Roof of Africa & Wildlife

Upon arrival at Kilimandjaro International Airport, you are welcomed by the Galago Expedition team. You are then transferred to your hotel in Arusha to settle in and rest after your journey.
The rest of the day is free. You can take this opportunity to discover Arusha at your own pace or simply relax at the hotel.
Dinner is at your convenience. You spend the night at Le Point Zone Resort or at Outpost Lodge.

After breakfast, you head towards Machame Gate (approximately 45 minutes drive). Upon arrival, at 1,500 meters altitude, some formalities are completed while the team of guides and porters prepares the logistics for the ascent.

The climb begins in the heart of a dense forest, where tree roots form natural steps along the trail. Along the way, you may spot monkeys moving among the lichens and giant ferns.

After several hours of hiking, you reach Machame Hut, your campsite. A small river located nearby allows for basic washing before dinner under the stars.

After breakfast, you leave the forest to discover new landscapes made up of senecio fields, streams and small waterfalls. You follow a trail heading East which leads towards the Shira plateau, with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
After approximately five hours of hiking, you reach Shira Hut, located in the heart of a vast rocky plain at altitude.
With the help of the team, you set up your camp before enjoying the view that opens above the clouds.

Today, vegetation becomes scarcer as you continue your ascent. The trail skirts the glacier and reveals mineral landscapes that accompany your progression.
Along the way, you cross ridges and crevasses before gradually seeing vegetation reappear, marked by the presence of giant lobelias and groundsels.
After five to six hours of hiking, you reach Barranco Hut, located at the bottom of a steep-sided valley. Fatigue may set in, but the sunset over the glacier offers a soothing moment. This stage also helps promote acclimatization to the altitude in preparation for the next part of the ascent.

Today, you pass by the last water point before entering the high-altitude desert zone. The hike continues through a volcanic landscape marked by a vast field of stones and gravel. You follow a long trail that runs along a ridge to reach Barafu Hut. After six to seven hours of walking, you set up your camp.

From this location, the summit of Kilimanjaro appears on the horizon and reminds you of the goal of the ascent. After dinner under the stars, you go to bed early to rest before the next stage, the night being short.

The big day has arrived. You wake up around 1 am to begin the final ascent. In the darkness, you progress slowly toward the summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
The climb is steep and requires sustained effort. After approximately five hours of hiking, you reach Stella Point on Kilimanjaro, located at 5,800 meters altitude. The first light of day illuminates the crater and sky, offering a moment that brings renewed energy for the final stage.
One more hour of hiking is needed to reach Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 meters altitude. The objective is achieved.

After savoring our success and the spectacular view, we begin our descent towards Mweka Hut, where we will rest after this grueling day.

You begin your descent through the forest towards Mweka Gate, where a certificate is presented to you to mark the success of your ascent. This is also the time to say goodbye to the team that accompanied you throughout this adventure.

You are then transferred to Arusha. The rest of the day is free so you can rest after the climb. Dinner and overnight stay at Point Zone Resort or Outpost Lodge.

You say goodbye to the team that accompanied you throughout this adventure, before being transferred to the city of Arusha. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, you depart in a 4x4 towards the village of Mtowembu, crossing the Maasai steppe as well as several villages bordered by banana plantations and maize crops. Upon arrival, you settle in at NSYA Lodge for two nights.

After a picnic lunch in the Manyara National Park, you depart for your first photo safari, in search of lions perched in the trees. Return to the lodge for the night.

You set off early towards the Ngorongoro Crater. The track offers views over the Rift Valley. Located at 2,200 metres altitude, this caldera approximately 20 kilometres in diameter is home to a varied fauna.
During the safari, you may observe hippopotamuses, elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, zebras, hyenas and flamingos.

At the end of the day, you reach the village of Karatu and settle in at Country Lodge Karatu or equivalent.

You head back to Arusha, where lunch is scheduled at a restaurant or as a picnic.

Finally, you are transferred to the airport according to your return flight schedule.

We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again to Tanzanie for new discoveries.