Day 1: Arrive in Arusha town or at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy half-board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.

Day 2: After breakfast and a brief tour overview from the guide, travel to the Marangu gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (a 45-minute drive from Moshi). Once registered with park authorities, begin the climb with a four-hour trek to the Mandara encampment. The journey passes through a dense rainforest zone, with a high likelihood of afternoon rain. Overnight stay at Mandara Hut (2,750m), featuring an appealing collection of buildings with bathrooms and running water.

Day 3: Continue the ascent through the forest briefly before entering the heather and moorland zone at around 3,000m (approximately a six-hour walk). Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. Overnight at Horombo Hut (3,720m), located in a valley surrounded by giant lobelia and groundsel, typical flora of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms with running water are available.

Day 4: The trek proceeds past the last watering point, ascending onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro, between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation becomes sparse as the desert-like alpine zone (around 4,000m) is reached, and Kibo peak comes into view after crossing the saddle. The saddle is an alpine desert resembling a lunar landscape. Be mindful of altitude sickness signs. This seven-hour walk is taken at a slow pace. Overnight at Kibo Hut (4,703m), a comfortable stone structure (no running water). This semi-desert zone receives less than 250mm of annual rainfall; the ground often freezes at night, but daytime temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Only lichens and grasses thrive in these conditions.

Day 5: Shortly after midnight, begin the climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit, as the scree slope to Gillman’s Point (5,861m) on the crater rim is easier to climb when frozen. An early start for the six-hour hike increases the chances of reaching the summit by sunrise. From Gilman’s Point, it’s a two-hour round trip along the crater’s edge to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. The descent to Horombo Hut follows, where the last night on the mountain is spent.

Day 6: Today’s descent continues past the Mandara encampment to the mountain’s base, where each hiker receives a well-deserved certificate. Transfer to a Base Hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town. End of services.

Points of Interest

• Ben Adventure Travels

• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Snacks and Bottled water
• Tea and coffee
• Alcoholic beverages
• National Park fees

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

The Marangu route, also known as the main path, is significantly the most utilized approach to the summit. Mountain huts, offering all crucial facilities, serve as accommodations during the ascent and descent. Predominantly, the entire journey takes 5 days and 4 nights. If desired, an additional day for acclimatization can be included at the Horombo Hut, extending the trek to 6 days and 5 nights. The extra cost associated with this extension is outlined separately as an alternative.

• Dress code is smart casual Minimum Age 12 years

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.