Overview

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and rises approximately 4,900 m (16,000 ft) from its base to 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level with its three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, and this is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. The first recorded ascent to the summit of the mountain was by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtschellerin 1889. The mountain is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and is a major climbing destination. The mountain has been the subject of many scientific studies because of its shrinking glaciers.

Day 1: Begin Kilimanjaro Climb: Base to Mandara Hut

After breakfast you will meet your guides and porters, finish packing and transfer to the park entrance where you begin your Kilimanjaro climb. Overnight Mandara Hut – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Hiking time: 4-6 hours, 6,004 feet to 8,856 feet/ 2700M above the sea level)

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You will be woken up early and given a cup of tea along with warm water for washing. After a cooked breakfast, leave Mandara and trek to Horombo Hut. About one half hour after leaving Mandara Hut, you will emerge from the rain forest onto alpine meadows. This will be a very pretty day with splendid views of the peaks and the plains below the mountain. Overnight Horombo Hut – Lunch/Dinner (Hiking time: 6-7 hours, 8,856 feet to 12,225 feet/ 3720M)

Day 3: Horombo Hut

Most climbers begin to feel the effects of altitude at these elevations, so today is an acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. You can spend the day resting, but it’s a good idea to take a hike up towards the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi and visit Zebra Rock. The rains come almost every afternoon, so plan to be back at the lodge by about 4:00pm. After the rainclears, Horombo typically has beautiful sunsets and a night sky full of stars. Overnight Horombo Hut – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Your climb continues to Kibo Hut at the foot of Kibo Peak. The route takes you up to the saddle between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi and then across the high altitude desert to the huts. Until you reach the saddle, the terrain is very similar to the previous day with the landscape rugged and rocky. Again, take it slowly in order to acclimatize; the last half hour to the hut can be very tiring as the hut is some way up the peak. Slow down and drink a lot of water! Be sure to keep a positive attitude as the sight of the next day’s path can be quite daunting.

Get as much rest as possible and prepare your things for the next day. The stone house with a small dining room and a number of dormitory rooms leading off a main corridor has bunk beds for 60 people, sleeping 12 to a room. There is no water so it’s important to bring an adequate supply from Horombo Hut, but your guides will help you with this. If you cannot sleep, just relax as much as you can as your body needs the rest before the next very strenuous 24 hours ahead.-Overnight Kibo Hut – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 12,225 feet to 15,520 feet/ 4703M)

Day 5: Summit to Horombo Hut

You will be woken around midnight with a hot drink. Finish putting on all your warm clothing and get ready to attempt the summit. The rim of the crater at Gillman’s Point (18,635 feet), recognized as the top is reached after a stiff climb up a very steep, loose screen slope. The first part of the ascent to the Hans Meyer cave is indirect, going around large rock outcrops. It is important to pace yourself to be ready for the steep screed slope that you have to climb in a zig- zag fashion. Try to maintain a very slow but steady pace, trudging up rhythmically through the starlight. On average, this takes 6 hours from Kibo to Gillman’s Point, where you will hopefully see a fiery sunrise behind Mawenzi.

Since Gillman’s Point (5685M) is recognized as the top, you will receive a certificate for your achievement from the Park authorities. After a rest, if you are able, if the weather and time permit, and if your guide says it is possible, you can then continue for 2 hours along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, at 19,340 feet/ 5895M, Uhuru is the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro. If you reach Uhuru, you will get a gold certificate and the satisfaction of reaching the “Roof of Africa”. The descent is in some ways as difficult as the ascent and you will be tired as your make your way down the steep slope. Back at Kibo Hut, you will have a rest and something to eat. Then, take off much of your warm clothing and continue on to Horombo hut for Breakfast and a nap then further descents to Horombo hut for Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay (Hiking time: 6 hours to Uhuru peak 19,340 feet/5895M! 4 hours descent to Horombo Hut, 3 hours to Horombo Hut)

Day 6: Horombo to Moshi

After the breakfast continue your descent (slowly so as not to sprain an ankle or twist a knee) to Marangu gate. If you have made it to Gillman’s or Uhuru, you will sign the book and your head Guide will pick up your certificates. You will even be driven back to Hotel for the celebration and cheering.

This price includes:

• Full briefing before your trip
• Services of fully qualified English speaking Guide and an assistant guide
• Transfer from Moshi town 2 ways complementary
• Parks entrance fees
• Your accommodation in Kilimanjaro
• 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Water Everyday
• Porters’ fee
• Walking poles
• Safety box
• All rescue fees
• Government taxes 18% VAT

This price does NOT include the following:

• Personal equipments and clothes (we will send you on email and they are available for rent)
• Local and international flights
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Personal medical