Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to Meru View Lodge in the USA River close to Arusha. The rest of the day is for you to relax and prepare for your upcoming trip. You can also visit the town of Arusha (tax is required). In the late afternoon, our Kilimanjaro team will meet you at the lodge to brief you on your upcoming trek and check your equipment.

Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft) to Mandara Huts (2,700m/ 8,900ft)

Today early morning at 6:00 am, you will be picked up at your hotel and drive to Moshi to Kilimanjaro National Park via Marangu Gate.  After registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro using a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest. On the way, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide talks you through some of the local flora and fauna. Here you will also get a very good chance of witnessing Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly-colored birds. Mandara Hut is a group of dormitory-style wooden huts with solar-generated lighting. The camp accommodates up to 60 hikers and has all the necessary facilities, including water and toilets. Mandara Hut is close to the edge of the forest, and within a short walk of Maundi Crater, a small parasitic volcanic cone just above the forest.  Climbers often visit Maundi in the afternoon after arriving at Mandara.  In clear weather, the views of Mawenzi, the lower of the two main peaks of Kilimanjaro, are breathtaking.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Huts (2,700m/8,900ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)

On your second day after a warm breakfast, you’ll embark on a hike that traverses a slightly steeper trail to Horombo Hut. The trail passes through more of Montane Forest before transitioning into the moorland vegetation zone, where you’ll find rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees. Once in the open moorland, you’ll also get the opportunity to see plants like the giant lobelia and giant groundsel, which can grow to an outstanding 16ft in height! After approximately six hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut, where you’ll have hot water to wash, an evening meal, and overnight rest. Horombo is a village of huts perched on a small plateau with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3:  Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Huts (4,700m/ 15,400ft)

Wake up early to catch the sunrise and get some great photos! After a full breakfast, you will then continue to trek at a slow pace through the heathland, which quickly turns into an almost lunar-like landscape as you enter the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. During this hike, you may start to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed. From here you will start to get fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut – a dry- stonewalled hut with dormitories and limited facilities, this day’s trek can take from 6 to 8 hours. Rest for the evening at Kibo Huts and prepare for your final ascent to the summit!

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Kibo Huts (4,700m/ 15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,340ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)

This is where the going gets tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night at about 11 pm and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. After dressing in all their warm clothing, they have a hot drink and then set off at midnight. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide. After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Kibo hut. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Horombo Hut (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Huts (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)

The descent from Horombo to Mandara Hut takes around 3 hours, and the final part of the descent through the forest to Marangu Gate takes another 2 hours.  At the Gate, vehicles will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.

Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Departure: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport

After taking breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Marangu Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer.

Meals Plan: Breakfast