MAD Kilimanjaro Challenge!
Africa is a continent of contrasts, and nowhere more beautifully illustrates this than Tanzania, where the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro rises majestically above the shimmering heat of the savannah. At 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s highest peak; it is also the highest freestanding mountain in the world. This is your opportunity to climb the Machame Route to the summit of the “Roof of Africa” and experience a once in a lifetime challenge!
Day 1 Into Africa – Monday 6th August
Most likely you will be quite tired from the long flight so take some chill time! You will be collected from the airport from your overseas crew leader and then transferred to your accommodation for the next few nights. Meet up with the group in the evening for a meal/drink out.
Day 2 Acclimatization day in Moshi – Tuesday 7th August
Wake up to your first morning in Tanzania and stretch your legs after flight. Acclimatize to your surroundings, get to know the town of Moshi and there’s an optional trip to a MAD Project site. Have a game of football or netball with the kids and see what a difference MAD has made to some local communities.
Day 3 Moshi – Wednesday 8th August
After lunch we have a full Kilimanjaro briefing and kit check. Spend the afternoon relaxing around the hostel, preparing for the challenge that awaits you the following morning! Make sure you have everything you need!
Day 4 Onto Kilimanjaro – Thursday 9th August
After breakfast you will be transferred to Machame Gate (1hr) passing some Mad Projects en route, set deep in the cloud forest that surrounds Mt Kilimanjaro. After signing in at the National Park Gate you begin a slow and very steady walk from Machame Gate at 1800m Above Sea Level (ASL) to Machame Hut at 2980m ASL. This day takes 4-5 hours, a gradual ascent through thick cloud forest. Arrive in camp and relax, enjoying the incredible views of Kibo Peak. A candlelit dinner will be served before retiring to your tented accommodation for the night.
Day 5 The Shira Plateau – Friday 10th August
After breakfast at Machame Hut a steep ascent takes you along the Machame ridge line, gradually working its way up to the Shira Plateau. Spectacular views of Kibo Peak follow you the whole way. Lunch will be taken en-route, before arriving onto the Shira Plateau at early afternoon, and Shira Hut at 3,840m ASL (5-6 hrs). From here the true vista of your surroundings become apparent, with spectacular views both of Kibo Peak, and out west towards Mt Meru and the Maasai Highlands. The afternoon gives you good resting opportunities, combined with a full and hearty dinner. You then retire to your tented accommodation for the night.
Day 6 Acclimatisation – Saturday 11th August
After breakfast at Shira Hut you head east, across the plateau on a gradual incline. The gradual ascent over the Shira Plateau takes you up to an altitude of 4,400m ASL, providing valuable acclimatization. With lunch en-route, you will descend in the afternoon down to Barranco Campsite, set at the base of the Barranco Wall at 3,950m ASL. Barranco Campsite offers some of the most spectacular views of Kibo Peak. After another hearty dinner retire to your tented accommodation for the night.
Day 7 The Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley – Sunday 12th August
After a very early breakfast you head east up the Barranco Wall, a height gain of 700ft. From here you continue over the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley. Lunch will be taken en-route and you’ll arrive into camp in the early afternoon, a 5-6hr walk. Dinner will be served and you’ll retire to your tented accommodation for the night.
Day 8 The Karanga Valley and Barafu- Monday 13th August
After a comfortable breakfast you’ll now head steeply into the face of Kibo Peak ascending up to Barafu Camp. The journey is short, only taking around 2-3hrs but it is taken very slowly. Lunch will be served upon arrival at Barafu Camp around 13:00. You’ll be encouraged to retire to your tent in the mid-afternoon for the night.
Day 9 The Roof of Africa – Tuesday 14th August
Beginning at midnight, breakfast is served and you begin an extremely slow ascent across the scree slopes towards Stella Point. First light comes up around 05:30AM, and you should reach Stella Point for around sun-rise. From Stella Point it is a gentle ascent around to Uhuru Peak: The Roof of Africa. After admiring some of the views, you descend back to Stella Point and down to Barranco Camp. At Barranco Camp you can rest up for one or two hours with lunch being served. From Barranco Camp you descend down to Mweka Hut, arriving late afternoon for dinner and a well earned nights rest!
Day 10 Off Kilimanjaro – Wednesday 15th August
After breakfast you descend down to Mweka Gate, a gradual decline through the heath and cloud forest. At Mweka Gate you’ll be collected and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, a half hour drive. Enjoy the very welcoming shower and hot lunch before receiving your Uhuru Peak Certificates! The afternoon can be spent as free time. In the evening you travel into Moshi town for a celebratory meal and drinks.
Day’s 11 -13 Glorious Rest and Relaxation – (16th, 17th, 18th, August)
Take it easy…..you deserve it! The next few days there are various optional extras you can organize such as Safari’s nearby in local game parks or even the Serengeti!
Day 14 – Chill – Sunday 19th August
Most of you today will be flying home or preparing to fly home in the next day or so. Do any last minute souvenir shopping, take any last minute photos.
