$1,925 to $2,035 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArusha to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Departing from Arusha, you will drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. You will patiently wait for your permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. You'll enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, you will emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. You will continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. You will stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. You will arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
Horombo Hut
You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountain's weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
After breakfast, you will continue through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here you will stop for lunch. Later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Kibo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Kibo Hut to Summit
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
You will continue your way to the summit in a switchback formation trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, you will ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow toward Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour, you will ascend to Uhuru Peak, where you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. You will continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You will return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). You will enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: