Expedition to Kilimanjaro | 7-day program

Explore Active warmly welcomes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with a representative who will escort you to your designated hotel or one of your choosing. The hotel offers luxurious amenities, including comfortable rooms with hot water, a friendly staff, a swimming pool, and internet access, ensuring a comfortable stay before embarking on your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

-> Before the climb, a pre-climb briefing and equipment check will be conducted to ensure that you have everything you need and are properly prepared. Our highly experienced guides will accompany you every step of the way on the Rongai route to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

-> If you have some time to spare, it is recommended to explore the surrounding areas and acclimate to the altitude before starting the climb. Our local guides and representatives will be more than happy to suggest activities and sights to see in the area and assist with any additional arrangements, making your arrival day a memorable one.

In the morning, a guide and a mountain support team will meet you at the hotel for a brief orientation. Afterwards, you will be driven to Rongai Gate, the northern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, which stands at an elevation of 2,364 meters. The team will take care of obtaining the necessary climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service. The journey up the mountain will then begin with a moderate hike through the beautiful rainforest on Kilimanjaro's northern slope to Simba Camp, which is located at 2,671 meters. It is important to maintain a slow and steady pace during the hike. Upon arrival at the camp, the mountain crew will set up your tent and prepare dinner for you.

To avoid altitude sickness, it is important to follow these guidelines:

-> Drink at least 4 liters of bottled water daily, sipping frequently

-> Take a Diamox pill in the morning to reduce altitude sickness symptoms. Consult your doctor before the trip if you have any allergies.

The group will start their day with a filling breakfast at Simba Camp and then head out on their second high-altitude trek, destination Kikelelwa Camp (3,600 m). This camp offers a stunning view of Kibo Volcano, weather permitting. To ensure enough time to rest before reaching the base camp for the summit, the group will skip the Second Cave Camp and only make a quick stop there for lunch. Then, they'll continue their journey to Kikelelwa for dinner and an overnight stay. Upon arrival, it is suggested to get a proper rest for the next day's excursion. On the fourth day, the group will spend the whole day at Mawenzi Turn Hut, where they will eat, acclimate, and rest to prepare for the journey to the base camp.

Climbing the steep, grassy slopes is a rewarding experience as it provides stunning panoramas of the northern Kenyan plains. As you near Mawenzi Tarn, which is situated in a picturesque cirque at 4,315m beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi, you will leave the vegetation behind. Take some time to rest or explore the surrounding area and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the mountain in the afternoon. This 4-5 hour hike comes complete with full-service camping.

On this day, you will be spending your second night at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, surrounded by the beauty of Kilimanjaro Mountain. You will start your day with a well-deserved rest, waking up a little later than usual. After freshening up with water, you will enjoy a satisfying breakfast. Your guide will then visit you to check in and provide a brief overview of the acclimatization plan for the day.

-> You will embark on a short, manageable walk, including a climb up the lower heights of Mawenzi Peak, where you will be able to admire the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the stunning landscapes that surround it, including a clear blue sky and gorgeous clouds.

-> After the walk, you will return to camp for a delicious lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing. The usual routine, including dinner and a brief discussion with your guide about the schedule for the next day's journey to the base camp, will continue as planned. This day will provide you with an opportunity to take a break, refresh, and recharge for the upcoming challenges on your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Rise and shine! Our day begins with a satisfying breakfast, taking in the refreshing air of Mawenzi Turn Hut. We will then snap a group picture before getting ready to move to a new camping site. Our journey will lead us across the barren "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo, finally reaching the Kibo campsite (4,720m) situated near the base of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. The rest of the day will be dedicated to rest and preparation for the final ascent. The anticipated walking time is 5-6 hours.

On the sixth day of our climb, it's time to tackle the summit. You'll be roused from your slumber at midnight, and we'll embark on a nocturnal hike to reach the peak in time for daylight. Remember to dress appropriately in layers as it will be chilly, but as the day progresses, you'll need to shed some clothes.

-> The first part of the climb entails a steep and winding path over rocky terrain, and we will maintain a slow but steady pace to reach the summit. As we get closer to the crater rim, the sun will rise and present you with one of the world's most stunning sunrises.

-> From Gilman's Point, it's approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak, which stands at an altitude of 5,895 meters. The final stretch is more manageable, with a milder gradient and easier terrain.

-> Reaching the summit will make all the effort worthwhile. Today will be a long and demanding day, but it could also be the best day of your life. After reaching the summit, we'll descend to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.

On the seventh day of our ascent, we will conclude our climb by leaving Horombo for the Marangu Park Gate. After a short drive, we will arrive at the hotel where we can indulge in a well-deserved hot shower and a celebratory evening meal to mark the completion of our adventure on the mountain.

To Marangu Gate: 19Km - 6hrs

Dear esteemed client, we hope your Kilimanjaro experience has been truly extraordinary. As the 9th day marks the end of your itinerary, it is with a heavy heart that we must bid you farewell. If you are eager to continue your African journey, Explore Active would be honored to plan a Safari trip or a day excursion for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you wish to prolong your stay with us.