$1,650 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Kilimanjaro National Park - Marangu - Mandara Huts
Kilimanjaro National Park - Marangu - Mandara Huts
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about one hour and passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in and make their final preparations for the climb. You will only be responsible for your daypack. Porters will be packing the food, water and cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items with you (at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) because the porters ascend much quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have.
You will now leave the park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. The forest, shrouded in mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro's animals are found.
Hiking time: Five hours
Distance: Approximately 12kms.
Day 2
Mandara Huts - Horombo Huts
Mandara Huts - Horombo Huts
From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and emerges into the moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun.
Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular plants - the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjaro), which can reach heights of 5m! After about six hours you will reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot water, an evening meal and a comfortable place to sleep.
Hiking time: Six hours
Distance: Approximately 15kms.
Day 3
Horombo Huts - Zebra Rocks - Horombo Huts
Horombo Huts - Zebra Rocks - Horombo Huts
Today is your acclimatization day at Horombo hut. Horombo is a group of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity for 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters and has an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.
This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is also strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day will be provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a good night's rest.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
After breakfast you'll continue your ascent into the alpine desert. From Horombo there are two trails to the area between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, otherwise known as “the Saddle”. There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from.
The upper route will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour shorter. It also passes the last watering point at 4130m.
Situated in the barren alpine desert is Kibo hut, a stone built blockhouse that has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is possible, however, to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent this same night. Prepare your equipment, walking poles and thermal clothing for your summit bid.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Kibo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Kibo Huts - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
Kibo Huts - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
You'll be getting up around 11:30pm and, after some tea and biscuits, shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough! The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave at 5150m and is also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point at 5681m, which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route.
After a short rest you will gather all the gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to the Horombo hut for your overnight. The total time spent walking today will be around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough go. Later in the evening you will enjoy your last dinner with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Hiking time: Eight hours to Uhuru, six hours to Horombo
Distance: Approx. 6kms ascent, 21kms descent.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Horombo Hut - Marangu
Horombo Hut - Marangu
You've defeated the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro! After breakfast you will continue your descent (six hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.
At Marangu gate you will sign your name and details in the register. This is where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Cimbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You will now drive back to Arusha or Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and festivities!
Hiking time: Six hours
Distance: Approximately 27kms.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
