Freedom Trek six-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro follows the Machame Route, the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, entering the National Park through the Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made to the Mweka Camp and we exit the National Park at Mweka Gate to finish the climb.
Elevations on Freedom Trek six-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Freedom Trek 2023 Daily Schedule
Saturday, January 7
Upon arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, all participants will be met at the airport and transferred to the Overnight Outpost Lodge in Arusha. Dinner is included in the tour. Welcome to Freedom Trek!
Sunday, January 8
Rest and logistics day at the Overnight Outpost Lodge in Arusha. We will prepare for the climb with a full gear check and trip briefing and get to know every member on the trip! Overcome jet lag and get ready to rumble!
Monday, January 9
After breakfast, you will depart by vehicle on the two hour drive to the Machame Gate (elevation 5,380 feet) of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park where the climb begins. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As you leave the park gate, you walk through dense rain forest on a winding trail for about seven miles up a ridge until you reach the Machame Camp (elevation 9,350 feet). You will stop for a scenic picnic lunch on the way. Check out all the exotic flora and the graduation of forest zones!
tuesday, January 10
You leave the glades of the rain forest at Machame Camp (elevation 9,350 feet) and continue on an ascending path up a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, you pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp (elevation 12,500 feet). A hot dinner will taste great after the day’s 3-mile hike into altitude.
Wednesday, January 11
In the morning, you leave Shira 2 Camp (elevation 12,500 feet) leaving the heather into the alpine desert for four miles continuing to the east up a ridge and then southeast toward the Lava Tower (elevation 15,190 feet) - a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then, you descend down to Barranco Camp (elevation 13,044 feet) through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
thursday, january 12
In the morning, you depart Barranco Camp (elevation 13,044 feet), ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys for three miles until you descend into the Karanga Valley where you stop for lunch. After you leave the Karanga Valley and pass the Karanga Camp you hike an additional two miles to Barafu Camp (elevation 15,331 feet). Along the way, you will catch various views of the summit from different angles. You will enjoy an early dinner at Barafu Camp to prepare for the summit day.
friday, january 13
Most people depart Barafu Camp (elevation 15,331 feet) just after midnight to begin the three mile push to the summit. Uhuru Peak (elevation 19,341 feet) is the highest point in Africa. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Wind and cold can be extreme. You ascend for several hours in the dark. Patience and persistence is the name of the game to reach the summit by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear. You will then be on the top of the world! From the summit (elevation 19,341 feet) you then make your descent for seven miles straight down to Mweka Camp (elevation 10,065 feet) where the goal is to make it before dusk. The trail is very rocky and since Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. After dinner you will enjoy a well-earned sleep on your last night on Mount Kilimanjaro.
saturday, january 14
On the last hiking day, you will continue the descent from Mweka Camp (elevation 10,065 feet) to Mweka Gate (elevation 5,380 feet) through the rain forest for six miles. At Mweka Gate you may collect a summit certificate, say farewell to your climbing crew, load your gear in a vehicle, and take the two-hour drive back to the trusty Overnight Outpost Lodge for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner! You can look back at Kilimanjaro, the African giant, with satisfaction, knowing you have been to the top! It is a Sunday, and we can be grateful to God for natural beauty and the chance to support the cause of the church around the world.
“Brave Christians fighting fiercely for the King! That’s the church!”
John Gash | faithquest
sunday, january 15
After climbing, it will be great to sit back and enjoy a three-day safari watching the wildlife, geography, and culture of northern Tanzania. On this first safari day, we will depart early for Lake Manyara National Park where we will spend the day driving around observing its incredible diversity, multiple ecosystems, and abundant and varied flora and fauna. The Park is famous for its lake flamingoes, tree climbing lions, and rock hopping gazelles. You will overnight at the luxurious Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.
monday, january 16
We will depart early morning to visit the world famous Ngorogoro Crater, a giant caldera teeming with wildlife. On a good day it’s possible to see the big five all in the same area. This is an action packed, thrilling game drive day topped off by an overnight at the sumptuous Ngorogoro Serena Safari Lodge perched on the crater rim!
tuesday, january 17
On the last day of Freedom Trek, you will delight in a leisurely drive back to Arusha, passing through a Maasai market, the town of Mtu Wa Mbu and on to Shanga for lunch. After lunch you’ll drive to the airport where day rooms are available (triples) for showers before hopping onto your international flight completely overwhelmed by what you have seen and experienced!
Ready to Join us?
Register
