So it’s all happening for real now – I’ve just recieved my itinerary for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Here it is:

01 Sept 07

2200 Arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to Impala Hotel Kilimanjaro for overnight accommodation.02 Sept 07Morning pre-climb briefing and equipment check with your mountain guide and a representative from Tanzania Journeys to prepare you for the climb ahead. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight at Impala Kilimanjaro Hotel.

03 Sept 07

0900 Depart from your hotel and transfer to Machame Gate (1800m). After registering with the park authorities at the gate, commence climbing Kilimanjaro from Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3000m) where camp is set for dinner and overnight stay.

04 Sept 07

After breakfast, climb from Machame Camp (3000m) heading to Shira Camp (3840m) for overnight.

05 Sept 07

Depart Shira Camp (3840m) gradually climbing across Shira Plateau to a high point at Lava Tower (4600m) before dropping down into Barranco Valley  and setting camp at Barranco Camp (3950m).

06 Sept 07

Leave Barranco Camp (3950m), slowly crossing the floor of the Great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco Wall; continue across a high alpine plateau and drop into Karanga Valley (3960m) for overnight.

07 Sept 07

Depart Karanga Valley (3960m). Slowly trek (7 hours) steadily uphill to Barafu Camp (4600m) for overnight. Rest and prepare for summit night.

08 Sept 07

A midnight start to conquer the highest point in Africa.  Leave Barafu Camp (4600m) winding you way up the steep scree slope to Stella Point (5700m) on the crater rim (about 6-7 hours hike). Head towards Uhuru Peak (5895m) over 1 – 2 hours.  Follow the same route down to Barafu Camp where you will stop for some brunch and a rest. Descend to Mweka Camp (3100m) for overnight camp.

09 Sept 07

Descend from Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1450). Register at Mweka Gate to complete your climb and collect your certificate. A vehicle waits here to transfer you to Moshi for overnight at Impala Hotel Kilimanjaro.

10 Sept 07

Day at leisure and half day visit to Amani Children’s Home. Overnight at Impala Kilimanjaro Hotel.