Arrive Kilimanjaroat : On arrival transfer to Moshi by road – a journey approximately 1 hour. After your long journey, the day is free to relax at the Keys Hotel, which has its own gardens and swimming pool or take a stroll around Moshi, a building market town situated at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaoro.

Free Day, Moshi. The snow – capped summit of the mountain is usually free of cloud in the early morning and can be easily viewed from the town and its surrounds. In the afternoon you can optional excursion through forests, farmlands, and visiting a beautiful waterfall (Payble locally). In the evening we meet with the local trek guide for a briefing on the climb and to check through equipment and clothing. You will overnight at Umbwe Cultural tourism farm for near view the mountain and hear the sound of African bush.

Start Kilimanjaro Climb. After a short drive, we arrive at the trailhead at an altitude of 1650m on the lush forested lower slopes of the mountain. After meeting the rest of the trek team, which includes the assistant guide, cook and porters, we set off on an easy trail through forest and farmland. The lower slopes of Kilimanjaro receive ample rainfall and are very fertile and though much of the area is given over to coffee plantations, a great range of crops can be grown here. Most of the villages behind, we enter the rainforest, which is home to many beautiful birds and animals. The heat will slow us down but by walking quietly, we have good chances of spotting black and white colobus monkeys and we will undoubtedly hear the raucous call of the hornbill. Climbing slowly and steadily, we ascend the ridge between thee Umbwe and Lonzo Rivers, a steep but very beautiful route in places we use tree roots to assist as hand holds. The dense rainforest starts to lighten up as we reach the clearing at Umbwe cave camp (3000m), where the tens are pitched amongst the lichen-covered trees. (5 –6 hours walking, 1400m of ascent)

Umbwe Cave camp to Baranco Hut. We continue the climb up the ridge, which in places narrows to give a steep drop to the side, so not suitable for those with vertigo. As the forest thins, we emerge onto the giant heather zone. During today’s walk, we have a short 10m scramble on rock, wit tree roots for support at one point – most trekkers find this straightforward. The trail continues up the ridge and becomes wider and easier as we approach the campsite near the Baranco hut. (3950m 4 – 5 hours walking with 950m of ascent).

Baranco Hut to Karanga Valley Camp. The day starts with the hour-long climb up the formidable looking Baranco Wall, which like many such trails looks worse from a distance. The path is well – trod and though there are some exposed sections, which require extra care, your guides will be there to assist. The trail then undulates towards the southeast before dropping steeply to the Karanga Valley at 4,00m for lunch. Karanga Valley to Barafu. An undulating route goes from the Karanga Valley to the junction of the Mweka route. From here there is a final pull up to the Barafu hut – Barafu means ‘Ice in Swahili. Located at 4,600m, we are in fact still below the snow line, but there is little vegetation at this altitude. Bird life too is scarce though we may encounter the white – necked raven, hearing its echoing croak as it wheels about scavenging for food. The tents are pitched among rocky outcrops for shlter, from where magnificent views of the summit of Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi eak to the east are ample reward for the day’s efforts. (650m of ascent, 6 – 7 hours walking)

Ascend Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka. Today is the longest and most challenging day of the climb. We set off from Barafu Hut at 1.00am and using head torches climb the steep scree slope to Stella Point, on the crater rim at 5,700m. This is a long, hard slog but pacing ourselves and taking it slowly may reward us rewarded by the most amazing sunrise, as we reach the rim. From here, it is another hour to hour and a half along the rim to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s 5895m summit, we start the descent back down the scree to the camp, where breakfast and a two – hour rest await. All too soon we must continue the walk, crossing the heather moorland to descend to Mweka. (1295m of ascent, 12 – 15 hours walking).

Descend to base and return to Moshi. If your legs are still in working order, this can be a wonderful walk out through the montane forest, with superb scenery, plenty of birds and the occasional glimpse of a black and white colubus monkey. Reaching the gate, we are met with drinks and a picnic lunch, to celebrate the end of the climb. From here it is a short drive back to the hotel in Moshi, where a welcome shower and the luxury of a bed await.

Moshi town tour and overnight at Keys hotel

Arusha national park game drive

Transfer to airport