Mount Kilimanjaro

As you board the plane to Kilimanjaro, your heart races with anticipation, knowing that this journey will be unlike any other. Upon arrival, your driver whisks you away to the enchanting Bristol Cottages Hotel in Moshi, your home base for the next two nights. Here, you can relax, unwind, and prepare yourself for the ultimate challenge that lies ahead. As you settle into your room, the thought of the climb ahead fills you with eagerness and enthusiasm. After a delicious meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed, you’re more than ready to take on whatever adventure awaits!

Mount Kilimanjaro

Meeting your Tusker Mountain Guides for the climb orientation and final equipment check is an exhilarating experience, full of excitement and anticipation. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your team leaders, your fellow climbers and share your thoughts about the climb. After the gear check, one of your guides takes you and the group for lunch in Moshi, a lively and bustling Tanzanian town of the north. Here, you can explore the colorful Moshi market at the base of Kilimanjaro, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and getting a true taste of the adventure that awaits!

Mount Kilimanjaro

Our journey begins with excitement at Londerossi on the western slopes, We enter the verdant Lemosho Glades in the montane forest, where vegetation riots and trees are king. As we trek through the dense we’re greeted by the majestic Hartlaub’s Turaco with its stunning purple plumage, and the barking of Colobus monkeys shouting from the upper branches. Our knowledgeable guides are experts on the local flora and fauna, and with Eddie and Amy Frank’s Field Guide to the Flora of Kilimanjaro we identify the many plant species. After four awe-inspiring hours, we arrive at Tusker camp, nestled deep in the rain-forest amidst the towering trees of Mti Mkubwa

Mount Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, we hit the trail, leaving the verdant rain-forest behind. Our path leads us upward, towards the Shira Plateau, a caldera formed by the collapse of one of Kilimanjaro’s original trio of peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. We break for lunch, then set out again, climbing along the steep ridge towards the caldera’s edge at 11,560-ft/3,534-m. As we trek through fields of heath and moorland, the landscape gradually opens up, offering breathtaking views of the caldera and our first view of Kibo Peak.

Mount Kilimanjaro

With our bellies full from breakfast, we strike out towards the northeast, venturing across the rugged expanse of the Shira Plateau. Our destination? Moir Camp – a hidden gem nestled at the end of a colossal gorge, flanked by the imposing presence of a giant lava flow that we’ll have the privilege of walking beneath. Before reaching our final stop, we take a well-deserved break for a hot lunch at Fisher Camp, halfway to Moir Camp.

Mount Kilimanjaro

With the dawn breaking, we set out on an uphill trek into the Alpine zone, towards the foreboding Lava Tower standing tall at 15,200-ft/4,633-m. As we reach the foot of the 320-ft/98-m tower, we take a well-deserved break for lunch, allowing our bodies to adjust to the altitude. Then the steep 2,000-ft/610-m steep descent down into the Barranco Canyon takes us through a unique habitat, where Giant Senecios tower over us, and solitary Lobelias mark the trail. Our camp lies at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, with climbers from all corners of the globe buzzing with excitement for the next morning’s climb up this monumental structure.

Mount Kilimanjaro

With the sun rising, we’re faced with our first major test: the imposing Barranco Wall. Our endurance and agility are tested as we climb this formidable obstacle. Throughout the day, we’re mesmerized by the majestic presence of Kibo Peak, towering over us like an indomitable guardian. Descending sharply into the Karanga Valley, we take a moment to catch our breath before launching into the final ascent to Karanga Camp, nestled at the foot of Kibo. As we settle in for the night, we savor the rush of adrenaline and the sense of accomplishment after overcoming yet another thrilling leg of this epic journey.

Mount Kilimanjaro

We push forward slowly towards Barafu High camp over the rocky terrain. The thin air takes forces us to take more breaks, but our spirits remain unbroken, knowing that the rewards that await us are well worth it. Barafu camp, aptly named “ice” in Swahili, is true to its frigid reputation. Nevertheless, an electric energy permeates the camp, fueled by the thrill of the climb and the imminent challenge of reaching the summit tomorrow. As the clouds dance around us, the awe-inspiring Mawenzi peak looms at our backs, bathed in the warm hues of the African sun.

Mount Kilimanjaro

With the adrenaline pumping through your veins, you start climbing Kilimanjaro before the sun rises. The steep and demanding ascent is no match for your determination as you reach the Crater rim by mid-day. The sight of Mawenzi Peak over your shoulder and the towering ice-walls of the crater ahead fuel your excitement. The ultimate prize is Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just an hour away. At the summit, you bask in the breathtaking views during this unforgettable moment. If you like, you can choose to descend into the Crater and camp for the night, just below the summit, or continue down to Barafu Camp.

Mount Kilimanjaro

The descent through the scree is exciting. We make our way down the steep mountain, feeling the rush of adrenaline with each step. After two hours of downhill navigation, we reach Barafu, where we refuel with a much-needed lunch break. But we’re not done yet. We continue on, finally arriving at the magnificent Millennium Camp. As we settle in for the night, you can’t help but feel a sense of adventure and awe. It’s our last night on Mount Kilimanjaro, and we relish in the moment, enjoying a deep and restful sleep before tomorrow’s final descent to the national park gate.

Mount Kilimanjaro

With a sense of accomplishment, you embark on the final leg of your climb. The downhill hike from Millennium Camp to the National Park Gate marks the end of your incredible journey. As you sign out, you revel in the memories of the challenging climb, the stunning views, and the camaraderie with your climbing team. A short ride back to the Bristol Cottages Hotel in Moshi awaits, where a well-deserved hot shower and a cold drink will refresh you. In the evening, you gather for a celebratory group dinner, reflecting on your extraordinary feat with pride and satisfaction.

Lake Manyara National Park

Embark on an exhilarating safari adventure through Tanzania’s premier National Parks, where an extraordinary encounter with Africa’s wild animals awaits your discovery! Stay at one of Tanzania’s iconic traditional wildlife lodges, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment, with spectacular views of the vast African plains.

Lake Manyara National Park

Embark on an exhilarating safari adventure through Tanzania’s premier National Parks, where an extraordinary encounter with Africa’s wild animals awaits your discovery! Stay at one of Tanzania’s iconic traditional wildlife lodges, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment, with spectacular views of the vast African plains. If you've opted to go on Safari, you will be picked up and transported to a different gate where you are you’re just a short flight from Africa’s astounding wildlife reserves – the Serengeti Plains, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Where you can ride your wave of euphoria and go exploring in the incredible wilderness of the African savannah. Or you can also hop on a short flight to the fascinating world of Zanzibar. Discover the ancient culture, relax on the world’s most beautiful palm-fringed beaches and snorkel the awe-inspiring coral reefs. Talk to one of our trip planners to learn more.

Dar es Salaam

Today your driver will arrive in plenty of time for you to catch your flight home. You will be picked up at the lodge and transported to the airport gate in plenty of time to check-in and catch your flight. If you've opted to go on Safari, you will be picked up and transported to a different gate where you are you’re just a short flight from Africa’s astounding wildlife reserves – the Serengeti Plains, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Where you can ride your wave of euphoria and go exploring in the incredible wilderness of the African savannah. Or you can also hop on a short flight to the fascinating world of Zanzibar. Discover the ancient culture, relax on the world’s most beautiful palm-fringed beaches and snorkel the awe-inspiring coral reefs. Talk to one of our trip planners to learn more.