$1,540 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arusha to Mandara Huts
Arusha to Mandara Huts
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha at 6am. After a scenic 2 to 3-hour drive through the vibrant Tanzanian countryside, you’ll arrive at Marangu Gate for registration and a briefing by your guide. The hike starts in the lush rainforest, where you'll trek along a well-maintained path surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of wildlife. At around noon, you’ll take a break for a packed lunch, enjoying a peaceful moment in nature before continuing your trek.
As you climb steadily, the cool mountain air fills your lungs, and the adventure begins to unfold. After approximately 4 to 5 hours of hiking, you'll reach Mandara Hut, located at 2,720 meters. Here, you'll settle in for the evening, surrounded by stunning forest views, and enjoy a warm meal. For those feeling energetic, there’s an optional short hike to the nearby Maundi Crater for sweeping views of the Kenyan plains. Rest at Mandara Hut, ready for the next day’s adventure!
Day 2
Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
After a hearty breakfast at Mandara Hut, your journey to Horombo Hut begins. The trail takes you out of the rainforest and into moorland, where the vegetation changes dramatically. You’ll hike through rolling hills and see unique plant species like giant lobelias and groundsels, native to the high-altitude regions of Kilimanjaro. The trek to Horombo Hut is about 11 kilometres and will take around 5 to 7 hours at a steady, gradual ascent.
Midway through the hike, you’ll stop for a packed lunch. As you climb higher, the air becomes crisper and the views more expansive, offering stunning vistas of Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as small animals like bushbucks and birds may appear along the way.
Arriving at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, situated about 3,720 meters, you’ll have time to relax, enjoy the view, and acclimatize. Dinner will be served, and you can rest in preparation for the next day’s adventure.
Day 3
Horombo Hut to Kibo Huts
Horombo Hut to Kibo Huts
After early breakfast at Horombo Hut, you’ll embark on your ascent to Kibo Hut, situated at 4,700 meters. The terrain shifts dramatically as you leave the moorland and enter the high alpine desert. The 10-kilometer trek is a long, gradual climb, taking about 6 to 8 hours, as the air thins, and temperatures begin to drop.
The trail first crosses the "Saddle," a vast, barren stretch between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, offering stark, breathtaking views. The landscape is rocky and desolate, with little vegetation, but the sense of isolation and grandeur is awe-inspiring. Midway through the hike, you'll pause for a packed lunch, surrounded by alpine desert environment.
As you approach Kibo Hut in the afternoon, the towering summit of Uhuru Peak feels almost within reach. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the basic, dormitory-style accommodations and rest, as the next leg of your journey begins in the middle of the night. Dinner is served early to prepare you for the midnight summit attempt.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Kibo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Summit
Summit
This is the most challenging and rewarding part of your Kilimanjaro journey. After a very early wake-up call, usually around midnight, you’ll have a light snack and start your final ascent towards the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Equipped with headlamps and layered for the freezing temperatures, you'll make your way up the steep, rocky trail from Kibo Hut in the darkness.
The climb is slow and steady due to the altitude, with breaks every few minutes to catch your breath. The route passes by Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters before reaching the final steep push to Gilman’s Point 5,685 meters on the crater rim, just in time for the sunrise. The view from Gilman’s is awe-inspiring, but if you're feeling strong, you’ll continue along the crater rim for another 1-2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the ultimate goal.
After soaking in the incredible views, you’ll begin the long descent to Horombo Hut. Lunch is served at Kibo Hut before continuing down to rest.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Horombo to Marangu Gate
Horombo to Marangu Gate
You’ll enjoy a well-deserved breakfast at Horombo Hut, savoring the final moments in this stunning alpine environment. After breakfast, you’ll embark on your descent back to the Marangu Gate, retracing your steps through the lush rainforest. The vibrant greenery and diverse wildlife along the trail offer a beautiful contrast to the rocky terrain you faced on the ascent.
The descent typically takes about 5 to 7 hours, and you’ll have a packed lunch along the way to recharge. Upon reaching the Marangu Gate, you’ll complete your hike with a celebratory ceremony where you receive your summit certificates, marking your achievement.
Afterward, our vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to Arusha. As you drive through the scenic landscapes, enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the stunning views of Kilimanjaro in the distance. You'll arrive back at your hotel, where you can relax and reminisce about your unforgettable adventure.
- Main Destination:
- Marangu Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
