Your adventure kicks off the moment your driver guide picks you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport, offering you a warm welcome with your choice of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, accompanied by delicious snacks. As you relax and take in the surroundings, feel free to ask any questions about your adventure. Your guide will happily answer and provide an exciting briefing, giving you a glimpse of the incredible journey ahead. Get ready for a truly unforgettable experience ahead!

Meals plan: Half Board
Accommodation: Moivaro Arusha Lodge

Elevation: 1200 m to 1,750 m to 2,700 m
Distance: 9 km
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast at the lodge, you begin your scenic drive to Marangu Gate, where your Kilimanjaro climb officially starts. After completing park formalities and registration, you ascend through the lush rainforest, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds. The hike to Mandara Hut takes about 3-4 hours, offering a gradual ascent and stunning views. The trail is well-maintained, and Mandara Hut provides a comfortable stop for the night at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet), where you’ll rest, enjoy a meal, and prepare for the next stage of the climb.

Elevation: 2700 m to 3,720 m
Distance: 13km.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorlands

You’ll trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut, located at an altitude of 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). The journey takes about 5-6 hours, and the trail gradually leads you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. As you ascend, the landscape changes dramatically, with open areas filled with giant heather and moorland vegetation. You’ll be treated to stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its surroundings. Along the way, you may see wildlife like zebras and warthogs. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, you’ll have time to rest, hydrate, and acclimatize to the altitude before the next stage of your climb.

At Horombo Hut, you’ll spend a day for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the higher altitude of 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). This is a crucial day in your trek, as it reduces the risk of altitude sickness. During the day, you’ll take a shorter hike (often referred to as a “walk high, sleep low” strategy) to Kibo Hut or other nearby spots before returning to Horombo Hut for the night. This helps your body get used to the thinning air. You’ll also have time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the stunning views of the mountain. The acclimatization day gives you a chance to relax, take in the scenery, and prepare for the tougher days ahead as you continue your ascent toward the summit.

Elevation(m):3,720 m to 4,703 m
Distance: 13 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Desert

You’ll trek from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut, situated at an elevation of 4,703 meters (15,430 feet). This part of the climb takes about 5-6 hours, and the terrain becomes more alpine, with a significant change in vegetation. The lush moorland gives way to a barren, rocky landscape as you approach the higher elevations of Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, you’ll experience stunning views of the summit and the vast, desolate landscape. The air becomes thinner, making the climb more challenging, and the trail becomes steeper. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll have a chance to rest and prepare for the final summit ascent the following night. The conditions here are more rugged, and the temperature begins to drop significantly, signaling the approaching challenge of the summit push.

Elevation: 4,703 m to 5,895 m to 3,690 m
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Summit Day begins with a midnight ascent from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. The challenging climb takes several hours, with the goal of reaching the summit by sunrise. The trail is steep and cold, with the air thinning as you ascend. Once at the summit, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views before descending back to Horombo Hut for rest. The entire day is physically demanding but offers the ultimate reward of reaching the peak of Africa’s tallest mountain.

Elevation): 3,690 m to 1,830 m to 1,387 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

After reaching the summit on Summit Day, you begin your descent on Day 6 from Horombo Hut back to Marangu Gate. The hike takes about 5-6 hours and follows the same trail you initially took up. You’ll pass through the moorland and rainforest zones once again, but this time, the descent is quicker and less strenuous. As you approach the gate, you’ll likely feel a sense of accomplishment and relief after completing the climb. At Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out, receive your summit certificate, and reflect on the unforgettable journey. From there, you’ll be driven back to Arusha for more relaxation and celebrate your achievement.