Group Size: 4-10 participants

km = kilometer & am = altitude meter

Day 1              Arrival at Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

You are welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, 850 m above sea. (D)

Key’s Hotel

Distance by bus 42 km, duration 1 h

Day 2              Day to acclimatize

Visit the local market, relax by the pool and meet the guide for hike preparation. (B,D)

Key’s Hotel

Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h

Day 3              Hike to Marangu Gate (1800 m) – Mandara hut (2700 m)

Transfer to Marangu Gate (approx. 1.5 h) where you start your adventure. The path is very good so one is able to walk with light hiking boots. It is quite warm still so a T-shirt and shorts are recommended. There is a packed lunch, which is given out before tour start. You receive a packed lunch every day, which is freshly prepared by our cook. Your initial night on the mountains is spent in a Mandara hut. An excellent dinner can be expected each evening. Vegetarian meals can also be cooked if we are informed in advance. (B,L,D)

Mandara Hut

Hike est. 3 – 4 h (+900 am)

Distance by bus 50 km, duration 1.5 h

Day 4              Hike from the Mandara hut (2700 m) – Horombo hut (3700 m)

Today the total height gain is around 1000 am and the distance covered is around 12 km. (5 – 6 hours). It is significantly cooler than the previous day. It is advised that you pack in a light jacket. The trail goes through alpine moors where you can see massive Erica and Seneca. In the afternoon one can walk onto nearby Mawenzi Peak. An additional day can be spent here to improve acclimatization. (B,L,D)

Horombo Hut

Hike est. 5 – 6 h (+1000 am)

Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h

Day 5              Hike from Horombo hut (3700 m) – Kibo hut (4700 m)

The landscape gradually changes as you reach the high-alpine zone. The landscape is spars, rocky and shares a resemblance with Mars. It is always possible to turn around and make your way back down accompanied by a mountain guide. Whoever feels capable continues to climb the 10 km to the Kibo hut at an altitude of 4700 m (5 – 6 h). The Kibo hut is the base for the summit. Depending on the level of fitness, you begin the night ascension at midnight or around 01:00 am. (B,L,D)

Kibo Hut

Hike est. 5 – 7 h (+1000 am)

Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h

Day 6              Peak ascension Kibo hut (4700 m) – Uhuru Peak – Horombo hut (3700 m)

During the lengthy ascent to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro you cover an altitude of 1295 m, the descent to Horombo hut is another 2295 m. This is a strenuous climb compared to the previous days. Headlamps are needed if the night is cloudy, however the route is visible enough if the moonlight illuminates it. You reach the crater’s edge at dawn or sunrise where Africa is lying at your feet. After spending half an hour to an hour’s time on the highest peak of the continent, you descent via an ashy slope. The descending trail is identical to the ascending trail. The path is stable, and one can reach the Kibo hut without great difficulty. The porters are anticipating your arrival at the hut, where lunch is prepared. After a one-hour nap or rest, you tackle the descent to the Horombo hut. The total walking distance for the day is 21 km. (B,L,D)

Horombo Hut

Hike est. 12 – 14 h (+1295, -2295 am)

Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h

Day 7              Hike Horombo hut (3700 m) – Marangu Gate (1800 m)

The 5 to 6 hours descent to Marangu Gate leads through the rainforest again and leaves you with a wistful mood, as you have to say goodbye to this majestic natural wonder, which you have been exploring for the past 4 days. The vehicle awaits you at the gate. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening you celebrate, as you reminisce about your 5895 m Mount Kilimanjaro climb. The tour guide hands out certificates and bids you farewell with “Kwa heri ya kuonana. Safari njema!” (B,L,D)

Weru Weru River Lodge

Hike est. 4 h (+-1300 am)

Distance by bus 50 km, duration 1.5 h

Day 8              Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport and home journey

Up until the time of transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport you can use the time to go for one last souvenir shopping trip. Departure by plane. (B)

Distance by bus 30 km, duration 0.5 h

Accommodation subject to availability

To be able to hike heights of 5895 m, not only does the body need to be properly trained, but needs to adjust itself, which is necessary for the body’s acclimatization in these conditions. If one hikes the highest summit of the continent with too much haste, they might not make it to Uhuru Peak.