Day 1: Arrive in Moshi/Arusha
Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Pick up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Your guide will give you a briefing and ensure that you have all the gear required for the climb. If you are missing essential equipment it can be rented in Moshi.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Altitude: (2700m/8860 ft) Walking Distance: 8kms/5miles (4-5 hours)
After breakfast and a short tour briefing from the guide, we will depart to Marangu gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (it is a 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate). Upon registering with park authorities, our climb will officially commence with a four-hour walk to the Mandara encampment. We will pass through a thick rainforest zone, where there is a high chance of rain in the afternoon. We will spend the night at Mandara Hut (2,750m). Rooms in the huts are on quad sharing and bathrooms are available with running water.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Altitude: (3700 m/12140 ft) Walking Distance: 12 km/7.2 miles (5-7 hours)
Today we will continue our ascent through the forest for a short time, before reaching the heather and moorland zone at roughly 3,000m (approximately a six-hour walk). Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. We will spend the night at Horombo Hut (3,720m), which lies in a valley surrounded by giant lobelia and groundsel, flora which are characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Altitude: (4700 m/15420 ft) Walking Distance: 9.5 km/5.7 miles (5-7 hours)
Our trek continues past the final watering point, and ascends onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro, between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation thins out as we enter the desert-like alpine zone (approximately 4,000m) and, once we cross the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. We will reach Kibo hut around 1pm and the rest of the day will be given to rest and refuel before the summit push. Your guide will wake you at 11pm so you can get your gear ready and prepare for the summit push which will start at midnight.
Day 5: Uhuru Peak
Altitude: (5895 m/19340 ft) Walking Distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles ascent + 15 km/9.5 miles descent (10-16 hours)
Shortly after midnight, we will commence our climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, since it is easier to climb the scree slope to Gillman's Point (5,861m) on the crater rim when it is frozen and an early start for the six-hour hike improves our chances of reaching the summit in time for sunrise. From Gilman's Point, it is a further two-hour round trip along the crater's edge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From the summit, it is downhill all the way to Horombo Hut where we will spend our last night on the mountain.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi
Altitude: (3700 m/12140 ft) Walking Distance: 20 kms/12 miles (5-7 hours)
Today's descent continues past the Mandara encampment to the bottom of the mountain, where each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. You will enjoy a farewell dinner with your guides.
Day 7: Moshi to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart on a 2 hour drive to Tarangire National Park, which is also known as 'the elephant park'. The landscape of the park is made up of seasonal marshes and a seemingly endless tree savanna with its mighty Baobab trees. You will be able to observe the herds of buffalo and wildebeests as they come to drink. After a full morning of wildlife watching you will stop for a midday break and lunch at a picnic spot. Your comprehensive tour will then continue into the afternoon, eventually arriving at Twiga campsite outside the park for your overnight stay for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Moshi
An early morning drive to the lush upland crater. The goal is the world famous Ngorongoro Crater. Due to its impressive size and the large density of mammals it is often called the eighth wonder of the world. The massive caldera is home to elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, various antelopes and gazelles, hippopotami and hyena. There is also the great chance of spotting leopards, lions and the endangered black rhinoceros. After lunch in the crater and further wildlife watching you will leave the crater and be taken back to Moshi.
Day 9: Moshi to Zanzibar
Arrive in Zanzibar. Our driver will be waiting at either the airport or ferry dock to transfer you to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing in Stonetown.
Overnight at: Tembo House
Day 10: Stone Town Spice
Enjoy an early breakfast before taking a privately guided tour of Stonetown that includes the traditional spice markets, the old fort and the slave museum. After lunch make the 45min drive to the northern coast of the Island.
Overnight at Amaan Bungalows
Day 11: White Sands of Mnemba
Start with a half day boat ride with lunch and snorkeling to the small island of Mnemba, famous for its white sands, clear waters and colorful tropical fish. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach or at the pool.
Overnight at Amaan Bungalows
Day 12: Depart Zanzibar
We will come to pick you and transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
