Tour Highlights
7 days ascent of Kilimanjaro starting on the Eastern side of the national park. This side of the mountain is relatively dry and has a relatively short forest zone. It skirts the base of Mawenzi and the ascent is via Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. There is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. The descent is via the Marangu Route.
Day 01:Simba Camp
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to the eastern side of Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crews finalize packing while you enjoy lunch. After finishing with formalities, you start hiking from Nale Moru Gate through farm and pine plantations before arriving at Simba Camp surrounded by afromontane forest.
Day 02: Kikelewa Caves
In the morning you ascend to Second Cave (11,319ft, 3,450m) with views of the Eastern Ice fields before stopping for lunch. After eating, you leave main trail and head towards Mawenzi before arriving at Kikelewa Caves Campsite in a sheltered valley.
Day 03: Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Today you hike up to Mawenzi Tarn, located in a cirque beneath the Mawenzi Volcano. In the afternoon you head out for an acclimatization walk with your guide. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Day 04: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (Acclimatization Day)
Today is an acclimatization and rest day. Your guide takes you on a gentle exploration hike, which normally lasts for around 3-4 hours before returning back to Mawenzi Tarn Campsite.
Day 05: Kibo Hut
Today you cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo in the alpine desert zone. You will arrive at your basecamp, Kibo Hut, in time for lunch. In the afternoon it is time to prepare for the night ascent and then an early dinner before heading to bed for a few hours.
Day 06: Summit Bid / Horombo Huts
Rising early (normally before midnight) you start out from Kibo Hut towards the peak. At night time the scree sections are normally much firmer and the night time start enables the best chance of a clear summit attempt. It takes around 6 hours to reach Gilman’s Point and then a further 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (Alt 19,341ft, 5985m) the top of the highest free standing mountain in the world and the roof of Africa! You then descend the same route before a short stop at Kibo Hut for a refuel and rest. By the evening you descend back down to Horombo Huts for dinner and one last sleep.
Day 07: Arusha
The final descent takes you back through the heath zone and forest to Marangu Gate. After saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well-deserved shower!
Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Tambarare Safaris to congratulate you and answer any other questions you may have.
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