Day 1: Arusha
We begin at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha/Moshi for a good night’s rest and briefing on the climb.
Day 2: Mandara Hut
Following a morning transfer to Marangu Gate and signing in, we begin with a relatively easy 4 hour trek through the Kilimanjaro base forest to the Mandara Hut at (2750m).
Day 3: Hormombo Hut
An early start from Mandara take us through Mountain forests, skirting round the edge of Maundi Crater before entering the moorland zone. This is where the spectacular giant lobelia and groundsel dominate the landscape growing up to 5 metres high in this otherwise barren region.
Hormobo (3720m) is a comfortable overnight stay but temperatures often drop close to freezing at night.
Day 4: Kibo Hut
As the air becomes thinner, the climb becomes increasingly difficult and this is particularly notable on the ascent to Kibo. The trek is through barren and rugged terrain with temperatures that sore in the day time and crash to below freezing at night. It takes 5-7 hours to reach Kibo Hut (5680m), our base for scaling the peaks.
Day 5: Uhuru Peak
Today’s trek begins long before day break, with the guides waking you up at around midnight. It is then a cold and dark climb to the roof of Africa.
The rocky path passes by Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), on to Gillman’s Point (5680m) and becomes increasingly difficult on the final ascent up to Uhuru Peak (5895m). The final 2 hours are often through snow and so it is a quick breakfast before the cold and fatigue take their toll at the peak and then we begin the descent. All in all this day takes approximately 14 hours and it is a well earned rest when we reach Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Marangu Gate
The final descent lasts approximately 6 hours and takes us down to the Marangu Gate, where your achievements are officially recognised and a tour vehicle is waiting to transfer you to the Springland Hotel for a well earned hot shower, dinner and comfortable bed.
Day 7: Arusha – Airport
It’s your last day, so have a lie in and a decent breakfast before we take you to the airport for your departing flight.