Kilimanjaro Adventure

Climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) and safari to Ngorongoro

Kilimanjaro, the “Mountain of Greatness”, is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. While you may have your own reasons for wanting to climb Kilimanjaro, one thing is common among all those who visit – the desire to stand on the highest peak of Africa. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a demanding, challenging feat. Yet, despite its immense height, Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed successfully by any reasonably fit person. No technical skills are necessary, making Kilimanjaro the highest, most accessible, “walkable” mountain on the planet.

On your way up, you will traverse several different ecosystems – walking through rain forests as well as alpine meadows, through rocky ravines and past lunar landscapes to the spectacular summit of Africa’s highest peak. The towering snow-covered cone rising majestically from fertile green foothills is definitely something worth experiencing. For those still entirely unacquainted with the mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcano situated quite close to where Africa’s three main tectonic plates meet. This classic trek follows the most popular route to Mont Kilimanjaro and is the only one serviced by mountain huts that provide protection from the elements. This exhilarating six-day climb is fully supported by a team of experienced professional mountain guides and porters.

Itinerary

Day 1

ARUSHA

Meeting at Kilimanjaro airport. Transfer to the 3* hotel in Arusha and check-in. In the afternoon free time and some sightseeing of the city.

Afterwards packing equipment for our ascent. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

MARANGU

Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 8.1 km
Habitat: Mountain forest

The drive from Arusha to the Kilimanjaro National Park gates takes about 2h. The journey takes us through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs containing food, water, cooking gas as well as your personal equipment.
Our professional guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gates and ascend along a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are to be found.
Your first overnight stop will be at Mandara Hut, consisting of a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing.

Day 3

MANDARA

Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 11.6 km
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 a chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which can grow to 3 m in height, as well as the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours trekking from here, you reach the Horombo Hut.

Day 4

HOROMBO

Hiking time: 3h
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Habitat: Moorland

Horombo Hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau. Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, permeated with adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is meant for additional acclimatization. A day here provides an opportunity for you to acclimatize to the altitude gradually, to help maximize your chances of climbing all the way to the summit. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Retire to bed early and get your last good night’s rest.

Day 5

KIBO HUT

Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 9.6 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast you will continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo Hut, a house built of stone blocks.
The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski pole and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include replacing your headlamp and camera batteries and making sure that you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing, it would be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed early, around 7pm, and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

Day 6

UHURU PEAK

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 5.4 km ascent and 15 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will wake around 11.30 in the evening, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. 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 rim of the crater. From Gillman’s Point, it is normal to encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend taking photographs there, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut. After a short rest you will gather all the gear you left behind for the ascent and will head down to Horombo Hut (3 hours) for your overnight stop. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly short compared to the ascent. Later in the evening you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned night of sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 7

MARANGU

Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 19.7 km

After breakfast you will continue your descent, passing the Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu gate. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. The climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) will be issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) will receive gold certificates. We return to Arusha and spend the rest of our day resting and relaxing. In the evening, we’ll award certificates for the successful ascent to Uhuru Peak and Kilimanjaro. Overnight stay in a 3* hotel.

Day 8

NGORO NGORO

This is the day we make the long drive through northern Tanzania. Our destination is the National park Lake Manyara – a place that is hard to believe exists. After checking in, we will make a short trek along the rim of the crater. This is the Africa from stories and films, but it not a place for just any person. Accommodation at a 4* safari lodge.

Day 9

NGORO NGORO

The safari ride in the Ngoro Ngoro crater will begin at dawn. We can expect to encounter the “great 5” as well as many other magnificent African animals. Experiencing the African wilderness within arm’s reach is guaranteed. In the afternoon we will return to Aruhsa. We can make a stop to get gifts and souvenirs for family and friends back home. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10

ARUSHA

If able, some free time for gift shopping then transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Dates & Prices

February 3rd, 2024
Spots available: 5 2080 €, Per Person
February 7th, 2024
Spots available: 6 2080 €, Per Person
February 12th, 2024
Spots available: 7 2080 €, Per Person
February 16th, 2024
Spots available: 8 2080 €, Per Person

F.A.Q.

What’s included in the price?
To maximize convenience, we include as much as possible, so you can just relax and think about hiking. Here’s what’s included:

  • Transfer by private bus, airport-hotel-airport
  • Accommodation at the hotel 3* in Arusha, double rooms, full board
  • Accommodation at 4* lodge during safari , double rooms, full board
  • Accommodation in mountain huts during the Kilimanjaro ascent, full board
  • Accommodation at the “Kibo” lodge in rooms that sleep several people, full board
  • A cook, porters and other staff during the Kilimanjaro ascent
  • Professional guide during the ascent, according to the program
  • Amref flying doctors in the mountain in case of an emergency
  • Permits for the ascent and Kilimanjaro National Park fees
  • Permits and fees for the Ngoro Ngoro Conservation Area
  • Transfer by 4×4 jeeps during safari
  • Guide at the Ngoro Ngoro Conservation Area & Lake Manyara

 

What does not included in the price?

  • Flights  to/from Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha
  • International health insurance
  • Tip for staff during the ascent
  • Tanzanian visa (please check your country’s guidelines)
  • Personal costs

You will need to cover flights; insurance and extra spend. You’ll need to book your flights to and from Arusha, travel insurance and cover other personal expenses (etc. drinks, souvenirs, ..).

What’s the hike like?
The hike is moderate to strenuous. First day is hike, that last 3 to 4 hours, with easy pace. You will walk on mountain trail. It is safe and solid. It can be rainy because we will walk through a rain forest. Second day the hike is moderate, but you should walk slowly because it is more than 3000 above sea level. The third day is for rest and acclimatization at Horombo huts. Fourth day we will walk 4-5 hours to Kibo hut. Fifth day is the summit day when you walk up 6-8 hours and back 3-4 hours.

What’s the safari  like?
This is the Africa from stories and films, but it not a place for just any person. The safari ride in the Ngoro Ngoro crater will begin at dawn. We can expect to encounter the “great 5” as well as many other magnificent African animals. Experiencing the African wilderness within arm’s reach is guaranteed. Accommodation will be in a typically African lodge, nice and warm, with hospitality our host.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?
You need high-level fitness level. The previous hiking experience at altitudes up to 4000 above sea level is mandatory. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start.

What do I need to bring with me?

  1. Backpack (up to 50l)
  2. Sleeping bag (-10 degrees Celsius in comfort zone)
  3. Trekking trousers
  4. Gore-Tex jacket
  5. Hiking shoes
  6. Socks (thermal + cotton)
  7. Cotton T-shirts
  8. Base layer shirt and thermal long underwear pants (active underwear)
  9. Woolen cap (or polar fleece)
  10. Hat (sun protection)
  11. Polar jacket
  12. Gloves
  13. Towel and toiletries kit
  14. Sunglasses
  15. Headlamp
  16. Water Bottle 1L x 2
  17. Medication and vitamins
  18. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) + lip balm
  19. Raincoat
  20. Trekking poles
  21. Down jacket

What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and licensed UIAA guide.

What’s the food like?
All food is local and is freshly cooked, hearty mountain meals. These include domestic cheese and other local milk products, dry meat specialties, chicken, local fruit, fresh fruit and vegetable. We can organize your meal in the way you like. The water and non-alcoholic drinks during Kilimanjaro trek are included.

Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know when you fill in your travel documents.

When can I go on this trip?
Book on to our pre-set dates above. If you are considering alternative dates, the perfect time is actually throughout the year.

What’s the weather like?
December to March are the best periods to visit this region. During this period the average temperature in Arusha can be around is 30 degrees, but on the mountain is colder and temperature is between 0 and minus 10 degrees. On the top of the mountain there can be some snow parts.

Which flights should I book?
You should book flights to Kilimanjaro airport (Arusha, Tanzania).

How do I meet the transfer?
At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before traveling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 14. Please note, if there are not 6 people booked the trip may be rearranged or canceled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Can I customize the trip?
Of course! For private groups of six or more, the trip can run on any days you wish, be extended or changed to suit your needs. Enquire now for a private trip.