Day 1: Moshi, Tanzania

Arrive at a time that best suits you.

Once in Moshi, make your way to the accommodation. Attend a pre-departure meeting to discuss any last-minute itinerary details with the local guide.

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge (or similar)

Day 2: Moshi – Mandara Huts, Tanzania

Trek up the lower, forested slopes to reach the Mandara Escarpment.

On most days, the hikes start early in the morning and last five to six hours. In order to give the body time to adjust to the altitude fluctuations, the guides will go at a slow pace. The phrase “pole pole” (po-ly, po-ly), which translates to “go slowly” in Swahili, will be repeated over and over by guides. Once at the gate, the will take 4 hours to reach the Mandara Hut (2743m, 8999 feet). Since the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro are considered to be in a rainforest, afternoon rain is expected while hiking beneath the thick foliage. While hiking into the lower ground, take in the scenery and try to locate some of the area’s unique fauna. The Mandra Hut features flushable toilets, running water, and bunk beds for sleeping.

Accommodation: Mandara Huts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Hike from Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts
Route: Moshi – Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts
Distance: 8 km
Time: 4 – 5 hours

Day 3: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts, Tanzania

Trek to Horombo Hut via the heather and moorlands. Ascend farther into the upper rainforest zone to 3000 meters (9842 feet), where you will find the moorland zone. Plants in this zone can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall, such as the enormous groundsel and lobelia. Savor the view of the vegetation and ravines found in the semi-alpine zone. After arriving at Horombo Hut (3720 meters, 12205 feet), relax.

Accommodation: Horombo Huts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Hike from Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
Route: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
Distance: 11 km
Time: 6 – 8 hours

Day 4: Horombo – Kibo Huts, Tanzania

Continue through an alpine desert area and up the Kilimanjaro Saddle to Kibo Hut. Step onto the alpine desert after beginning your leisurely hike across the heathland. Hike slowly today to give yourself time to acclimate due to the altitude increase, but be aware of any symptoms of altitude sickness. After ascending to the saddle of Mount Kilimanjaro, which lies between the peaks of Mwenzi and Kibo, you may enjoy a breathtaking view of Kibo. At Kibo Hut (15430 feet, 4703 meters), spend the night sleeping and getting ready for the next walk to the summit.

Accommodation: Kibo Huts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Hike from Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts
Route: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts
Distance: 10 km
Time: 6 – 8 hours

Day 5: Kibo Huts – Horombo Huts, Tanzania

Hike through the night to the top via Stella Point. After taking in the breathtaking sunrise from Africa’s roof, return to Horombo Hut. Get up shortly after midnight to begin your ascent to the top. It is recommended to complete the climb before daylight because Gillman’s Point (5861 meters, 19229 feet) on the crater rim is simpler to reach when the scree slope is frozen. The early start is worthwhile because of the sunrise vista from the summit. Proceed to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, from Gilman’s Point.

After a successful ascent, pause for a moment to appreciate the scenery and toast to a job well done. Then, begin the descent to Horombo Huts Camp. Spend a well-earned sleep on your final night on the mountain.

Accommodation: Horombo Huts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Hike from Kibo Huts – Horombo Huts
Route: Kibo Huts – Horombo Huts
Distance: 6 km, 16 km
Time: 6 – 8 hours, 4 – 5 hours

Day 6: Horombo Huts – Moshi, Tanzania

As you make your way to Moshi, descend the mountain and pass through plantations and settlements on the slopes. Join the mamas of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative for a climbing ceremony.

Travel to Moshi via shuttle bus. It’s time to unwind, have a shower, and toast with a beverage to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, cheers! The mamas of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative will greet and congratulate you on your climb before dinner. They’ll give you a certificate and a gift to acknowledge all of your hard work on the mountain.

You can choose to pay for the Moshi Mamas Massage in advance by adding it to your cart, or you can get help from your travel agency.

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Hike from Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate, Moshi Women’s Cooperative Visit
Optional Highlight: Moshi Mamas Massage (30min)
Route: Horombo Huts – Moshi
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5 – 6 hours

Day 7: Moshi – Stone Town, Tanzania

Take a plane to the stunning island of Zanzibar, then make your way to the hotel. Take a guided introductory walk in Stone Town’s historic district, and then choose to go on an extended walking tour or explore on your own.

After your transfer, take a quick yet breathtaking flight to this island paradise. Make sure you get to Stone Town in time for the orientation tour and lunch. You will visit the Old Slave Market, House of Wonders, and Palace Museum if you decide to take a lengthier tour of Stone Town; admission to these attractions is optional and must be paid for on-site.

Accommodation: Spice Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Stone Town Orientation Walk
Optional Highlight: Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market (5 USD), Sultan’s Palace Museum (3 USD), House of Wonders (5 USD), Stone Town Walking Tour (20-40 USD)
Route: Moshi – Stone Town (By Air)
Distance: 440 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours

Day 8: Beach day in Zanzibar, Tanzania

A guided tour of a nearby spice plantation is available. Proceed to the stunning coast of Zanzibar, which boasts white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Take a guided tour to delight your senses and discover the many applications of a variety of spices, including cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla, and lemongrass. The famed slave trade that began in Zanzibar in the 1840s was sparked by the spice plantations.

Accommodation: Spice Island Hotel and Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Spice Plantation Guided Tour
Route: Stone Town – Jambiani
Distance: 60 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours

Day 9 – 10: Beach day in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Spend your leisure time exploring the island, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach.

Accommodation: Spice Island Hotel and Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Highlight: Scuba Diving (65 USD), Swahili Cultural Tour (70-200 USD), Snorkeling (35-60 USD), Jozani Forest Tour (35-150USD)

Day 11: Stone Town, Tanzania

Group transfer from the beach in the morning. When you arrive in the late morning you will leave Stone Town.

You should schedule your subsequent travel no earlier than 2:30 pm.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: Jambiani – Stone Town
Distance: 60 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.