Arrival:
- You will be collected from airport.
- Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1 | Arusha – Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara Hut (2700m
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek begins and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Mandara Hut.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Day 2 | Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3700m)
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the tree line where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 5 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut.
Meals: All meals
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 3 | Horombo Hut (3700m) – Zebra Rocks (4020m) – Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a trek to Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.
Meals: All meals
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 4 | Horombo Hut (3700m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest for the upcoming summit stage. You will be woken up at around 11pm.
Meals: All meals
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Day 5 | Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3700m)
After a cup of hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at midnight. By torchlight, you will climb the screes of Kibo. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark you will arrive at Stella Point (5730m), the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak. Here you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360 degree view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday, you should arrive at Barafu Camp where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to Mweka Camp where supper and a well-earned rest await you.
Meals: All meals
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 6 | Horombo Hut (3700m) – Marangu Gate (1860m) – Arusha
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Meru View Lodge and after a hot shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.
Meals: All meals
Accommodation: Your Hotel
