TUSKER SPIRAL ROUTE
TUSKER SPIRAL
Eddie Frank, Tusker’s founding guide scouted the Tusker Spiral Route a few years ago. It’s Tusker’s exciting brand-new route up Kilimanjaro. He combined the most scenic trails of 4 different routes, and created Tusker’s Signature Spiral route, which circumvents the entire mountain. The longer climb prepares your body for the higher altitude, enabling you to ascend easier and almost guarantees a successful summit.
You approach from the north, wind your way around the seldom-hiked western slopes, then continue on the south summit circuit up and over the Barranco Wall. From Barafu’s High Camp, you start your climb to the summit just before sunrise. This allows you to enjoy warmer temperatures and fantastic views in full daylight. As a rule, most companies climb at midnight. However, over the years we have found our climbers prefer a daytime climb, avoiding the bitter cold and dark.
ROUTE STATS
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- Distance: 47.1 miles or 75.3 km gate to gate
- Itinerary: 14 Days total, 11 days climbing gate to gate
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- Daily trekking time: 4 to 12 hours (plus 5 on summit day)
- Tusker's Lemosho route success rate: 99%
CRATER CAMP – On the Tusker Spiral Route you experience the enchantment of Kilimanjaro’s crater, where you camp just beneath Uhuru Peak, with no one else around. You can also hike to the seldom visited Ashpit, and summit twice (if you like) - once on the ascent and again before descending the next day. And if you prefer not to camp in the crater, then you can hike back down to Barafu camp for the night and join up with the group the next day.
DAILY ITINERARY
DAY 1 ~ MOSHI
3,000-ft/914-m
After arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, you meet your driver after clearing immigration, and then drive to our hotel, the Bristol Cottages hotel in Moshi.You stay two nights here to get fully relaxed and focused before your ultimate challenge on Kilimanjaro. A delicious meal, a hot shower and a warm bed are all you need at this moment.
Lodging: Bristol Cottages Hotel
DAY 2 ~ MOSHI
3,000-ft/914-m
After breakfast, you meet your Tusker guides for your climb orientation and a final equipment check. This is a great opportunity to get to know your team leaders, pick their brains for advice, and gather any extra gear or supplies you might need for your climb.Afterwards the group heads out for lunch in Moshi. This is a nice chance to wander around town getting a sense of Moshi, the bustling Tanzanian town of the north. Your guide also shows you around the colorful Moshi market at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lodging: Bristol Cottages Hotel
DAY 3 ~ SIMBA CAMP
<b8,760-ft/2,670-m • 4.3 miles/6.9 km • 2.5 - 3 hours
After breakfast, you depart Moshi for the 2-hour drive to the starting point on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, Nalemuru Gate. Here you meet the full crew, and check into the park.The winding trail crosses some village fields and enters the rainforest for an easy hike. You arrive at Simba Camp, located at the edge of the heath and moorland zone, with fantastic views of Kenya's plains below you. After freshening up, you sit down to enjoy your first magnificent, well-earned Kilimanjaro dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 4 ~ SECOND CAVE
11,320-ft/3,450-m • 4.35 miles/7 km • 3-4 hours
Awakening to the lyrical birdsong of the early morning, you begin your day with a good solid breakfast and medical check-up. The group then heads out, hiking through the shorter vegetation of heather. The views of Kibo Peak and the Eastern Icefield on the rim of the crater are magnificent.You are now at an important elevation to get your body accustomed to the lower oxygen pressure. This is important for later acclimatization to higher altitude. So, we take an afternoon hike up to a higher elevation to get you used to the thinner air coming your way in the days ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 5 ~ THIRD CAVE
12,912-ft/3,936-m • 2.6 miles/4.2 km • 3 hours
On today's trek you experience one of the most beautiful views on Kilimanjaro's northwest slopes.It's a fairly easy and short trek to Third Cave today, on the western slopes. Elevation gain is a mere 1,600-ft/488-m and is part of our well-planned climbing strategy to get you acclimatized for the higher elevation ahead. You're free to wander around the slopes for superb views, or just relax around camp in the beautiful, tranquil mountain environment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 6 ~ POFU CAMP
13,180-ft/4,017-m • 4.2 miles/6.7 km • 5-6 hours
Today's a full-day trek as we traverse the rarely used western slope toward Moir Camp. Slowly gaining just 260-ft/80-m, you trek through the giant heather with Kibo Peak just up ahead on the left and the vast Shira Caldera down to your right.Shira used to be one of Kilimanjaro's peaks until it erupted for the last time 500,000 years ago and collapsed in on itself. It has transformed over the millennia from a deep caldera to a vast plateau, filled with centuries of sediment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 7 ~ MOIR CAMP
13,650-ft/4,160-m • 6.2 miles/10 km • 6-7 hours
You'll notice that we do not gain much altitude these early days on the climb. This will make it a lot easier later on as you adjust to the elevation. After a full day, we climb the Lent Group, and drop down into Moir Camp, tucked away at the foot of a giant lava flow at the head of a deep canyon carved by ancient glaciers.You will notice the alternate layers of lava and sediment towering over the lateral moraine on the edge of the valley. Evenings are spectacular with heat lightning flaring over the plateau.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 8 ~ BARRANCO
12,950-ft/3,950-m • 6.2 miles/9.9 km • 6-7 hours
First thing we start the uphill trek into the alpine zone toward Lava Tower at 15,200-ft/4,633-m. At the foot of the 320-ft/98-m tower we stop for lunch, giving our bodies a short time to acclimatize.Making the steep descent, we hike past the uniquely beautiful plant life in this unusual habitat, such as the giant lobelias and senecios. Camp is situated at the foot of the Barranco Wall. There’s a buzz of excitement as climbers from around the world anticipate the next morning’s climb up this massive, imposing structure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 9 ~ KARANGA
13,200-ft/4,033-m • 3.6 miles/5.8 km • 4-5 hours
Emerging from your tent you can’t help focusing on the wall, contemplating its fortress-like structure. The Barranco Wall stands like a sentinel, blocking your highest goal, Uhuru Peak. Right after breakfast, we start our scramble up the wall. It takes about two hours, as we ascend about 500-ft/152-m out of the valley, surrounded by dazzling views of ancient lava flows and towering peaks.Then we take a steep, meandering hike with Kibo Peak over your left shoulder, down into Karanga Valley, and up the other side to camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 10 ~ BARAFU HIGH CAMP
15,790-ft/4,813-m • 2.6 miles/4.18 km • 5 hours
It's a tough, but a rewarding climb up the rocky, craggy slopes to Barafu High Camp, sometimes called Kosovo. Tusker has special permission to camp here. Because the camp is at high elevation, it is quite cold and windy at night. The air starts getting quite thin, and you find yourself breathing hard.There is a buzz of excitement in the air, as your climbing team anticipates the toughest day just ahead. The clouds move quickly in and out, revealing the eroded Mawenzi Peak, rising from the plains below. In the afternoon, you gather around your guides for a detailed briefing of our climbing strategy for the next day to the summit.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 11 ~ UHURU PEAK - CRATER CAMP
Summit: 19,341-ft/5,895-m • 2.55 miles/4.1 km • 6-7 hours
Crater Camp: 18,810-ft/5,733-m • 1.5 miles/2.4 km • 1 hour
Our climb to the summit starts a couple of hours before sunrise. Most of ascent is in daylight as we have found that our climbers prefer the warmer temperatures and spectacular views on the most demanding part of the climb. At mid-day, we reach the rim of the crater. Behind you is Mawenzi Peak - a thrilling sight, while the crater's ice-walls loom ahead above you.We now continue to Uhuru Peak (1-2 hours) - the highest point in Africa (19,341-ft/5,895-m). Your feeling of euphoria is intense, as the culmination of your challenge approaches. Reaching the summit, you celebrate with your fellow climbers then trek down into our camp in the awe-inspiring crater, beneath the summit. After settling in we hike up to the seldom visited Ashpit, where fumaroles and the smell of sulfur are signs that Kilimanjaro is still a dormant volcano.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 12 ~ MILLENNIUM CAMP
Millennium: 12,590-ft/3,837-m • 6.3 miles/10.1 km • 5-6 hours
Still high from the summit, the crater dawn light tops off your magical experience. Before the invigorating descent, you can take another hike to Uhuru Peak. We then start a slow 3-hour descent through the scree to Barafu Camp for a short break and a snack. Then a further two hours brings us down to the edge of the rainforest at Millennium Camp.Once at camp, it's time to relax and enjoy our last dinner followed by a deep and restful sleep on Mount Kilimanjaro, before the final descent to the national park gate tomorrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Camping
DAY 13 ~ MOSHI
Mweka Gate: 5,500-ft/1,676-m • 7.5 miles/12 km • 6 hours Drive Moshi • 30 mins
It's a 6-hour hike from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate where we sign the book, enjoy a final lunch and say goodbye to your porters. Your guides accompany you on a short drive back to the hotel in Moshi where a hot shower and a cold drink await your arrival.We all enjoy a celebratory meal in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Bristol Cottages Hotel
DAY 14 ~ WILDLIFE SAFARI or FLY HOME
WILDLIFE SAFARI
Continue on an incredible Wildlife Safari through some of the most spectacular animal reserves on the planet, such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.ZANZIBAR
After your climb immerse yourself in a fascinating journey back in time to the magical island of Zanzibar in the Indian ocean.Get lost in the historical maze of ancient alleyways, and enjoy the most beautiful beaches on earth
AFTER-CLIMB ADVENTURES
Once you're down off your climb, extend your adventure with a mind blowing Safari, exploring the epic wildlife parks of East Africa. If you're craving a beach experience, opt for a total cultural immersion as you travel back in time to mystical Zanzibar, an island just off Tanzania’s coast.
For more information about our world class safari's and our Zanzibar trip visit our Tusker's After Climb Trips Page.
WILDLIFE SAFARI or ZANZIBAR
Here on our 5-day safari, you discover an incredible array of wildlife. And if you time it right, you might even find yourself surrounded by millions of animals during the great migration, which occurs twice a year. You will marvel at the incredible feeling you experience as you immerse yourself in the spectacle and the magic of the African savannah.
For more information about our world class safari's visit Tusker's Safari Trip Page.
DAY 1 ~ LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Rise early to connect with your safari flight from the Moshi Airport to the Manyara Airstrip, where you meet your safari guide.
Lake Manyara National Park is very different from the other parks with a huge diversity of habitats. It is home to the unusual tree-bound lions and the elusive forest primate, the blue monkey, along with many other species of animals.The Lake supports a large array of bird life, such as yellow-billed storks, white-necked cormorants, pelicans, and Egyptian geese. We overnight at Kirurumu Manyara Tented Camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
DAY 2 ~ NGORONGORO CRATER
The awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater is a 110 square-mile volcanic caldera, which collapsed two million years ago. It is encircled by 2000-ft. sheer walls. We drive down the narrow track to the crater floor, for a full day exploring this lush animal paradise.The crater swarms with 30,000 head of wild game, stalked by great prides of lion, jackal, hyena and leopard. Ngorongoro is one of the few places left on earth where you can see the almost extinct black rhinos in their natural habitat.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
DAY 3 ~ SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
The Serengeti National Park is the world’s oldest ecosystem, It is a sanctuary with the highest concentration of large mammals, containing over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles, and over 2,500 lions.Every year, the Serengeti hosts one of the most dramatic spectacles on earth: The Great Migration. During this time, millions of wildebeests, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle migrate non-stop through the Grumeti and Mara Rivers in search of fresh grazing, following an ancient pattern of survival.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging varies depending on the migratory season.
DAY 4 ~ SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, wake to the call of amazing birdlife, or the first sunrays splaying across the endless plains. These timeless sights and sounds signal the dawn of a new exciting day on safari.The Serengeti is famous for its predators. On our daily game-runs with expert safari guides, you can expect excellent lion and cheetah sightings, and exciting lion hunts. You can also spot leopards regularly. Other predators include serval cats, golden and black-backed jackal, African wild dog and spotted hyena.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging varies depending on the migratory season.
DAY 5 ~ SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK / DEPART
After breakfast, we head out for our final game-run in the park. Afterwards, you drive to the the airstrip to connect with your flight to Kilimanjaro airport.At Kilimanjaro International a Tusker Trail representative will meet you with your climbing gear that you stored in Moshi. Depart Kilimanjaro Airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Fly home
On our 3-day safari you discover an incredible array of wildlife. And if you time it right during the twice yearly animal migration, you find yourself surrounded by millions of animals. Everyone who has traveled on an African safari marvels at the incredible feeling they experience as they immerse themselves in the spectacle of the African bush.
For more information about our world class safari's visit Tusker's Safari Trip Page.
DAY 1 ~ LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK