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

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,900m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/ 8,400ft)

After breakfast, you’ll get picked up from your hotel and driven to the starting point at Marangu Gate. After doing the registration, we will then take a short transfer to Rongai Gate where you will begin ascending the mountain. The path winds through maize and potato fields and then gently climbs through the rainforest habitat which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey. The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro and is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.

Day 2: First Cave Camp (2,600m/ 8,400ft) to Kikelewa Cave (3,600m/11,800 ft)

After breakfast, you will begin the second day with a steady incline up to Second Cave where you will stop for lunch. From here you will continue through the moorland zone towards Mawenzi Peak, giving you a great chance to take in the breathtaking views of the mountain along the way. If the skies are clear, you should be able to get some fantastic shots of Kibo Peak. The afternoon is gentler as you continue across the moorland to the camp in a sheltered valley at Kikelewa or the third cave.

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m/14,200ft)

Today’s hike is short but steep along a grassy trail. Continuing to trek at a slow pace through the moorland heath, you will begin to notice a change in the scenery as you enter the alpine desert zone. After a few hours of hiking, you will reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut which sits right beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the surroundings before a hearty dinner and overnight rest.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts (4,700m/15,400ft)

After a full breakfast, you will then cross the lunar-like landscape between the Mawenzi and Kibo saddle, visiting the site of a plane crash en route. From here you will start to get fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut. Upon arriving you will start to prepare for your final ascent – the summit – which you will begin around midnight!

Day 5: SUMMIT DAY – 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 about 11 pm, begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. After dressing in all their warm clothing, you will take a hot drink and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. 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 Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep

Day 6: Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)

After eating 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!

Departure: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, you will be taken to Kilimanjaro Airport or you can extend your holiday with a safari or beach sta

Meals Plan