Classic Kilimanjaro Trek

Today we meet in Moshi - if you are flying in to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we can add an airport transfer for you. If you are making your own way to Moshi please advise your estimated arrival time in order to organize the briefing. If the weather is favourable we might get a first glimpse of the world's tallest freestanding mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m). When you arrive at the hotel you will have some time to relax. One of our representatives will brief you on what to expect in the upcoming week.

1700m to 2740m (5500ft to 9000ft). 7km, 4-5 hours. Mountain forest After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment located at 9000 ft / 2740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

2700m to 3700m (9000ft to 12,100ft). 11km, 6-8 hours. Heathland After about 1 hour hike, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You will start to feel the affects of the altitude. If you wish to extend you trek, here you can spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

We spend a second night at the Horombu Hut tonight, giving our bodies the chance to acclimatise to the altitude. This should make the next two days of hiking feel easier and give you a better chance of reaching the summit. During the morning you can walk up the steep grassy slope to Mawenzi Hut for some great scenic views over towards Kibo. The rest of the day can be spent resting or taking some other short walks in the area. Your guides are on hand to provide advice and ideas based on how you are feeling.

3700m to 4700m (12,100ft to 15,400ft). 10km, 6-8 hours. Alpine Desert Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into "moonscape". Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

4700m to 5895m and down to 3700m (15,400ft to 19,300ft and down to 12,100ft) 4 km up / 14 km down, 10-15 hours. Alpine Desert Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's point located on the crater rim at 18640 ft / 5861 m (4-7 hours). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa 19340 ft / 5895 m (1-2 hours). Unbelievable views at every turn. Get your picture taken at the summit to show your friends. From here, we now descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment for dinner and overnight (1-2 hours). The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. "Pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

3700m to 1700m (12,100ft to 5500ft). 18km, 5-7 hours After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to Moshi. Overnight at Springlands hotel or similar

Free time until your departure airport transfer.