Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Expedition

This is your arrival day in Kilimanjaro International Airport where we will pick you and transfer you to a lodge in Moshi or Arusha. On this day our safari manager will meet you at the lodge to give you a short safari briefing and leave you to relax. Diner is included at the lodge for your first night. In case you arrive via another airport such as Dar es salaam, or Nairobi Kenya, we shall arrange your transfer to Arusha or Moshi. From Dar er salaam we recommend taking one of the many daily flights too Arusha. From Nairobi you can take a scheduled Shuttle bus, private vehicle transfer via Namanga border or by flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our safari consultants will be glad to offer help as needed to reach Moshi at the base of Kilimanjaro. (Overnight at Moshi Recommended) - Springlands hotel (Bed & Breakfast).

On this first day of your trekking you will be picked from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and drive to Marangu Gate which is also the headquarters of the Kilimanjaro National Park. This day involves approximately 5 hours of hiking time covering approximately 12 kilometers. Here while you go by your registration formalities, your porters will be assigning luggage among themselves and when you are all done you start on your uphill trek via a cleared ridge through the rain forest where apparently is the only place you are likely to encounter animals. Your guide is at your assistance but the porters walk faster and will be way ahead of you, and by the time you reach Mandara hut your home for today they will be there long before you. It is advisable therefore that you make sure you have your days pack with you containing at least your lunch, drinking water and some extra clothing. There is an alternative trail just a short distance from the starting point, please discuss with your guide whether to take or not to take this one. The trail joins the cleared one about one to one and a half hours trek from Mandara. Your dinner will be served at Mandara. Overnight at Mandara Hut. Alt: 1980m – 2700m. All meals included

This day involves approximately 6 hours of hiking time covering approximately 15 kilometers along with views of moor land vegetation. This morning as you leave Mandara hut you trail will pass through just a short stretch of rain forest, and there after it skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and eventually emerges to moorland a totally different habitat comprising the spectacular endemic giant lobelias of up to 3 meters height as well as the giant groundsel otherwise known scientifically as the senecio kilimanjari growing to a staggering 5 meter height. If you wish you can make a detour up the rim of this Maundi Crater where you will be rewarded by your first awe inspiring view of the Kibo Crater. If you are lucky to climb on a clear day especially during the dry season the Kibo Crater’s glaciers will be shining and glimmering in the African morning sun offering breath taking views that can only be experienced while climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. It is a rather long day and you will arrive Horombo hut for a hot water bath and some dinner before you retire to bed. Overnight at Horombo Hut. Alt. 2700m – 3720m. All meals included.

Horombo hut (The Acclimatization day). Alt. 3720m. Days 03 and 04 of Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu are normally the acclimatization days and on this day; climbers use day to get used to the high altitude and help their bodies acclimatize with the weather. Usually hikers go for an approximately 3 hours hike up towards the Mawenzi bypassing the Zebra Rocks before hiking down for about one and half hours back to Horombo again. This hike is much recommended and on this day one is advised to move slowly and drinking a lot of water is recommended. It is advisable to go to bed as early as you can so as to get enough sleep and a good relaxation. Overnight at Horombo Hut. Alt. 3720m. All meals included.

On this day you are in for a 6 hours ascent for approximately 15 kilometers through the alpine desert habitat. From Horombo you have two options to choose from to ascend to the Saddle; either the upper route also known as the right hand fork (which you used the previous day on your way to Mawenzi) and the Lower route otherwise known as the Left hand fork. The Saddle is the area between the Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The Upper route is very barren and rocky and so the Lower route is the recommended one. Along this lower route you will pass through the last watering point at 4130 m along the Marangu Route and here you are advised to get enough water that you will need for the rest of your ascent until you start your descent after two nights. Mineral water is however available for buying at Kibo Hut. This day you will take early diner and you are expected to go to bed as early as possible in order to have enough relaxation because after all you will rise up before dawn to attempt the summit. Gear check is crucial, and you need your hiking poles, thermal clothing, and headlamp well in place for this memorable day later when you will conquer the highest peak in Africa! Alt. 3720m – 4700m. All meals included.

This is quite a long day involving some 8 hours for the approximately 6 kilometers up to the Summit and 6 hours descent covering about 21 kilometers. A typical Summiting day you will rise just before midnight and after bites of some biscuits and some tea or coffee you embark on your summit attempt and this day is a tough one but worthy giving it your best. Firstly you will hike up a rocky path up to Hans Meyer Cave at 5150m where you can take short break. From here you now embark on probably the hardest section of this route up to Gillman’s point at 5681 m. From Gillman’s point up to the Uhuru Peak you will encounter ice and this is where your Sunglasses comes in handy. At 5895 m the Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa and now you are here time to say Hurray! A session of photos and jubilation’s length will be determined by the weather conditions before you start you way down to the Kibo Hut. Here you take your breakfast and pack all what you left behind to proceed with your descent down to Horombo for about three hours down. At Horombo you can through in a mini party with some bottles f beer for those who drink, triggered by the feeling of success and ‘Mission completed’ but short lived because of the exhaustion of course. You will enjoy your last dinner on Kilimanjaro and retire to bed full of fond memories. Alt. 4700m – 5895m – 3720m. All meals included.

Approximately 6 hours you will descend about 27 kilometers down to the Gate passing the Mandara Hut to the Marangu Gate where you sing out and bid farewell to your crew who without them you could never had made it, they are so crucial than you can imagine! It is here at the gate where you will also receive an appreciation certificate of ‘been there done it’. Persons who have made it to the Gillman’s point receive Green Certificates and the conquerors of Uhuru Peak they get a Gold Certificate. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at the Springlands hotel. NB: It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. If you are leaving on this day you will be dropped at Kilimanjaro International Airport to take your international flight back home. Alt. 3720m -1980m. Departure transfer included.

These items form the basic components of your tour / safari cost and MAY NOT be excluded / removed from the tour pacakge all-together. However, if you still like the tour without some of of the basic components, kindly request for customization of the tour. The tour cost includes;

· Airport Meet and Greet Services with assistance

· 2 Nights’ shared, budget accommodation at the Springlands Hotel in Moshi on bed and breakfast basis

· Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes

· Return transfers between the hotel to the start / finish point of a climb

· All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits.

· Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)

· Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients twice a day

· Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)

· Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)

· Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook

· Staff are paid as per KINAPA guidelines

· Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain

· Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs (no back rest), camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals)

· Water for washing up daily

· Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp

· Our exclusive, printable Climbing Kilimanjaro 15 page altitude sickness survival guide

· Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt

· A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro Travel Information pack

· ALL Government taxes and levies

These items are excluded from your tour cost / package. You are therefore expected to make own arrangement for some such as your International Flight Tickets, Travel Insurance and so on. Others are available as 'add-ons' to your tour and we shall be glad to include any extras you like at a reasonable cost. The tour cost excludes;

· International Air Fares to and from Africa

· Vaccination requirements (Yellow Fever, Meningitis & Hepatitis A - optional, but recommended)

· Cost of Tourist or Business Visa to Tanzania

· Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets

· Optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions and/or quoted separately

· Expenses of personal nature such as phone calls, internet, laundry etc

· Optional shared tourist shuttle airport transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport and Moshi town

· All soft and hard drinks (alcoholic drinks, wines and spirits)

· Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook

· Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance

· Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania

When you book a tour with us, we want always want you to fee special. That is why we go the extra mile not only to make you smile but to ensure that your are taking home only the fondest of memories from our trips. Below are some of the special treatments you are unlikely to find with other tour operators;

· Special 'Welcome Package' for you from our senior tours director upon arrival

· Complimentary 'AfriChoice!® Authentic African Safari Sun Hat

· Free Membership to AMREF's Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation Programme*

· Signed & Sealed 'Participation Certificate' (all those who make it to summit)

· Special 'Farewell Dinner' at the end of your trip (Time Permitting*)