Description
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport; picked up with our driver and then transferred to Springlands hotel or similar hotel in Moshi for overnight and morning breakfast.
Day 2: After breakfast, picked from Springlands hotel and drive to Marangu gate then hike to Mandara hut.
Arrive at the gate. After registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro using a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest. On the way, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide talks you through some of the local flora and fauna. Here you will also get a very good chance of witnessing Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly-coloured birds. Mandara Hut is a group of dormitory-style wooden huts with solar generated lighting. The camp has all necessary facilities, including water and toilets.
Day 3: Mandara Huts (2,740 m/9,000 ft) to Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) 11 km, 6-8 hours Heath land.
You will continue with the hike from Mandara huts to Horombo Huts,the trail passes through more of Montane Forest before transitioning into the moorland vegetation zone, where you’ll find rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees. Once in the open moorland, you’ll also get the opportunity to see plants like the giant lobelia and giant groundsel, which can grow to an outstanding 16ft in height! After approximately six hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut, where you’ll have hot water to wash, an evening meal and an overnight rest. Horombo is a village of huts perched on a small plateau with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers.
Day 4: Acclimatization day on the mountain
An extra day at Horombo Hut provides an opportunity to acclimatize and increase your chances of making it to the summit. There are a number of walks within the vicinity of the huts which are strongly recommended to further help with the process of acclimatizing to the altitude. The most popular hike is to the Mawenzi Saddle, passing the Zebra Rocks along the way. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly (pole, pole). After the four to five-hour hike (round-trip), you’ll then enjoy an evening meal before retreating to bed early for a good night’s rest
Day 5: Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) to Kibo Huts (4,695 m/15,400 ft) 10 km, 6-8 hours Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you will then continue to trek at a slow pace through the heathland, which quickly turns into an almost lunar-like landscape as you enter the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. During this hike, you may start to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed. From here you will start to get fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut – a dry-stone-walled hut with dormitories and limited facilities. Rest for the evening at Kibo Huts and prepare for your final ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro summit “Uhuru Peak!”
Day 6: Summit Day! Kibo Huts 4,695 m/15,400 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) to Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) 4 km up, 14 km down 10-15 hours Alpine Desert
From here its where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m).This section is probably the most challenging part of the route, and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide. After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the Mount Kilimanjaro summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
Day 7: Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft) to Moshi (890 m/2,920 ft) 18 km, 5-7 hours: at Springlands hotel for overnight; bed and breakfast.
Day 8: Transfer to the airport for the flight back home. End of the tour.
Cost:
USD 2035 FOR 1 PERSON PRIVATE
USD 1975 FOR 1 PERSON GROUP JOINING
USD 1850 PER PERSON FOR 2 – 5 PEOPLE JOINING
USD 1750 PER PERSON FOR 6 – 10 PEOPLE JOINING
PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF:
- 2 Nights accommodation at Springlands Hotel – Bed & Breakfast Basis
- All park fees
- National Park approved guides and porters
- 18% VAT
- Accommodation on the mountain (Three-man mountain tents used for two people only on all routes except for Marangu Route as accommodation is in huts.) Stools, a mess tent and hot water for washing are provided on the mountain.
- Meals on the mountain
- Transport from Moshi at Springlands hotel to the Starting point of the mountain and return to Moshi at Springlands hotel
Prices do not include:
- Tips to driver, porters and guide
- Visas
- Insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport ($20/person one-way)
- Transfer from Arusha per private car hire $100 one way
- Climbing gear – sleeping bags, shoes etc.
Health Requirements
Please note you will need a Yellow Fever Inoculation, this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. If you have had any previous history of Liver Disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must.
Travel Insurance
Please ensure you have sufficient Medical Cover for the duration of your trip and in particular to cover you while doing the Kilimanjaro Climb
