Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to Moshi

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We'll be there to meet you at the airport and whisk you off to your hotel in Moshi, the gateway to the Kilimanjaro National Park. In the evening you'll meet your fellow adventurers for a briefing from your guide about Kilimanjaro and your trek. This is a great opportunity to check you've got the kit you need - there's kit available to rent if needed.

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Day 2 - Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park and hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

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We'll collect you from your hotel and drive roughly 3–4 hours to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m).

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After acquiring our climbing permits and registering with search and rescue, we'll continue onwards towards our drop off point using off-road vehicles (reaching 3,500 meters). We'll experience our first stunning views of the Shira Plateau!.

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We'll walk along forest trails to reach our first campsite of the trek - Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree). By the time we reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have the tents up and a hearty camp meal ready.

• Elevation: 1830 m to 2650 m
• Distance: 6km/4miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

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Day 3 - Mti Mkubwe Camp to Shira 2 Camp

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Climbin Kilimanjaro

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After a hearty camp breakfast, we're on the road again as the trail gradually steepens and we reach giant heather moorland.

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We have several stream crossings to negotiate as we make our way over the Shira Ridge, past Shira 1 camp and onto  Shira 2 camp, a peaceful spot in meadows by a stream.

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• Elevation: 2650 m to 3850 m
• Distance: 16km/10 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

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Day 4 - Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower and descent to Barranco Camp

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After another hearty breakfast we leave Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and make our way towards the Lava Tower, also known as 'Shark's Tooth' (4,630 m). This section is quite tough with a lot of ascents and descents up to the camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be a bit of a struggle but remember 'pole pole'.

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After feasting our eyes on the stunning Lava Tower, we'll drop down to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here we'll get our first glimpse of the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and its steepness! We'll be climbing it tomorrow but fear not - there's a simple hiking trail..

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Although we end today around the same altitude as we started, this day is very important to help your body acclimatise and prepare for summit day.

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• Elevation: 3850 m to 4000 m
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 8km/5 miles
• Habitat: Semi desert

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Day 5 - hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

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A big day today! We'll get an early start to avoid the crowds, and head on up to the awesome Barranco Wall.

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Hiking up the gorge wall isn't difficult and should take us around an hour. After the climb we'll take a breather in front of the scenic Kibo volcano - selfie time!

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We face a more challenging hike to Karanga Camp, with a lot of ascents and descents. Don't worry though - our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace that suits the whole group and they're great motivators.

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After reaching the camp we'll enjoy a well-deserved hot lunch. After a couple of hours rest, we'll complete an acclimatisation towards Barafu Camp with a 300m height gain, then drop back down to the camp.

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Note: The acclimatisation trek is an easy hike with a slight gain in altitude designed to speed up the acclimatisation process. You should take these seriously, as they'll be key to increasing your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and help prevent you suffering from the effects of altitude sickness.

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• Elevation: 4000 m to 4050 m
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 5 km/ 3 miles
• Habitat: Alpine desert

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Day 6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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After breakfast we'll begin our hike to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640m), our basecamp for our night time ascent of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Our team will have set up camp by the time you arrive, so you can relax.

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We'll have completed the stunning South Circuit, which gives spectacular views of the summit from all directions.

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After a welcome rest, we'll take an acclimatisation hike towards the Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800m) and then back to Barafu Camp in time for dinner. Eat and rest well - tomorrow's the big day and you'll need your strength!

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• Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 4 km/ 2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine desert

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Day 7 - ascent of Uhuru Peak and descent to Mweka Camp

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The big day! We're woken in the night (hopefully we'll manage to get some sleep despite our excitement!) for our summit attempt. The climb is technically relatively straightforward; it's the altitude that makes it challenging.

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Each pair of climbers will be assigned a guide to monitor physical and mental health for the duration of the climb, so you'll be in safe hands.

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Just take it nice and slowly and you'll reach the high point of Uhuru Peak - what a feeling! And what a view - time to get that camera out and snap the most stunning sunrise you'll ever see!

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After our successful summit attempt, we'll trek straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for some much-needed lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We'll arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

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• Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m and 5,895m to 3,820 m
• Down to 3090 m
• Hiking time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
• Distance: 5km/3 miles up / 13km/8 miles down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

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Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

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After a good breakfast we'll descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive congratulations and our hard-earned summit certificates

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From the gate, we'll have another hour's walk to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to drive us back to our hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes drive)

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• Elevation: 3090 m to 1680 m
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 10 km/ 6 miles
• Habitat: Rainforest

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Day 9 - drive you back to the airport

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INCLUDED

• Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodation in Moshi
• Two nights' accommodation at the Parkview Inn in Moshi or Altezza Lodge
• Transport to and from Kilimanjaro Gate
• Park entry fees
• Camping fees
• Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
• Oxygen cylinder (if needed)
• All camping equipment
• Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
• 3 hot meals daily whilst on the mountain
• Treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• Hot water for washing
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tours Operators (KIATO)
• Ox meter
• Emergency first-aid kit

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights to and from Tanzania
• Lunches, dinners and drinks at the hotel before and after the climb
• Personal travel insurance
• Laundry (available at hotel)
• Personal items and toiletries
• Tips for guides, porters and cook

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Gear & Equipment Including Rental Prices

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Technical Clothing:

- 1 Waterproof Jacket (breathable with a hood): $10
- 1 Insulated Jacket (synthetic or down): $10
- 1 Soft-shell Jacket (fleece or soft-shell): $5
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts (lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric): $5
- 1 Short Sleeve Shirt (lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric): $5
- 1 Waterproof Trousers (breathable, side-zipper recommended): $10
- 2 Hiking Trousers (convertible to shorts recommended): $10
- 1 Fleece Trousers: $5
- 1 Shorts (optional): $5
- 1 Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended): $5
- 3 Underwear (briefs, moisture-wicking fabric recommended): $5
- 2 Sport Bras (women): $5

Headwear:

- 1 Brimmed Hat for sun protection: $10
- 1 Knitted Hat for warmth: $5
- 1 Balaclava for face coverage (optional): $5
- 1 Bandana (optional): $5

Gloves

- 1 Pair of warm gloves (waterproof recommended): $5
- 1 Pair of glove liners (thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth, optional): $5

Footwear:

- 1 Pair of warm, waterproof, broken-in hiking boots with spare laces: $20
- 1 Pair of gym shoes to wear at camp (optional): $15
- 3 Pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks: $5
- 3 Pairs of sock liners (tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters, optional): $5
- 1 Pair of waterproof gaiters (optional): $10

Accessories:

- 1 Pair of sunglasses or goggles: $10
- 1 Waterproof backpack cover (optional): $5
- 1 Poncho for rainy season (optional): $10
- 1 Water bottle (Nalgene, 1L (32 oz.) recommended): $5
- 1 Water bladder (Camelbak type, recommended): $5
- 1 Lightweight, quick-dry towel (optional): $5
- Various stuff sacks or plastic bags to keep gear dry and separate

Equipment:

- 1 Warm four-season sleeping bag: $35
- 1 Sleeping bag liner for added warmth (optional): $15
- 1 Pair of trekking poles (recommended): $10
- 1 Headlamp with extra batteries: $10
- 1 Duffel bag (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment: $25
- 1 Daypack for carrying your personal gear: $15

Fly to the Kilimanjaro International Hotel in Tanzania, where our guide will pick you up and drive you to your hotel in Moshi (either the Parkview Inn or the Altezza Lodge)

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How long do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?

We suggest allocating a minimum of 8-10 days if coming from Europe or the United States, although some individuals may prefer a longer duration. We can personalize itineraries and routes to accommodate additional days within the park. Some climbers may also opt to scale Mount Meru, which is located nearby. If you have more than 10 days, you have the flexibility to select any of the primary routes on the mountain and still have ample time for a wildlife safari before or after your expedition (this is an extra and not included in the price)

When is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?

You have the option to climb Kilimanjaro in any month of the year. However, it's important to consider the weather conditions at different elevations. Lower elevations experience more rainfall during April, May, and November, while March and June mark transition months. August and September are the coldest and driest periods. January, February, July, August, and September are all popular months for climbing.

Which route should I choose for the climb?

Approximately 80% of climbers opt for the Marangu route (5 or 6 days), often referred to as the "Tourist" or"Coca Cola" route due to its relative ease compared to other options. The remaining climbers typically choose the Machame route (6 or 7 days). The less frequented routes include Umbwe, Rongai, Shira, and Lemosho (all of which we can offer - just get in touch). It's important to note that several routes converge at a mid-way point, and there are only three routes to reach the summit.

What level of fitness is required?

While many sources claim that Kilimanjaro is easily accessible, it's essential not to underestimate the mountain. While no technical mountaineering skills are necessary, general fitness is required. However, the primary challenge for climbers lies in coping with the effects of high altitude, which appear to be unrelated to fitness, age, or gender. Engaging in physical training before the trek, such as aerobic cross training and hiking, is recommended to familiarise your body with the demands of the expedition. The fitter you are, the easier the climb will be. Determination and willpower also play a role.

How much distance will I hike each day?

It's better to measure each day in terms of hours spent walking rather than miles covered due to varying altitudes and conditions. On most days, except for the summit day, your day will commence with breakfast around 6:30 AM, and departure will take place at 7 AM. You will hike for approximately 4-5 hours, with a lunch break, followed by another hour or two of hiking in the afternoon. These days are not excessively long or challenging, and your guide will advise you to maintain a slow pace ("pole pole" in Swahili).

Why do we start the final ascent in pre-dawn darkness?

Typically, most groups start their ascent to the summit between 11 PM and 12:30 AM, depending on the group's perceived fitness level, weather conditions, and chosen route. The pre-dawn hours, despite being cold, offer the calmest and clearest conditions. The best views from the summit are observed at dawn. Often, clouds and strong winds develop shortly after sunrise, making the summit less appealing and the descent more difficult. Experienced guides report that it is uncommon to encounter cloudy conditions at the summit at dawn during any season. The ascent day involves an extensive amount of hiking, with some individuals requiring up to 15 hours to reach the summit and return to the campsite for that day.

What if I'm slower than other trekkers?

There is no need to worry, as this is a common concern. It is highly recommended to proceed at a slow pace, and your guides will consistently remind you of this ("pole pole" - the Swahili term for slowly). Walking slowly allows your body to acclimatise better to the high altitude. Sufficient time is allocated each day for the trek, accommodating even those who prefer a very slow pace.

What if I'm unable to reach the summit?

Some hikers may not reach the summit, but this does not diminish the overall experience. Even without reaching the top, the wonders of Kilimanjaro provide a rewarding adventure. If any members of a group decide they cannot continue or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual or group to proceed, they will be accompanied to the nearest campsite or hut. The guides possess detailed knowledge of shortcuts to ensure the safety of climbers and are trained to act efficiently and calmly in any situation.

How much weight will I need to carry, and where can I store items not required during the climb?

You will only need to carry a day pack weighing approximately 2.2kg - 2.7kg (5-6 lbs), although some individuals may choose to carry more or less. Your gear, totalling a maximum of 15kgs (33 lbs),will be placed inside a waterproof duffel bag at the trailhead, which will be carried by a porter. If you have items that are unnecessary for the climb, you can leave a bag at our office in Moshi.

What type of staff will accompany me during the climb?

The usual ratio is three local staff members per climber, though small groups may have four staff members per climber. The team typically includes an English-speaking guide or guides, a professional cook, and porters responsible for carrying the gear. We encourage interaction with the staff, even though some may have limited proficiency in English. They are trustworthy locals who have grown up in the vicinity of the mountain, with many of them having ascended the peak 50 times or more so you're in good hands.

What equipment is provided, and what do I need to bring?

You'll be provided with tents, food, utensils, and leadership throughout the climb. However, you are responsible for bringing your own sleeping bag rated to at least -12 degrees C (10 degrees F), a water bottles / water bladder, personal clothing, a sleeping pad, a lightweight duffel bag, and a day pack. Hiking poles are available for rent at a cost of $10. A comprehensive packing list is provided to all climbers along with our pre-departure packet.

What is the accommodation like during the trek?

On the Marangu Route, basic huts are available. The first two huts accommodate four people each, while the final hut features dorm-style bunk beds. On all other routes, you will sleep in 3-person dome-style mountain tents, with two individuals sharing each tent. The tents are modern, equipped with outer flysheets and spacious vestibules to protect your equipment from the elements. The porters handle the setup, breakdown, and transportation of the tents. A separate toilet tent is set up at each campsite, and if possible, hot water is provided every morning for personal use (no showers though I'm afraid). Dining tents with chairs and tables are also available for all meals. Before meals, we provide soap and hot water for hand washing.

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