Day 1: Marangu gate (1700m) – Mandara Hut 2740m – (5,500ft to 9,000ft)
After breakfast at Keys Hotel drive to the Marangu village and proceed to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register at Kilimanjaro National Park Authority offices and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara hut located at 9,000 ft / 2,740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,740m) – Horombo Hut (3700m) – (9,000ft to 12,100ft)
In the morning around 8:30 a.m after breakfast, I started trekking to Horombo hut. After about 1 hour, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo hut. The view of Kibo summit and Mawenzi are both stunning and shining on clear days. In most cases giant lobelias and grounsels are found on your way. Horombo hut is a point where most of the climbers use it for acclimatization whereby they spend an extra day. Spending an extra day gives a wide chance for a successful summit on the roof of Africa.
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) – Kibo Hut (4700m) – (12,100ft to 15,400ft)
In the morning after breakfast the trek will take us to the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heartland but then disappears into desert-like structure. At Kibo you will have your dinner, take a nap and at the middle of the night around 23:30 hour prepare for the summit climb.
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
- >Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet
- >Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet
Around midnight, I woke up for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike to Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters).
The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
- >Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Keys Hotel in Moshi town
Included in the price:
-- 2 Airport Transfers, from JRO Kilimanjaro International Airport
-- 2 nights hotel at Keys Hotel in Moshi town on Bed and Breakfast basis, Double or Triple Occupancy
-- 3 Delicious meals a day, boiled and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
-- All park entrance, hut and rescue fees
-- Warm water for washing to be provided every morning and evening.
-- Oxygen Cylinder - only for emergency
-- English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cook and porters
-- Staff salaries and fees.
-- Transport to/from national park gates.
-- First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
-- Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town.
-- 3 litres of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day of your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams to be boiled and filtered for you.
Not included in the price:
-- Prices do not include sleeping bags
-- Gratuities
-- Soda/alcohol unless otherwise noted
-- Health insurance
-- Visa fees
-- International airfare
-- Laundry
-- All Meals and drinks in Moshi town