Arusha

Today you will be transferred to Arusha for overnight stay.

Arusha to Mandara

Meet your guide and after the formalities, start hiking from Marangu Gate (1800 m). The hike is 3 to 5 hours through a fascinating rain forest to Mandara Hut (2700 m). Blue and Black and White Colobus monkeys are sometimes seen. Look for a tiny flower called Impatiens kilimanjaris; endemic to Kilimanjaro. Picnic lunch en route, optional hike to Maundi Crater (45 min) or rest upon arrival at Mandara Hut. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut

Weather: warm and humid.

Wear: T-shirt, shorts and lighter shoes.

Water: Available the whole time from a river along the route.

Mandara to Horombo

After breakfast start hiking to Horombo Hut (3700 m). Leave the last glades of forest and follow the gently ascending path through the open alpine moorland. Today‟s hike takes 5 to 7 hours. Picnic lunch en route, the altitude begins to make itself felt, cautioning you to walk slowly. “Pole pole” (slowly slowly in Swahili) is the order of the day while enjoying the flora and panoramic views of Kibo massif. Giant Senecios stand guard along the path. Kibo and Mawenzi Peak can be seen on a clear day. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut

Weather: warm in the morning but cooler in the afternoon when clouds gather.

Clothing: Wear shorts, T-shirt and hiking boots. Carry a long sleeved shirt in the day path for the cool winds.

Water: fill water bottles at Mandara Hut. There is a stream half way to Horombo Hut.

Horombo to Kibo

Hike slowly (6 hours) to Kibo Hut, today leave moorland and enter the alpine desert past giant lobelia and traversing the saddle that buttresses Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Packed lunch along the way, afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut

Weather: It is cooler as the altitude has increased.

Long trousers and long sleeved shirt. Thin jacket or jumper in the day pack

Water: fill up bottles at Horombo Hut. 2 hours from Horombo Hut is the last water sign. The porters will bring water for tea and the hike in the early morning.

Kibo to Horombo

Start around 2 a.m., reaching Gillman‟s Point (5685 m) at sunrise. The path from Kibo to Gillman‟s is the most demanding 4 hours on the whole climb, zig-zagging slowly up steep scree. Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5896 m). Descend to Kibo and Horombo Hut with the total walk being between 10 and 15 hours. Meals and overnight at Horombo Hut

Weather: cold, effects of high altitude is felt.

Clothing: wear all of your layers of clothing.

Water: the porters carry extra water to Kibo. Ask them and they will fill your bottles.

Horombo to Moshi / Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, descend to Marangu Gate. It is easier to go down than up but today is a sustained descent of 5 hours with packed lunch on way down, transfer to either Arusha.

Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport

Today you will be transferred to JRO. End of tour.