Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

   • You will be greeted at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transfer driver and be taken to Natron Palace Hotel within Arusha. 

   • Rest of the day is for you to do as you please. You can opt to spend the day relaxing by the hotel or explore the town of Arusha (a short taxi drive away). 

   • In the late afternoon, you will be briefed by our team on what to expect on your upcoming trek. The night will be spent at the Natron Palace Hotel.

   Dinner: Clients pay directly

2. Day 2: Arusha to Marangu Gate (1,860 m) to Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

   • After breakfast, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at 1,840 m. 

   • Upon completion of the necessary paperwork, your trek commences, and soon you will be hiking through the dense rainforest of Marangu. Looking up, you might have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys. 

   • After you have reached the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) in approximately 4 hours and you have had some time to catch your breath, you will have the option to join a walk to the Maundi Crater, where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kenyan interior, as well as of the gleaming lakes which share the border between Kenya and Tanzania. 

   Stay the evening at Mandara Hut. 

   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,700 m) to Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

   • An early breakfast strengthens you for the trek ahead, and shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, reach the crossroads between Horombo Hut and Maundi Crater. 

   • Heading in the direction of Horombu Hut, the vegetation will change to shrubs, and you will cross the open moorland reaching your destination in approximately 4 – 6 hours. 

   • Looking back, your path will already be shrouded in clouds and looking forward; you will catch glimpses of Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. 

   After your evening meal, drift off to sleep at the Horombu Hut. 

   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) to Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

   • Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today in order for your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation plays an important role in improving your chances to reach the summit, and this 2 to 4-hour trek offers you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation. 

   • Hot lunch will await you on your return and the rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy the spectacular views around you and regain your strength for tomorrow’s hike. 

   Stay another night at Horombu Hut. 

   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

   • After breakfast, a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits you. The vegetation slowly changes into an alpine desert, and you will pass the “last waterpoint” on your way to the so-called “saddle”, a plateau situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. 

   • Arrive at the Kibo Hut in about 5 to 6 hours and go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 11 pm.

   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

   • Summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. 

   • Your path will be strenuous with only your headlight to light the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,715 m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. 

   • You will continue another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The cold is soon forgotten as you stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the rays of the morning light. 

   • After well-deserved photo opportunity you will descend along the same path. The lava ash will now have thawed, allowing for a faster descent. 

   • Upon your arrival at Kibo Hut, a warm meal and approximate 2 hours rest awaits you, before you continue down to the Horombu Hut, where you will stay the night.

   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) to Marangu Gate (1,860 m) to Arusha

   • Surrounding vegetation becomes greener as you continue your descent, and soon you will arrive at the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where a hot lunch awaits you. 

   • Journey back to the park gate gives you another chance to observe the beautiful tropical rainforest and spot anything you have missed on the way up, like the Impatiens Kilimanjari Flower, which is endemic to the rainforest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. 

   • Arriving at the gate, you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and be taken back to the Green Hills of Africa. 

   • At the hotel, enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. 

   • Dinner and overnight at the Natron Palace Hotel. Dinner clients pay direct.