Kilimanjaro Hike
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro is an extinct volcano in Tanzania. Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira are its three volcanic cones. It is Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest single free-standing mountain above sea level, rising 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and rising 4,900 meters (16,100 feet) above its plateau base. It is Africa’s and the Eastern Hemisphere’s highest volcano.
Kilimanjaro is the fourth most prominent peak on the planet in terms of topography. It is a popular hiking and climbing destination within Kilimanjaro National Park.It has been the subject of numerous scientific studies due to its shrinking glaciers and ice fields, which are expected to vanish between 2025 and 2035.
Included/Exclude
Tour Amenities
Backpacks
Camping Tents
Head Torch
Hiking Poles
Sleeping bagsTour Plan
Embark on a 6-night/7-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame route. Drive to the Machame trailhead, ascend through forests to Machame Hut camp on Day 1. Traverse Shira Plateau on Day 2, enjoy significant acclimatization at Barranco Camp on Day 3, and climb to Karanga Camp on Day 4. Reach Barafu Camp on Day 5, preparing for the summit ascent. Summit and descend to Mweka Camp on Day 6. Conclude with a descent to Mweka Park Gate on Day 7, followed by a return to Arusha for celebration.
Duration: 6 nights / 7 days Climb
Day 1: Mandara Huts
Depart Arusha for Marangu Gate. Ascend through rainforest, encountering eucalyptus trees, diverse birds.
- Hiking: 5-7 hours
- Altitude: ~8,858
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
Explore the woodland stretch as the moorland unfolds. Beware of altitude sickness. Arrive at Horombo Huts, unpack, enjoy Kibo view.
- Hiking: 5-7 hours
- Altitude: ~12,205
- Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 3: Acclimatization Day
An extra day at Horombo Huts for altitude acclimatization. Rest if unwell; explore Mawenzi Hut or Zebra Rocks if acclimated.
- Hiking: 1-2 hours
- Altitude: ~14,400
- Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts
Walk varied landscapes, crossing heath to desolate highlands. The final stretch to Kibo Huts is steep and challenging. Prepare for peak ascent.
- Hiking: 5-7 hours
- Altitude: ~15,430
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
Begin midnight hike, reaching Gilman’s Point by dawn. Continue to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Descend to Horombo Huts.
- Hiking: Various durations
- Altitude: Varies
- Habitat: Alpine Desert, Summit
Day 6: Descent to Marangu Gate
Descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Lunch and farewell to the crew. Leave Kilimanjaro National Park, and drive to Arusha for a shower and celebratory dinner!
- Hiking: 5-7 hours
- Overnight Altitude: 1,843
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 6 nights / 7 days Climb
Day 1: Nale Muru – Simba Camp
Drive to Nale Moru, ascend through rainforest to Simba Camp at ~9,300 ft.
- Hiking: 4-5 hours
- Altitude: ~9,300 ft
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave
Morning climb to Second Cave through heath and stony paths, reaching ~11,300 ft.
- Hiking: 3-4 hours
- Altitude: ~11,300 ft
- Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 3: Second Cave – Third Cave
Acclimatization day. Relax in the morning, cross heath to Mawenzi and Third Cave in the afternoon.
- Hiking: 3-4 hours
- Altitude: ~11,811 ft
- Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 4: Third Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Ascend grassy mountainside to Mawenzi Tarn Hut, reaching ~14,160 ft.
- Hiking: 4-5 hours
- Altitude: ~14,160 ft
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts
Cross 'The Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo, walk through lunar landscape, arrive at Kibo Huts at ~15,430 ft.
- Hiking: 6-8 hours
- Altitude: ~15,430 ft
Day 6: Kibo Huts – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
Awaken at midnight, have a light meal, and ascend through challenging terrain to reach Gilman’s Point at dawn. Proceed to Uhuru Peak for a brief stop, enjoying the stunning view. The final even incline along the crater rim leads to Uhuru. Depending on the season, encounter snow on the route to Kilimanjaro's highest point at 5,895 meters. Descend to Kibo Huts, have lunch, and continue swiftly to Horombo Huts for a restful night.
- Hiking: 4-5 hours
- Altitude: ~12,205 ft
Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha
Descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, enjoy lunch, bid farewell to the crew, and leave Kilimanjaro National Park. Journey to Arusha for a hot shower and celebratory dinner.
- Hiking: 5-7 hours
- Altitude: ~1,843 ft
