Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha

Arusha - Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, guests will be warmly greeted by their dedicated driver-guide or company representative. They will assist with luggage and provide a brief orientation before comfortably transferring guests to their hotel in Arusha, the gateway city to many of Tanzania’s renowned national parks and trekking routes. During the transfer, the guide will be available to answer any initial questions about the upcoming itinerary, local customs, or the surrounding landscape.

Upon arrival at the accommodation, guests will check in and have the rest of the day at leisure. It is recommended to rest and acclimate after the international flight, allowing the body to adjust to the local time zone and environment. If the flight arrives early and time permits, an optional Arusha city tour can be arranged, offering the opportunity to explore the cultural and historical highlights of this vibrant town.

Arusha to Marangu Gate – Trek to Mandara Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - After an early breakfast at the hotel in Arusha, guests will meet their mountain guide and be transferred by road (approximately 2.5–3 hours) to Marangu Gate (1,870 m), the official starting point of the Marangu Route in Kilimanjaro National Park. The drive passes through scenic landscapes, including coffee and banana plantations and traditional Chagga villages. Upon arrival, guests will complete the park registration and receive a pre-climb briefing from the guide. The trek begins through the lush Montane Forest, a habitat for various wildlife including monkeys and exotic bird species. After approximately 4–5 hours of hiking, guests will arrive at Mandara Hut (2,740 m), located in a forest clearing. The afternoon may be spent resting or taking a short optional walk to Maundi Crater for panoramic views, weather permitting.

Trek Details:
• Starting Elevation: 1,870 m (6,135 ft)
• Ending Elevation: 2,740 m (9,000 ft)
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast at Mandara Hut, guests will resume their ascent with a steady climb into the moorland zone, characterized by giant heather, rolling hills, and occasional groundsel trees unique to the region. As altitude is gained, the forest thins out, revealing expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The trail offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and as guests approach Horombo Hut (3,700 m), they will begin to experience the surreal sensation of being above the clouds, with views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks on clear days. This section of the trek takes approximately 6–8 hours, with opportunities to pause and acclimate along the way. Upon arrival at the hut, guests will settle in for a well-earned rest.

Trek Details:
• Starting Elevation: 2,700 m (9,000 ft)
• Ending Elevation: 3,700 m (12,100 ft)
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Heath / Moorland

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the trek continues with a gradual ascent into the alpine desert zone, crossing the expansive and barren landscape known as the Saddle, which lies between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain transitions to loose scree and rocky paths, offering a dramatic and otherworldly high-altitude experience. This stretch of the trail, though less steep, can be physically demanding due to the increasing altitude. After approximately 6–8 hours of hiking, guests will arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m), located at the base of Kibo’s crater wall. The afternoon is reserved for rest, hydration, and final preparations for the summit attempt. A very early dinner will be served, followed by an early bedtime, as the summit climb begins around midnight.

Details
• Elevation: 12,100 ft. / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft. / 4,700 m
• Distance: 10 km
• Time: 6-8 hours
• Vegetation: Alpine Desert

Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - The summit ascent begins shortly after midnight under the light of headlamps. The trail climbs steeply over loose volcanic scree, with well-graded switchbacks aiding the gradual ascent. This is the most challenging section of the trek, both physically and mentally, due to the high altitude and cold conditions. After approximately 5–6 hours, guests will reach Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim, just in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Africa. After a short rest, guests may proceed along the crater rim for about 1.5 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Following time at the summit, guests will begin their descent back to Kibo Hut, where a brief rest and refreshments await. They will then continue the descent to Horombo Hut (3,700 m), where they will spend the night.

Details
• Elevation: 15,400 ft. / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft. / 5,895 m; 19,300 ft. / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft. / 3,700 m
• Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down
• Time: 10-15 hours

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha

Mount Kilimanjaro - After an early breakfast, guests will begin their final descent on Mount Kilimanjaro, retracing their steps through the heath and moorland to Mandara Hut, where a short rest may be taken. From there, the trail continues through the lush montane forest, offering a final opportunity to enjoy the rich flora and occasional sightings of wildlife. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate (1,700 m), guests will complete park check-out formalities and receive a certificate of achievement for their successful climb. They will then be transferred by vehicle back to Arusha, where they can relax and reflect on their incredible journey.

Details
• Elevation: 12,100 ft. / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft. / 1,700 m
• Distance: 18km
• Time: 5-7 hours

• Park fees
• All Taxes/VAT
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• A professional driver/guide
• All Transportation

• International Flights
• Tips
• Visa
• Accomodation before & after safari
• Domestic Flight
• Personal items

At Explore Green Africa Safaris, the focus is on providing more than just a trip—it’s about delivering a truly immersive and responsible travel experience. What sets these tours apart is a strong dedication to authenticity, sustainability, and personalized service. With knowledgeable local guides, eco-friendly practices, and thoughtfully crafted itineraries, every guest is ensured a meaningful connection with Tanzania’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

Unlike typical tour packages, these experiences are crafted to balance adventure with comfort, offering top-notch accommodations, exceptional safety standards, and rich cultural interactions. From the breathtaking peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the lively streets of Arusha, the tours go beyond the usual tourist routes to uncover the essence of East Africa.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.