Off-the-Beaten-Path Start – Begin your adventure on the remote Shira Plateau, offering a peaceful and scenic route less travelled by climbers.
Majestic Shira Cathedral – Hike past dramatic volcanic formations and take in sweeping views across the high-altitude moorlands.
Lava Tower Acclimatization – Trek to 15,190 ft for vital acclimatization, then descend through the surreal Senecio Forest to rest at Barranco Camp.
Climb the Iconic Barranco Wall – Challenge yourself with a thrilling yet safe scramble up the famous cliff, rewarded with glacier views.
Summit at Sunrise – Reach Uhuru Peak at dawn and witness a soul-stirring sunrise over Africa from its highest point.
Celebrate Your Journey – Descend through lush rainforest, earn your summit certificate, and return to Arusha filled with pride and unforgettable memories.
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau.
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower at a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit.
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower at a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. You’ll make your way slowly toward Stella Point, then onward to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. The sunrise here is a once-in-a-lifetime sight that many find deeply emotional. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll begin your descent, stopping for lunch at Barafu before continuing down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
Climbing Kilimanjaro offers adventure, challenge, and incredible views, supported by expert crews, proper equipment, and thoughtful logistics for a safe ascent.
Airport pickups and transfers to your chosen trailhead.
Daily guided treks, acclimatisation hikes, and summit attempts.
Mountain tents or huts with meals prepared fresh daily.
Certified guides, porters, and 24/7 local emergency assistance.
"At Melodica Tours and Safaris, we believe the smallest details make the biggest difference. We won’t stop refining your safari experience until everything feels just right. From the very beginning, our focus is to bring your dream journey to life — thoughtfully, beautifully, and down to the finest detail."
Booking your adventure is simple, secure, and fully supported by our expert team. From reserving your place to arranging flexible travel protection, we are here to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.
Booking your dream safari is easy. Once you’ve chosen your preferred itinerary, simply contact our reservations team through our website, email, or phone.
We’ll confirm availability, answer any questions, and guide you through the booking process. You’ll then receive a detailed confirmation and travel documents, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.
To secure your place, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount depends on your chosen tour and will be communicated. Final payment is generally due 60 days before departure.
Our team will send reminders and support you through the process so your payment schedule is clear and stress-free.
We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel protection plan. This helps safeguard your investment in case of unexpected situations such as illness, delays, or lost luggage.
You can choose coverage through a provider of your choice, or let us assist you with recommended options tailored to East African safaris, giving you greater peace of mind.
We understand that plans can change. If you need to postpone your safari, please contact us as early as possible.
We’ll work with you to reschedule your travel dates, subject to availability, and explain any applicable change fees.
Our team is committed to finding flexible solutions to protect your travel investment wherever possible.
If you must cancel your booking, please notify us in writing right away. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you inform us and are outlined in our booking conditions.
We aim to minimise any costs where possible, and we recommend travel insurance to help recover funds for non-refundable services in case of cancellation.
Prepare for a seamless safari journey by arranging your passport, visa, health documents, and baggage details early, ensuring you arrive relaxed, confident, and fully ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Once you have chosen your itinerary, confirming your reservation is the first step. Our team will assist you with securing your spot and provide all necessary pre-departure information.
We recommend confirming early to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. Once reserved, you will receive detailed documents to help you prepare.
A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance typically due 60 days before departure.
Full details will be shared upon reservation. Our team will support you with reminders and a clear payment schedule to ensure your planning remains stress-free and your adventure stays on track.
All travellers will need a valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.
Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required for entry into your chosen East African destinations.
We recommend checking requirements early and applying for visas in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
International flights are not usually included in our tours, but we’re happy to advise on the best routes and trusted airlines.
Remember to review your airline’s luggage limits, as smaller safari planes may also have weight restrictions.
Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended for ease of storage on light aircraft and safari vehicles.
Let’s plan your unforgettable African safari—epic game drives, stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and close encounters with wildlife. Adventure, wonder, and lifelong memories await you here.
Melodica Africa Tours creates lasting change—supporting local communities, conserving wildlife, and protecting nature. Join us in travelling responsibly and making a meaningful difference with every unforgettable safari experience.
Feb 2025
The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.
Feb 2025
The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.
Talk to our friendly safari experts today. We’ll care, guide, and create a journey that’s perfectly tailored to your dreams—authentic, personal, and unforgettable.
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