Today you arrive directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) and will be transferred to your pre-climb lodge in Moshi.
Following an early breakfast at your accommodation (08:00 hrs), we set out an hour later and reached the Marangu Gate (1970 meters) around 11:00 hrs for registration and the commencement of our trek.
Excitement mounts as our porters prepare the equipment, and you meet our experienced trekking team, who will guide you up the mountain. Beginning on Kilimanjaro's southeast side at 1970 meters and concluding the day at 2700 meters, today's trek to Mandara Hut, where we'll spend the night, typically lasts 4-5 hours (excluding breaks), covering just over 8km/5 miles. While today's journey is predominantly uphill, it offers a pleasant experience with opportunities to spot blue monkeys and admire the rainforest vegetation on the ascent. The rainforest dominates today's landscape, with the possibility of encountering waterfalls, depending on the season. Keep an eye out for the vibrant red impatiens Kilimanjaro flower, an iconic symbol of the mountain, as well as blue monkeys, colorful lizards, or streams bustling with red ants along the insect superhighway. Rest assured, your mountain guides will impress you with their expertise, regardless of your familiarity with nature.
We begin our walk late morning, enjoy our picnic lunch around 14:00 hrs, and then continue until we reach the hut by approximately 17:00 hrs. You'll have time to unwind, reflect on the day's trek, engage with your guides, or enjoy a game of cards. Dinner, prepared by our mountain chef and team, is served at 19:30 hrs.
As the day comes to a close, the mountain's towering heathers and bearded lichen begin to reveal themselves, showcasing the mountain's diversity. The Mandara A-frame Huts, our overnight accommodation, feature solar-powered lighting, while water is sourced from a stream, and flush toilets are available. Since you'll be sharing dormitory-style accommodation with others, bringing earplugs is advisable for a restful night's sleep.
Our day begins with breakfast at 07:00 hrs to fuel us for departure at 08:30 hrs. Today's trek covers a distance of 12km/7 miles, expected to take between 6 to 8 hours of walking time (excluding breaks). We'll ascend a total of 1020 meters, reaching our destination at Horombo (altitude: 3720 meters).
En route, we'll pause for our picnic lunch at 13:00 hrs, then continue our ascent, arriving at Horombo huts (3720 meters) around 16:00 hrs, with dinner served at 18:00 hrs. During today's trek, you'll notice the transition from forest landscape to moorland and heather, passing by the renowned Maundi Crater. Although the scenery becomes more barren and treeless today, you'll still encounter some of Kilimanjaro's iconic plant species. Keep an eye out for the captivating giant groundsels, lobelias, and proteas. If weather permits, you may catch your first glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Kibo and the distinctive Mawenzi peak. Similar to Mandara (2700 meters), Horombo camp (3720 meters) comprises A-Frame huts catering to climbers ascending and descending the mountain. Once again, dormitory-style accommodation awaits you.
Today marks our designated extra day for acclimatization, a crucial aspect of our itinerary. This additional time allows for essential adaptation to the increasingly thin mountain air as we ascend. We offer everyone the option to explore Zebra Rocks (4100 meters) today, a 90-minute climb from Horombo Hut (3720 meters), followed by a return descent for a second night's stay.
Despite their name, Zebra Rocks don't harbor any actual zebras; instead, their striking black and white stripes are caused by mineral-laden water effects on the lava rockface.
Horombo serves as a bustling hub, catering to climbers and descenders on the Marangu and Rongai routes alike. Abundant water availability at Horombo (3720 meters) offers the 'luxury' of amenities such as toilets and washbasins. Take a moment to observe your surroundings today, as you'll notice the transition from moorland scenery to Alpine desert. While zebras are absent, you might be surprised to encounter certain rodent and bird species thriving at this altitude on the mountain.
Today promises to be a true test of endurance! We'll kickstart the day with breakfast at 07:00hrs, gearing up for what lies ahead on this demanding journey. Our departure is set for 08:00hrs, with a cooked lunch awaiting us at Karanga around midday. By 16:00hrs, we aim to reach our ultimate destination, Barua Camp, where dinner will be served at 18:00hrs.
The beginning of today's trek presents a unique challenge: a rigorous scramble up the near-vertical Barranco Wall, aptly dubbed the 'Breakfast Wall' for its immediate ascent following breakfast! At the summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier before gradually descending into the stunning yet chilly Karanga Valley below.
Continuing onwards, we navigate a steep series of zig-zags until we reach Karanga Camp, where our lunch stops for the day. Departing from Karanga, our journey persists with a steady ascent, traversing through barren, rocky terrain with the Decken and Kersten glaciers visible to the left. As we crest the summit, the landscape remains stark as we descend into a valley, catching our first glimpse of the Rebmann Glacier. Our destination, Barafu Camp, awaits at the end of this valley, accessible after a brief, steep scramble and a final stretch of walking.
Our itinerary for the 'Summit Day' differs significantly from our previous days on the mountain. We rise at 23:00 hrs, enjoying tea and biscuits at 23:30 hrs before embarking on our midnight departure. Today presents our toughest challenge, with an ascent of approximately 1192 meters, spanning 10-13 hours of walking time and covering a total distance of 22km/14 miles.
We aim to reach the summit from 07:00 hrs onward. We commence on a rocky path, ascending via a series of zig-zags that progressively tighten as we climb.
Key landmarks on our ascent today include William’s Point (5131 meters), Hans Meyer Cave (5258 meters), and Gillman’s Point (5719 meters). The emphasis today is on walking 'pole pole' – that is, slowly and steadily. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5895 meters), we take time to celebrate our successful climb, capture essential photos, and congratulate ourselves before descending to return to Kibo Hut (4703 meters) by approximately 11:00 hrs. Here, we indulge in a well-deserved two-hour rest and enjoy a hearty brunch. Resuming our descent at 14:00 hrs, we continue until we reach the familiar Horombo Hut (3720 meters) by around 17:00 hrs. Dinner will be served at 19:00 hrs.
After breakfast at our familiar time of 07:00 hrs, we seize the opportunity to express our gratitude to our hard-working guides and porters during the important 'Tipping Celebration'. Following this, we depart from Horombo Huts (3720 meters) and begin our descent towards Marangu Gate (1970 meters), with a stop at Mandara Hut (2700 meters) around midday for a cooked lunch.
Marangu Gate (1970 meters) is typically reached by 16:00 hrs, and today's section covers approximately 20km/12 miles, requiring 5 to 7 hours of walking time. Upon reaching Marangu Gate (1970 meters), you'll receive your certificate—a fitting souvenir acknowledging your remarkable achievement. We then return by vehicle to Arusha, where you can relax at your lodge for an overnight stay, reveling in your well-deserved accomplishment. Alternatively, if you're still brimming with energy, you can celebrate your incredible feat. After all, you've just conquered Africa's highest mountain!
After a refreshing night's stay at your lodge, you'll enjoy breakfast in preparation for check-out by 10:00 hrs. (If you prefer to remain at the hotel throughout the day, please inform us when booking your trip, and we'll provide you with the cost for a 'day room' allowing you to stay until 18:00 hrs. We'll then arrange the booking on your behalf.)
If you've arranged a transfer to the airport, a vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the airport. For travelers embarking on a safari adventure, our Shammah Wonders guide will meet you in the evening to provide a briefing.
