Mt Kilimanjaro Climb

Welcome to Tanzania! Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to our hotel in Marangu. The rest of the day is at leisure before our trek starts in the morning.

At 5895m above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and majestically straddles the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Climbing to the top of this dormant volcano is one of Africa’s most exhilarating experiences and today we rise to the challenge. An early start takes us to the pretty wooden village of Nale Moru where we will begin our trek through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The forest begins to thin out and first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

After breakfast we continue our steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near the Kikelewa Caves.

After a good night’s rest, our trek continues with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

Today we cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Camp at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent.

Very early this morning the ascent continues as we climb very slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi, before we have the opportunity to carry on to Uhuru Peak. Absorb the magnificent views across Kenya and Tanzania at ‘the roof of the world’. The descent back to Kibo is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo.

Today is the final day of our trek as we make our final descent to Marangu gate and park headquarters. At Marangu gate successful climbers receive their summit certificates. We meet our driver guide with a packed lunch and drive back to the hotel to take a hot shower and celebrate!

After breakfast, depart and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.