DAY 1 – MANDARA HUT

Mount Kilimanjaro - Begin the day with a scenic drive, approximately 2 hours, through the semi-tropical foothills of Kilimanjaro to Marangu (1,372m), located on the mountain’s southeastern side. The journey often offers stunning views of the snow-capped summit. Upon reaching Marangu gate, meet the team of guides and porters, gather any last-minute trekking supplies, and proceed to the entrance of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park to register for the climb. From the gate’s cluster of buildings, embark on a four to five-hour walk through coffee plantations and dense rainforest to Mandara Hut. The forest is alive with vibrant birdlife, colobus monkeys, and other monkey species. The flora features a variety of mosses, lichens, flowers, and delicate orchids. Clear skies may offer splendid views over the town of Moshi, situated at the plain’s edge below.

Mandara Hut consists of basic A-frame mountain huts with bunk beds, providing adequate accommodation. Here, trekkers often meet others with the same goal.

DAY 2 – HOROMBO HUT (3,720m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - The second day on the mountain begins with a steep ascent through the last stretch of rainforest, soon transitioning to rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather. Once beyond the forest canopy, Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks – snow-covered Kibo and rocky Mawenzi – dominate the skyline. The path continues through open heath with stunted vegetation, leading to bleak moorland. Today, gain approximately 1,000m in altitude, with the walk taking between five to seven hours, depending on pace. Tonight’s stay is at Horombo Huts, similar in style to Mandara, offering shelter and basic accommodation.

DAY 3 – HOROMBO HUT

Mount Kilimanjaro - Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude, significantly increasing the chances of reaching the summit. This day is well-utilized with several walks available near the hut, the most popular being to the base of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s dramatic eastern summit. This walk takes four to five hours round trip, reaching an altitude of 4,600m before returning to the hut, preparing trekkers for the journey ahead.

DAY 4 – KIBO HUT (4,705m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - The landscape becomes increasingly rocky and rugged, leaving behind the everlasting flowers and unique alpine plants. Giant groundsels and lobelias appear in the sparse moorland. Today’s trail to Kibo takes between five to seven hours. Skirting Mawenzi Peak, pass Last Water and cross a stark, almost lunar landscape onto “The Saddle,” a broad tundra desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. From here, enjoy fantastic views of the mountain’s upper reaches before arriving at Kibo Hut (4,705m), a dry-stone-walled hut with dormitories and limited facilities. Prepare for tomorrow’s summit attempt by repacking and leaving non-essential items with the porters. An early night is crucial for the midnight start to reach the summit before cloud cover settles, allowing time to return to the hut.

DAY 5 – UHURU PEAK (5,896m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - This day is long and challenging! Guides wake trekkers shortly after midnight to begin the ascent in darkness, zigzagging up a long scree slope by torchlight in extreme cold. At this time, the scree is frozen, making it easier to walk on. After about two hours, reach Hans Meyer’s Cave, named after the German geologist who first successfully ascended in 1889, where he discovered a frozen leopard. The gradient steepens, and three hours later (the hardest part of the ascent), reach the crater rim at Johanne’s Notch. From here, a short scramble leads to Gillman’s Point (5,685m) in time for dawn. The reward is the breathtaking sunrise over the ice fields and craggy peaks of Mawenzi, making the effort worthwhile! For those with remaining energy, it takes another couple of hours along the crater rim to reach Uhuru (Freedom) Peak (5,896m). The descent (approximately 3 hours) retraces the route back past Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.

DAY 6 – Back to ARUSHA.

Mount Kilimanjaro - The pace quickens as the descent continues triumphantly across alpine meadows and past Mandara Hut through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where the vehicle awaits for the return journey to Arusha. Breakfast and lunch are included on this day.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• All Fees and Taxes

• All things of personal nature Tips and gratuities for Mountain Guide and porters and Cook
• Visas International flights Laundry Services Travel Insurances

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.