Arrival day: Arrival - Arusha or Moshi
Upon arrival at the airport, a TravelEdward representative will meet you up and drive you to your hotel in Arusha, where you will spend the night, unwind, and get ready for the adventures ahead.
Day 1: Mandara Huts
After breakfast, it’s time to leave Arusha and head to the southeast entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park, the Marangu Gate. At Marangu Gate, you will have time to register and check in. From here, you can begin ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. The first part of this path takes you through a forest and woodland where you may see eucalyptus trees and different types of birds. See if you can spot a Colobus monkey or two by keeping an eye out for black or white fur. Make sure you are equipped with the appropriate tools and footwear because the low elevations may result in wet and muddy dirt.
5- to 7-hour hike
Altitude at Night: 8,858
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
As the vast expanse of moorland opens up in front of you on day 2, you will begin by exploring the last section of woods. On your stroll, you can admire Mawenzi’s ragged peaks, which rise up toward Africa’s skies. At these altitudes, altitude sickness frequently starts to affect people. It’s crucial to pay attention to how you’re feeling and get in touch with your guide as soon as you notice even the tiniest sign of illness. You will have time to unpack and take in the view of Kibo after arriving at the Horombo Huts but before supper.
5–7 hours for hiking
12205 feet overnight altitude
Habitat: Moorland and Heath
Day 3 Acclimatization Day
To give your body time to adjust to the steadily higher altitude, you’ll stay at the Horombo Huts for an extra day. If you have any symptoms of disease or are feeling very exhausted, you must remain at camp and rest. You are welcome to hike up to Mawenzi Hut and take in the breathtaking view of Kibo and Mawenzi, though, if you feel comfortable with the height. As you walk the path, maintain a steady pace and take in the stunning scenery. A trip to the amazing Zebra Rocks is an alternative. A 310-meter climb is necessary for this.
Trekking: 1-2 hours
14400 feet overnight altitude
Habitat: Moorland and Heath
Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts
You will traverse a variety of breathtakingly beautiful locations on day four. You’ll start by continuing across the heath as it gradually transforms into the lonely, dry mountains between Mawenzi and Kibo. Here, the landscape is covered in both large and small volcanic rocks, serving as a reminder of earlier eruptions. It’s a physically demanding final stretch to the Kibo Huts because it’s so steep.
It’s time to arrange your gear and warm clothing for tomorrow’s climb to the peak once you’ve reached the Kibo Huts. Keep whatever water you intend to bring in a thermos to avoid it freezing. Go to bed early because the journey the next day requires a full night of sleep. You are preparing.
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,430
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
Just enough time remains before you start your nocturnal trek as you awaken around midnight. The challenging terrain, which is dotted with loose rocks, is regarded by many hikers as being the most challenging aspect of the ascent. The objective is to get to Gilman’s Point before sunrise. This will ensure that you arrive at Uhuru, Kibo’s highest point, just after sunrise. A brief halt will be made at Gilman’s Point so that you may take in the breathtaking scenery. After there, you will continue along the crater’s edge to Uhuru; this is the final ascent and has a steady elevation.
Depending on when you travel, the last section of the trail to the Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and the very top of Kilimanjaro, may be covered in snow. You can congratulate yourself as you reach the peak, which is at a height of 5,895 feet, take in the breathtaking scenery, and take a photo in front of the Uhuru Peak Sign.
It’s time to start heading back in the direction of the Kibo Huts; you’ll notice that this phase goes by rather quickly. Before continuing on to the Horombo Huts, where you will spend a well-earned full night’s rest, you will stop at the Kibo Huts to unwind and have a much-needed lunch.
4-5 hours of hiking
Altitude at Night: 12,205
Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha / Moshi
We will have lunch and bid our mountain team farewell as we make the last descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate. We will depart Mount Kilimanjaro National Park afterward and go back to Arusha/Moshi for a much-needed shower and a special dinner!
5-7 hours of hiking
1,843 feet overnight altitude
Desert Alpine habitat