Itinerary

Days 1-2  Depart U.S. / Arrive Arusha

Depart the U.S. for Amsterdam and connect with your flight to Kilimanjaro, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to your lodge located in the hills just outside of Arusha, set in a stunning location with magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Overnight: Arusha Lodge
    
    
Day 3  Arusha National Park

After breakfast this morning, you will head to nearby Arusha National Park, a hidden gem in Northern Tanzania and one of the only places in Africa where you are likely to see the rare black & white colobus monkey.

Take this day to ease into your surroundings and stretch your legs on a scenic acclimatization hike before your trek begins tomorrow.

All meals included
Overnight: Arusha Lodge
    
    
Day 4  Begin Kilimanjaro Trek

The trek commences at a small gate above Umbwe Village and stretches along a gentle 4 x 4 track until a signboard announces a small steeply rising trail called “Umbwe.” Continue ascending through the dense forest of rubber trees and giant fig trees, scrambling up steep sections of roots and rock until you arrive at a forested campsite with some caves nearby.

A hot dinner awaits in your mess tent.

All meals included
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp (9,500 feet)
          
Day 5  Kilimanjaro Trek
          

The ridgeline forms steeply on this day, and on either side of the trail, the ground drops away steeply. At some point the forest and the clouds will part to give you a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak, seemingly “overhead”.

Eventually you reach camp set in a stunning valley. There are numerous tiny waterfalls around camp, fed by streams coming down the Great Barranco Valley.

Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst an eerie landscape of groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia.

All meals included
Overnight: Barranco Camp (12,800 feet)
    
    
Day 6  Kilimanjaro Trek

Today begins with a scramble up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’. We then traverse up and down the slopes of valleys, which have carved their way into the mountain’s southern face.

Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peak of Mawenzi appears just over the southern slope of Kibo. We stop in the Karanga Valley at the end of this day.

All meals included
Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,000 feet)

Day 7  Kilimanjaro Trek

As we begin this morning the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Our cooks will help you eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.

All meals included
Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,090 feet)
    
    
Day 8  Summit Day

You’re awoken before midnight to begin your trek after a hot cup of tea, reaching Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet) by daybreak.

Descend the steep Mweka Route to Barafu Camp for lunch, and then descend to Mweka Camp nestled in thick heather.

All meals included
Overnight: Mweka Camp (11,000 feet)
          
    
Days 9-10  Kilimanjaro Trek - Home
               

Complete your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you will be met and transferred back to your hotel for a much-welcomed shower and some merry convalescence.

You will be transferred to the airport this evening. Those who are continuing on safari will overnight in Arusha and begin their next adventure in the morning!


Breakfast, lunch included
Day Room: Arusha Lodge
Flight:Overnight to Amsterdam, connecting flight to US

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