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You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at hotel.
Distance: 8.3 km
Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Mountain Rain Forest
After heavy breakfast from your lodge, your guide will brief you on the day.
The drive from Arusha to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 2hours.
The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment.
Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you, as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers.
Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found.
An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to re-join the main trail either after 1.5 hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.
Your first night stop, Mandara hut, consisting of a group of wooden A- framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.
Dinner is prepared by our cook and served in a communal dining mess.
Distance: Approximately 12.5 km
Hiking time: 9 hours
Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater.
On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun.
Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m!
After about 6 hours trek from here, you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have a hot bowl of washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.
Distance covered: 5km
Hiking time: 4 hours
Habitat: moorland
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.
This extra day and night at Horombo are for additional acclimatisation.
A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended.
This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation.
Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 9.5 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo).
Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut.
The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough.
The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route.
Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it.
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Hiking time: 8 hours
Distance: Approximately 20.8 km
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m).
Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Arusha. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
Breakfast and lunch included
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
* We also welcome you spare an hour of your day to visit the orphan’s home, as part of our community support after climb Kilimanjaro
* Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast Included
Group minimum 02, maximum 8.
Rates:
EUR1800 Per person sharing
Rates reduce as the group number grows
Will be sent with full itinerary when confirmed
Will be sent with full itinerary when confirmed
Click here to check the visa requirements
Kilimanjaro
The temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro range from hot to bitter cold. Climbing Kilimanjaro is unique for many reasons, and one of these is that from origin to summit, climbers find themselves weaving through several distinct climate zones. It is said that the journey from the gate to the peak is like traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days!
We generally advise that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October
From July until the end of October, conditions are generally colder, but much drier than the previous months. Whilst there is a chance of getting rained on throughout the year, particularly as you trek through the rainforest and moorlands, typically precipitation is low and infrequent.
If you remain dry, you’ll be more comfortable and the trek will be a more enjoyable experience overall. Another advantage of climbing during these months is that you’ll have clear and sunny skies, and spectacular views.
At the summit, Uhuru Point, the night time temperatures can range between -7 to -29 degrees Celsius. Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s great height, the mountain creates its own weather. It is extremely variable and impossible to predict. Therefore, regardless of when you climb, you should always be prepared for wet days and cold nights.
Bring USD US Dollars and in small notes.
If you opt for the visa on arrival, have a $50 note ready. On departure, $25 for airport tax.
Most meals are included on Kilimanjaro hike but some on Zanzibar are not. Expect $50 per person for tips given to crew.
Kilimanjaro
Before you begin your climb you will meet your guide and porters. Typically guides can speak good English, porters less so.
Porters carry all your gear (excluding your daypack) and all the equipment you need on your climb (tents, cooking equipment, food, water etc.). Each porter carries up to 20kg on their back or head! Yes, 20kg.
Some tour operators limit the weight that porters carry to 15kg.
Porters race ahead of you and your guide to make sure they get to each Kilimanjaro campsite before you and have everything setup for your arrival (tent assembled, food ready etc.).
Guides are responsible for managing the porter team and ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable hike. Most are fully trained in mountain first aid, and have many Kilimanjaro summits under their belt.
What is the ratio of support staff to trekkers?
The average ratio of support staff is 3 porters for every climber, 2 guides for every 4 climbers, cook and assistant guides vary depending on numbers.
Here are some typical ration numbers:
1 climber: 1 guide / 2-3 porters / 1 cook
2-3 climbers: 1 guide / 5-6 porters / 1 cook / 1 assistant guide
4-5 climbers: 2 guides / 8-9 porters / 2 cooks / 1 assistant guide
5-6 climbers: 2 guides / 11-12 porters / 2 cooks / 2 assistant guides
7-8 climbers: 3 guides / 14-15 porters / 2-3 cooks / 2-3 assistant guides
9-10 climbers: 3-4 guides / 17-18 porters / 2-3 cook / 2-3 assistant guides
How much should I tip on a climb?
We’ve provided a guideline and worked example for calculating how much you should set aside for tips. Please use this as a guideline only.
We suggest 10-12% of your climb cost (approximately $300-500) per climber.
Tipping amounts are as follows.
Per main guide – US$20-25 per day
Per assistant guide – US$15-20 per day
Per cook – US$15 per day
Per porter – US$10 per day
Tips are usually paid at the end of your Kilimanjaro hike after you have reached your final checkpoint and signed out with the authorities.
It is customary to pay tips individually in separate envelopes unless advised otherwise (some tour companies suggest you pay your lead guide who then re-distributes the money).
Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
Country specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in some countries. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided.
Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines.
The vaccines which are recommended for most travellers visiting this country:
Hepatitis A
Tetanus
Typhoid
The vaccines which are recommended for some travellers visiting this country:
Cholera
Rabies
Hepatitis B
Tuberculosis (TB)
Meningococcal Disease
Yellow Fever
Certificate requirements
Please read the information below carefully, as certificate requirements may be relevant to certain travellers only. For travellers’ further details, if required, should be sought from their healthcare professional.
Malaria
Travellers should follow an ABCD guide to preventing malaria:
Awareness of the risk – Risk depends on the specific location, season of travel, length of stay, activities and type of accommodation.
Bite prevention – Travellers should take mosquito bite avoidance measures.
Chemoprophylaxis – Travellers should take antimalarials (malaria prevention tablets) if appropriate for the area (see below). No antimalarials are 100% effective but taking them in combination with mosquito bite avoidance measures will give substantial protection against malaria.
Diagnosis – Travellers who develop a fever of 38°C [100°F] or higher more than one week after being in a malaria risk area, or who develop any symptoms suggestive of malaria within a year of return should seek immediate medical care. Emergency standby treatment may be considered for those going to remote areas with limited access to medical attention.
Altitude illness in Tanzania
There is a point of elevation in this country higher than 2,500 metres. An example place of interest: Mt Kilimanjaro 5,895m.
Prevention
Travellers should spend a few days at an altitude below 3,000m. Where possible travellers should avoid travel from altitudes less than 1,200m to altitudes greater than 3,500m in a single day. Ascent above 3,000m should be gradual. Travellers should avoid increasing sleeping elevation by more than 500m per day and ensure a rest day (at the same altitude) every three or four days. Acetazolamide can be used to assist with acclimatization, but should not replace gradual ascent. Travellers who develop symptoms of AMS (headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and sleep disturbance) should avoid further ascent. In the absence of improvement or with progression of symptoms the first response should be to descend.
Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, lies just three degrees south of the equator and is permanently snow-capped.
lt offers one of the best opportunities in the world to climb a peak at high altitude without the need for technical climbing ability.
The trek takes you through well-defined altitudinal vegetation zones, from semi-arid scrub to dense cloud forest.
The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
One day (day 5) for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Full Moon view Summit on day 7!
Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment!