Kilimanjaro (5,895 m)

We arrive at Kilimanjaro airport, where we are met by our African friends. We arrange visas and make our way through the queues until we get out into the warmth of Africa. After a couple of hours on the bus, we arrive at the pleasant hotel in Moshi. Here we can gather strength for the big day tomorrow! If time allows, we can take a trip into Moshi.

We will ascend via the Rongai route, which approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. This route sees slightly fewer trekkers than many of the others and offers a beautiful and varied natural landscape along the way. After breakfast we drive to Rongai Gate (approx. 3-4 hours) for registration and lunch. Today's stage goes to Simba Camp, which is located at 2,670 m above sea level. The route starts on small paths through jungle and rain forest. When we get up to camp, we get a fantastic view of Kilimanjaro and over the plains below Kilimanjaro.

As the sun peeks into your tent, a warm cup of tea or coffee greets you before we kickstart the day with breakfast. Today's stage brings a delightful change in scenery, with shifting vegetation as we ascend Kilimanjaro. Soon, a breathtaking view of Kibo and the crater rim unfolds before us. We'll continue our steady ascent until we reach the camp. It's a perfect time to unwind, and for those feeling energetic, a post-lunch stroll in the area is encouraged to aid in acclimatization.

Today offers a bit more tranquility. After breakfast, we start on a somewhat steep climb along narrow paths. The once tall, dense vegetation begins to change. Upon reaching the camp, we're greeted with a breathtaking vista of the crater and the glaciers adorning the eastern slopes of the summit. The air gets thinner, the trails narrower, and tonight, we'll rest at the Kikelewa Caves camp, perched at around 3600 meters above sea level.

Once more, our day begins with the indulgence of tea and coffee right in our cozy tents – a luxurious ritual by now. After a hearty breakfast, we set off, ascending grassy slopes as the vegetation gradually thins out. Today's leg is a bit steeper than the past two, but the distance isn't too great. To acclimate effectively to the altitude, we constantly remind each other to maintain a leisurely pace and stay well-hydrated during our journey. Tonight, we find ourselves at the most picturesque camp on the route: Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled at 4,300 meters. Here, we enjoy another delightful dinner in our communal mess tent. Before supper, we embark on a brief acclimatization jaunt towards Mount Mawenzi. On clear days, we're treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro throughout our journey.

Now, a lunar-like landscape unfolds before us as we traverse the saddle between Mawenzi Camp and Kibo, situated at an impressive 4,700 meters above sea level. Our journey brings us to Kibo Camp, where we promptly set up our tents. Although we're ascending in altitude today, we maintain a steady, unhurried pace, and the terrain proves to be quite manageable. Kibo Camp boasts a truly awe-inspiring location, nestled at the base of the crater wall on Kibo itself. Here, we make the most of our time, catching up on some much-needed rest, gathering our strength, and preparing for the upcoming peak attempt – all while indulging in another delectable dinner prepared by our talented chef!

This is the lengthiest and most strenuous leg of our entire journey. We kick off in the dead of night, and it can be quite chilly with a sky that may be adorned with stars and basked in moonlight. It adds an extra layer of excitement for most of us as we steadily ascend. Gradually, the day begins to break, and we pause at Gilman's Point (5,700 meters) to savor the enchanting sunrise painting the jagged Mawenzi mountain range. The sun infuses us with newfound energy, and from Gilman's Point, it's just about a two-hour hike to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) – the crowning summit of Kilimanjaro. Along the way, we pass Stella Point, the glacier, and the icy formations that still dominate a significant portion of the summit plateau. It's an indescribable feeling to arrive at the sign marking the apex of Africa! At Uhuru Peak, the cameras come out, and we quickly forget all the strenuous effort! Following our summit celebration, we embark on the descent, which involves a considerable amount of downhill trekking until we reach Kibo (4,700 meters). Here, we take a break and enjoy a hearty lunch before covering the final stretch of about a mile to the Horombo Camp Site (3,720 meters), where we spend the night and rejuvenate after an exhausting yet incredible day!

As we bid farewell to the magnificent mountain, we descend through the lush rainforest, making our way to the Marangu Gate (1,860 meters). Here, a well-deserved cold beverage awaits! Those who have conquered the summit receive a prestigious diploma, marking their remarkable achievement. It's also the moment to bid a fond farewell to our dedicated porters and guides, who've been with us every step of the way. We're whisked back to the hotel, where a refreshing shower, a relaxing dip in the pool, and a delectable dinner await, bringing our incredible mountain journey to a satisfying close!

After our final breakfast, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our journey home—taking with us unforgettable memories from the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. But if you're not quite ready to leave Tanzania, why not extend the adventure with a thrilling wildlife safari, a relaxing escape to the tropical island of Zanzibar—or both?

After an early breakfast, we venture onward to Tarangire, where the next two days promise an unforgettable safari experience. Get ready to be enthralled by the incredible wildlife that surrounds us. Nestled in this tranquil wilderness, we'll spend our nights at an intimate camp that exudes the enchanting charm of a "Karen Blixen" story This hidden gem offers splendid river vistas, gourmet cuisine, and luxury tents that will leave you in awe. With a limited number of fellow travelers, our local friends, and a multitude of four-legged companions, you'll relish mouthwatering meals and safari adventures before the sun sets. We set off with open-roof, 4-wheel-drive vehicles, and delve into a captivating world, where the wildlife remains blissfully unperturbed by our presence.

Spend a full day immersed in Tarangire, indulging in an extensive safari that includes a hearty packed lunch enjoyed en route. From morning to evening, we traverse the park, with high hopes of encountering a wide array of wildlife. While Tarangire is renowned for its majestic Baobab trees and vast elephant herds, it's also home to a variety of big cats, antelopes, and graceful giraffes. As the sun sets, a delightful dinner conjured by our skilled chef awaits, accompanied by a breathtaking view of the river, creating a truly unique ambiance. As night falls, we relish the African wilderness, coming together around the campfire to savor the day's remarkable impressions.

After breakfast, we have time for even more safari and again we have a packed lunch which we enjoy on the road. After the safari, we continue to the airport for the return flight the same evening. If flights leave at night or early the next morning, we will spend an extra night at a hotel in Moshi.

Many people want to extend their stay on safari and/or end with a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Contact us for proposals and prices.