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14-Day Itinerary • 11 Days Climbing
$6,350 (4-12 pax) • $6,990 (2-3 pax)
Tusker has pioneered an exciting BRAND NEW ROUTE on Kilimanjaro which we have named the TUSKER SPIRAL ROUTE. Unlike other climbs, you start from the north and trek a spiral shaped route, circumnavigating the entire peak. The isolated landscape of Kilimanjaro's untraveled northern and western slopes will leave you spellbound.
And because of the extended length of your climb you acclimatize extremely well, transforming it into a once in a lifetime experience.
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After arriving at Kilimanjaro airport, you transfer to our hotel in Moshi and enjoy two relaxing nights here. Moshi is a fun town, with a variety of good restaurants and quaint coffee shops. The central market is also a must-see, bustling with life and colorful local characters.
Tomorrow morning you meet with your team and your guides, who give you a detailed climb briefing and comprehensive gear check.
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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. You freshen up and enjoy your first magnificent dinner.
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Awakening to the lyrical early-morning birdsongs, you begin your day with a good solid breakfast. Then you and the group head out, starting through the shorter vegetation of the heather.
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, so we'll take an afternoon hike up to a higher elevation at Third Cave to help acclimatize for the days head.
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On today's trek you have one of the most beautiful views on Kimanjaro's northwest slopes.
Today's an easy day, where we only have 2.6 miles/4.2 km to Third Cave campsite. The 1,600-ft/488-m is a small elevation gain, and part of our plan to get you well acclimatized.
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Today's a full-day trek traversing the hardly used western slope.
Slowly ascending, 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 is now a vast plateau.
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You continue along the western slopes with a climb up toward the Lent Mountains looming up in front, and Mount Meru hovering over your right shoulder.
You hike out of the Heath into the Alpine Desert which is a stark yet beautiful environment, making your way to our spectacular campsite at Moir, at the foot of Kibo Peak, and at the end of a giant lava canyon.
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It's a full and exciting day. After breakfast, you start climbing toward Lava Tower at 15,200-ft/4,633-m, where you have lunch, a key moment to acclimatize.
Then you descend a steep canyon, passing the fairytale giant Senecio plants, arriving at Barranco camp down below. Camp has been set up by our crew at the foot of the massive Barranco Wall. The rolling mist reveals one of the most spectacular views of Kibo Peak and Arrow Glacer, looming above you.
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The big challenge this morning is to hike up the Barranco Wall, an impressive 500-ft lava flow. It's not technical, but an incredible challenge. Once you make it to the top, the climb becomes easier and spectacular with fantastic views of the crags and crevasses of Kibo's jagged peaks on your left.
Lastly we descend into the Karanga Valley and up the other side, to reach camp mid afternoon.
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It's all uphill to the rocky slopes at Barafu, which means "ice" in Swahili, and it is extremely windy and cold at this altitude.
You start to feel the effects of the altitude, breathing harder as you gain elevation. There is a buzz of excitement in the air, as you and your team anticipate the toughest day - and the summit - tomorrow. The clouds move in and out, revealing Mawenzi's eroded peak, painted with the magical colors of the African sun.
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Day 11 ~ Uhuru Peak - Crater
19,341-ft/5,895-m • 2.75 miles/4.5 km • 7-8 hours
Crater: 18,810-ft/5,733-m • 1.5 miles/2.4 km • 1 hour
We start climbing just before sunrise, and continue during daylight on the most demanding part of the mountain, reaching the Crater rim after lunch. Mawenzi Peak is a thrilling sight, with the Kibo saddle beneath you, and the crater's ice-walls looming ahead. Uhuru Peak is another 1-2 hours along the rim.
CRATER CAMP - We sleep in the awe-inspiring Crater, just below the summit. If you choose, you can summit a second time tomorrow, after a visit to the seldom-seen Ashpit. If you decide not to sleep in the Crater, you head back down for an overnight at Barafu.
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After celebrating your success at the summit, you start your 3-hour descent to Barafu for a break. Then 2 hours further down you arrive at Millennium camp.
Once at camp, it's time to relax and enjoy your last dinner and restful sleep on Mount Kilimanjaro.
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After breakfast it's a 2 hour hike to Mweka camp. Then a 4 hour hike through the rainforest takes you down to the gate where you enjoy your final lunch and a celebration with your guides and porters.
From the gate you drive with your guides back to the hotel for a well-earned shower.
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Day 13 ~ Wildlife Safari or Fly Home
Depart Tanzania or continue on safari through some of the most spectacular wildlife reserves on the planet.
LEARN MORE
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Tusker Trail runs many Kilimanjaro climbs each month.
If you have a question or would like to speak with one of our guides
use our simple e-mail form, or give us a call.
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