Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transported to Babylon Lodge for your stay. Nestled on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Babylon Lodge is a charming establishment and a sister company to Everyday Safaris.

If your arrival is early, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your guides who will provide a briefing about your upcoming climb. If you arrive later, there’s no need to worry - the briefing will be conducted the following morning before departure. Your accommodation at Babylon Lodge includes bed and breakfast.

The dawn of your adventure begins with an early meal, followed by a briefing from your guide if it wasn’t conducted the day before. You then set off for the Machame gate. A packed lunch and three liters of mineral water will be provided before departure. Upon arrival at the Machame gate, while you take a breather under the shade, the guides and porters will organize and pack the supplies and your equipment.

Post registration at the gate office, you commence your climb, stepping into the rainforest almost instantly. The forest, often drenched in rain, can turn the trail into a challenging, muddy, and slippery journey. A pause for lunch will be made en route, and by late afternoon, you should reach the Machame camping area.

Here, you will be given water for freshening up and some time to relax before dinner. The day concludes with a comfortable stay and a hearty meal at the Machame Camp.

The day commences early at the Machame camp, and following breakfast, you ascend for approximately an hour to the forest’s peak. This is followed by a gentler two-hour climb through the moorland zone. After a brief interlude for lunch and relaxation, you proceed up a stony ridge onto the Shira plateau.

At this point, the Western Breach, adorned with its magnificent glaciers, becomes visible in the east. Positioned due west of Kibo, a short trek will bring you to the Shira campsite, situated at an altitude of 3840m. The day concludes with dinner and overnight accommodation at the Shira camp.

The journey now veers eastward, transitioning into a semi-desert and rocky terrain surrounding the Lava Tower. After approximately five hours of trekking, you reach an altitude of 4630m. Lunch is served in a designated area before you ascend the rocky scree path to the Lava Tower, which stands at 4630m. This will likely be the most challenging day thus far.

Around this point, some climbers may begin to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. Post-lunch, you descend nearly 680m to the Barranco camping area. The true benefit of this day’s acclimatization becomes evident after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at the Lava Tower.

The descent to Barranco camp, which takes about two hours, offers excellent opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is nestled in a valley beneath the Breach and the Great Barranco Wall, promising a memorable sunset as you await dinner. The day concludes with dinner and overnight stay at the Barranco Camp.

After a night under the imposing Great Barranco Wall, you’ll tackle this awe-inspiring obstacle, which often proves less daunting than it initially appears. Upon reaching just below the Heim Glacier, you’ll be struck by the sheer beauty of Kilimanjaro.

The route then descends into the Karanga Valley, crossing ridges and valleys, before merging with the Mweka route, the preferred descent route from the summit. Remember this path. A left turn up the ridge leads you to the Barafu Hut after about an hour.

The last water stop is the Karanga Valley, as Barafu camp lacks water. “Barafu” is the Swahili term for “ice”. The summit is now a further 1345m ascent, which you will undertake the same night.

Prepare your equipment, including ski stick and thermal clothing, for your summit attempt. This includes replacing the batteries in your headlamp and camera, and ensuring you have a spare set. To prevent freezing, it’s advisable to carry your water in a thermal flask.

As the clock strikes half-past eleven in the evening, you’ll find yourself stirring from your rest. A warm cup of tea and a few biscuits later, you’ll venture into the obscurity of the night. Your journey will lead you towards the northwest, climbing through a dense layer of scree towards Stella Point, located on the rim of the crater. This six-hour trek to Stella Point is often considered the most mentally and physically demanding part of the route by many climbers.

Upon reaching Stella Point, which stands at an altitude of 5685m, you’ll pause for a brief respite. If the weather is in your favor, you’ll be greeted with a sunrise that is nothing short of spectacular. From Stella Point, a blanket of snow usually accompanies you during your one-hour climb to Uhuru Peak. The duration of your stay at the summit will be dictated by the prevailing weather conditions. Take a moment to bask in the glory of your achievement, a memory that will be etched in your heart for eternity.

The descent to Barafu from the summit, a journey of about three hours, awaits you next. Here, you’ll take a short but well-deserved break and gather the rest of your gear before continuing your descent to Mweka hut, located at an altitude of 3100m. This camp is nestled in the upper forest, and you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Upon reaching Mweka camp, a warm meal and washing water will be ready for you.

Following an early breakfast that you’ve earned, a picturesque hike of approximately three hours will take you back to the park gate. Upon reaching the Mweka gate, you’ll be asked to sign your name and details in a register. This is also the place where successful climbers are awarded their summit certificates. Climbers who made it to Stella Point, at an altitude of 5685m, are presented with green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak, standing at 5895m, are given gold certificates.

The moment of celebration with your guides and porters for your triumphant climb arrives. You’ll then return to your hotel for a much-needed shower. Post-shower, the celebration continues with your guides and porters. For those who indulge, a Kilimanjaro beer, or sodas for others, will be a fitting toast to your successful ascent to the highest point in Africa! The guides will serenade you with Kilimanjaro songs, adding to the festive atmosphere and making your trip a memorable one.

Your accommodation at the Babylon Lodge awaits, where you’ll be staying on a bed and breakfast basis.