Kili Climb

Trek up Africa's highest mountain, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro

(Please note: this trek can only be booked as an add-on in conjuction with one of our overland trips)

Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa and the world's tallest free-standing mountain, rising 3 miles straight up out of the surrounding game-filled plains. Uhuru peak stands at 5895 metres (19,340ft). The mountain is actually a volcano with 3 cones - Kibo, the youngest and highest, Shira to the east and Mawenzi to t he west.

The name Kilimanjaro is derived from the Swahili 'kilmanjaro', meaning 'shining mountain'. Uhuru is the Swahili word for 'freedom.'

Climbs can be made at any time of year but are inadvisable between mid-March to May and in November due to potential heavy rainfall.

The most popular and least difficult trek to the top of the mountain is the Marangu route. No mountain climbing skills are needed, but you must have a good level of basic fitness and a strong will! The trek is tough and challenging mainly due to the high altitude that you will be walking at. The ascent is made at an easy pace to aid acclimatization.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1
Transfer from Arusha to Marangu gate ( 2hrs drive)
The trek starts from the Marangu gate. From here you have a 4-5 hrs hike to Mandara hut located at an altitude of 2700m.
Note: today's walk is primarily through forest woodland.
Day 2
Today's hike starts off in the forest before stepping out onto the lush open moorlands. You will get your first view of the KIBO peak today.
You have plenty of time to reach Horombo Hut situated at an altitude of 3720m. Approx. 5-7 hrs. walking for this 11km trek.
Day 3
Today is an acclimatization day in which you will be taking a hike up to the foothills of Mawenzi Peak. You return to Horombo Hut in the afternoon. Altitude of 3720m.
Day 4
A beautiful day hiking, with lots of superb views of the top. You start off in open moorland before quickly reaching the alpine desert which will take you all the way to Kibo Hut where you spend the night. Altitude of 4703m. Approx.5-6 hrs for this 13km trek.
Day 5
At midnight you are woken with a warm cup of tea and biscuits before starting your ascent to the summit. The aim is to reach the top in time to enjoy the sun rise. Once all the photos have been taken and you've enjoyed the experience of being 'on the roof of Africa' you descend for breakfast back to Kibo hut. From Kibo you continue the descent down to Mandara hut for dinner and over night.
Note: This is normally the day you sort out giving tips to your guides & porters. Trekking time today is about 10-12 hrs.
Day 6
Your last day with your guides & porters. An easy descent back through the forest to Marangu gate. At the gate you receive a certificate for your climb. We will then transfer will you back to your accommodation in Arusha for a long overdue shower with time to relax and celebrate your achievement.

We can also arrange a transfer to and from Nairobi if required and B&B accommodation in Arusha before and after the trip.

Note: Some companies offer a 5-day climb but we feel that our 6-day option gives you a much better chance of acclimatizing to the altitude and reaching the summit! (If you do want to try one of the other ascent routes please contact the office and we can arrange this for you.
We also offer a 6-day Machame climb at £1300 (approx US$ 1900.00)

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Mandara Hut:
A group of comfortable, basic wooden frame huts. The largest cabin has a downstairs dining area and upstairs dormitory with bunks and mattresses. The smaller huts sleep 8 each. Total capacity is 60 people. Water is piped in from springs above and flush toilets are behind the main cabin.

Horombo Hut:
The buildings are similar to Mandara, but the total capacity is 120 persons. Water is piped from the stream behind the huts. There are flush toilets within the complex of small huts.

Kibo Hut:
This blockhouse built of stone, has a small dining room and a number of dormitory rooms leading off a main corridor with bunk beds and mattresses for 60 people. There is no running water here so water is brought up from the last stream above Horombo Hut. There are platform toilets behind the hut.