Day 01: Moshi, Tanzania
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight. AMEG Lodge is based at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and set in a 4.5-acre area. It has been constructed with local Tanzanian building materials and designed to combine antique African and modern contemporary styles creating an articulate and seductive ambiance. Frangipani and palm trees adorn the grounds amidst a variety of colorful tropical plants. AMEG Lodge (Dinner)Day 02: Moshi - Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park / Mandara Hut
After an early breakfast you will be driven to Kilimanjaro. The actual hike begins at the park gate (6,000') and hike 5.5 miles up to Mandara Hut (8,860') near the upper edge of the forest line. The hike takes about 4-6 hours. The path is interesting, starting off through rain forest vegetation, then opening up to giant heather. If time and weather permit, a short walk from Mandara to Maundi Crater is worth it. Accommodations here, as well as at Horombo, are in wooden A-frame huts that sleep 4 to 8. Mandara Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)Day 03: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park / Marndara - Horombo Hut
Today the destination is Horombo Hut at 12,200’. It is approximately 5-6 hours to cover the 10-mile journey, and here, you will often get your first views of the Kibo summit. The trail is strenuous and slippery and takes you clear of the forests, and out onto the moorland, it continues past and beneath the rocky southern face of Mawenzi, one of the three volcanoes that make up Kilimanjaro. Rainfall in this region is frequent. Horombo Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)Day 04: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park / Horombo Hut
Today is an extra day to acclimatize, and it is best spent taking a day hike up toward the Maundi Hut by the upper trail to a viewpoint at 14,100 feet (4 hours round-trip). If you are feeling very fatigued, it can be spent resting or exploring the nearby region. Birdlife is abundant at Horombo. The rains come upon us almost every afternoon. So plan your day hike to be back inside the lodge with a cup of tea and good book by 4 p.m. Most climbers begin to feel the altitude at this level. After the rain clears, Horombo typically has beautiful sunsets and a night sky full of stars. Horombo Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)Day 05: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park / Horombo - Kibo Hut
Another long hike, this time up to Kibo Hut at almost 15,500’. Although somewhat shorter in distance, this usually takes 7 hours because it is steeper and the altitude slows everyone down. The route passes directly up onto the Saddle, a wide, flat area with the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi looming overhead. Views from here can be fantastic. The last part of the trail passes across the arid plateau before ascending to Kibo Hut. Kibo Hut is a stone hut with rooms that sleep 10-15 people in bunk beds. You will have a light dinner, and turn in early for any sleep if possible. The guides give a little pre-climb talk after dinner. Kibo Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)Day 06: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park / Ascent - Descent
We are awakened about midnight, and have tea and cookies. The guides try to get everyone ready to climb as quickly as possible, leaving between 1:00-1:30 a.m. Starting off, the trail swings back and forth up a steep scree slope and the climate is bitterly cold. The summit climb is an event you will not forget, with the night sky full of stars and only your breathing to help focus your mind. Most climbers arrive at Gillman's Point, elevation 18,635 feet, in time to enjoy sunrise around 6:30 a.m. The views from the top looking down on the plains of Africa make it all worthwhile. Some climbers decide that they have reached their goal and head down from here. For the strong, the true summit is Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet)-an additional 3 hours away round-trip. The descent from Gillman's Point is fairly rapid, taking about 2 hours. Most climbers take a short rest at Kibo Hut before descending to Horombo Hut for the night, arriving in the late afternoon. Horombo Hut (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)Day 07: Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park - Depart
A long 14-mile hike back to the Marangu gate and park's headquarters. After finishing your climb you will be taken to Kia Lodge where you will have the use of a room to freshen up before being taken to the airport to connect with your onwards flight. Kia Lodge dayroom use (Breakfast, Lunch)**NOTE: For a more aggressive itinerary, a 6-day option is available. Climbers who choose this option will continue on to Kibo Hut on Day 04, as opposed to staying an additional night at Horombo Hut. If interested, please ask your Adventure Consultant for more information & pricing.
