: 1,473m/4,832ft
Distance: 9.1km/5.7mi
Approximate hiking time: 8- 10 hours

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at your leisure. Your trip includes a complimentary departure transfer which will be confirmed by your group leader.

Please note: If you are joining our Tanzania: Gay Serengeti Safari ask our sales team about adding an extra night of accommodation.