Day 1, Moshi town:

Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you will be greeted by our warm, friendly guide(s). After the long international flight, you will be transferred to a nearby hotel to rest and relax. During the day, on your way to the nearby hotel from the KIA hotel, you may get the chance to view the mountain showing itself for some time before being shrouded in clouds. Overnight in the hotel, and notice the sounds and smells of Moshi town all around you.

Overnight: Lodge in Moshi Meal: Breakfast

Day 2: Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour (recommended for acclimatization)

After breakfast, you will meet your guides for a briefing and a gear check. From around 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, we will depart from your lodge to Materuni Village. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush landscapes and local villages on the way to Materuni Waterfall. Upon arrival in Materuni Village, you will meet your local guide and receive a brief introduction to Chagga culture. This tour is highly recommended before your Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, as the village is situated at about 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level. This elevation helps your body begin adjusting to higher altitudes and allows for mental preparation, relaxation, and stress relief before tackling Kilimanjaro, which reaches 5,895 meters.

Activities

After the nature walk to the waterfall and lunch, you will proceed with the coffee tour and experience. Here, you will learn the complete process of traditional coffee-making, from bean to cup. You will have the chance to participate in coffee de-pulping, roasting, and grinding using traditional tools like the mortar and pestle. You can also enjoy a fresh cup of locally brewed organic coffee. Later, you will begin your drive back, arriving in Moshi by 4:30 PM.

Overnight: Lodge in Moshi Meal: Breakfast

Day 3: Hotel – Mandara Hut (2700m)

Leave from your hotel after breakfast and drive to Marangu Gate to meet your guides and porters. After paper working, you will start your climb walking to the rain forest to Mandara Hut. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly to save energy for the next day. On the way you will enjoy the view of the White and black colobus monkeys, and birds. Hiking time is 3-4 hours and sometimes less or more depending on your steps.

Day 4: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (3700m)

After breakfast, leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path up the Moorland to Horombo Hut. Hiking time is 5-7 hours. Also on the way, you will observe some plant species like endemic plants such as Impatiens Kilimanjaro while enjoying the polepole pace.

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Ascending, across the Alpine Desert, pass the “Last Water Point at 4,130 m,” and then proceed walking on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, before arriving at Kibo Hut. On the way, you will enjoy the landscapes, and you are free to take some pictures for future remembrance. Hiking time is 5-6 hours.

Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5895m) then Kibo Hut – Horombo Hut (3700m)

A long, hard day! Leaving at 00:00 am or earlier for the summit on steep and heavy screes up to Gilman’s Point at 5685m/18,466’. Before reaching Gilman’s point, you will see Hans Meyer’s curve, where you will rest for a few minutes before carrying on. Also, at Gilman’s Point, you will take a rest and enjoy the views at the crater rim before ascending to Uhuru Peak. You will reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 7 a.m. up to 8:00 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, we have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. The hiking time is 6-7 hours. Then, take some photos of the sunrise view and pictures on the board signs.

After that, you descend, going straight down to Kibo Hut for lunch and then carrying on to Horombo Hut for overnight. It is a long descent, and trekking poles are recommended. Then we say congratulations; you have made it to the Roof of Africa!

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Moshi

Our last hike of 5-6 hours is a descent to the trailhead at Marangu Gate. At the gate, you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch and listen to different local songs from the crew. The trip leaders will take you back to your hotel for a much-welcome hot shower and a celebration dinner.

Overnight: Lodge Moshi Meal: Breakfast

Departure:

For those returning home, you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight either on the same day evening or the next day depending on your flight schedule. Those continuing on safari will be picked up at your hotel for the continuation of your unforgettable Tanzania tour.