Summary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft)
Day 3: Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
Day 4: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)
Day 5: Kibo Huts (4,720 m/15,485 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
Day 6: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – Accommodation
Day 7-8: Relaxation and flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb
In detail:
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Welcome to Tanzania! We will pick you from the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. You will receive your briefing on what to wear, what to pack, and other helpful tips to ensure your climb is as comfortable and successful as possible.
Day 2: Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts
Thist section takes you through lush coffee and banana plantations, followed by an ascent through untouched rainforest. After a seven-hour trek, you’ll reach the Mandara Huts. In the afternoon, you can either take a short hike to the Maundi Crater, a nearby volcanic crater, or simply relax and take in the stunning surroundings. As this is your first day at altitude, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Overnight: Mandara Huts
Day 3: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
From Mandara Huts, the landscape gradually transitions from lush cloud forests to open grasslands, with patches of heather and other alpine vegetation. As you ascend, the vegetation thins out, and the terrain begins to resemble a lunar landscape. The air also starts to get thin as you climb higher. After lunch, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike, gaining 200 meters in elevation before returning to Horombo Huts for dinner and an overnight stay. This helps your body adjust to the altitude and prepares you for the days ahead.
Overnight: Horombo Huts
Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts Camp
On Day 4, the trek leads you through an alpine desert as you approach the area between the two iconic peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi. The trek is challenging, with long stretches of open terrain and minimal shelter. After a strenuous day of hiking, you’ll reach Kibo Camp in time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax and rest, conserving your energy for the challenging summit push the following day.
Overnight: Kibo Huts
Day 5: Kibo Huts – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
In the early hours of the morning, you begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, guided by your flashlight. The most challenging part of the climb is the steep section leading to Gilman’s Point. Once you reach this milestone, the summit is within reach and the final stretch is much more manageable. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise! After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin your descent, passing through Kibo Huts down to Horombo Huts for dinner and an overnight rest. With around twelve hours of hiking, it’s a hard but rewarding day!
Overnight: Horombo Huts
Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Accommodation
On the final day, you’ll begin your descent to Marangu Gate in order to exit Kilimanjaro National Park. This scenic five to six-hour walk takes you through lush, beautiful forests as you make your way down. Once at the gate, your guide will transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved rest after your incredible journey on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 7: At leisure.
Unwind from the long climb. Enjoy your last moments in Tanzania.
Day 8: Return to Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast or depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy some extra time at the lodge before our driver transfers you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onwards to Zanzibar.
