Kimasafaris | Ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro

Ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, the “roof of Africa” towers majestically over the Masai plain.. It is part of a volcanic chain that runs along the East African Rift Valley system. With an altitude of 5'895 m, it represents the highest mountain in Africa and accommodates a variety of habitats. In the lower regions, Kilimanjaro is covered by lush rainforest, the home of colourful birds and countless monkeys. With increasing altitude, this jungle turns into a moor landscape with heaths and Senecio plants, followed by a barren and bizarre "moonscape", reaching up to the eternal ice. The mountain’s snow-white summit collar shines far above.

Five routes lead to the Kilimanjaro summit. They differ in length, steepness, difficulty, infrastructure, and scenery. The route should suit you. Basically, an ascent to Kilimanjaro is comparable to a challenging mountain hike in the Alps and therefore feasible for average hikers. The critical aspect when climbing Kilimanjaro is the mountain’s mere height.

With a professional organization of the trip and experienced tour guides, we do everything we can to arrange successful Kilimanjaro trekking tours for you.

In preparation, or even as an alternative, to the much-acclaimed Kilimanjaro, we recommend climbing the less known, but extremely scenic little brother of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru (4'562m).

An ascent to Kilimanjaro takes, on average, approx. six to seven days, depending on the route. Your itinerary for the tour could be the following:

+ Day 1

Arrival at Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to the Fortune Mountain Lodge in Marangu at the foot of Kilimanjaro and at an altitude of approximately 1'500m.

+ Day 2

Acclimatisation and preparation for the Kilimanjaro climb. Your guide will drop by the lodge to discuss all the important points with you and discuss the itinerary.

+ Day 3

Early in the morning, you will be picked up by a car and driven to the nearby Marangu Park entrance, where you will have to register. From there, your hike initially leads past coffee fields and then through a dense rainforest. In the upper area of the rainforest, before reaching the first hut, you will probably be able to see monkeys practising artistic gymnastics in the trees.

+ Day 4

The path will continue through much lighter forest until you reach the tree line and start of the raised bog. Once out of the woods, you will set eyes on your goal, Kibo peak, for the first time. It is the highest of the three volcanic peaks of Kilimanjaro.

+ Day 5

Treat yourself to a one-day break and get used to the airy heights. You can spend the day relaxing at the cabin, or take a trip to Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape and the views of Kibo and Mawenzi will inspire and motive you.

+ Day 6

At a leisurely pace, you will continue uphill and then cross the moon- or desert-like landscape on the saddle between the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo Hut is located at the foot of Kibo Crater Wall. Here you can rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

+ Day 7

The ascent to the summit starts very early in the morning (just after midnight). This is the most difficult part of the hike, both physically and mentally. The wind and the cold at this altitude and at this time of day can be very challenging. You will be hiking for a few hours in the dark, while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (5,670 meters above sea level) on the crater rim, you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise. Finally, after another hour or two, you will reach Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the African continent. Celebrate the view of the wide Masai plains before descending to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, you will be enjoying your last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.

+ Day 8

On your last day, take a long hike through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters in Marangu, you will receive your summit certificates. Congratulations! A vehicle will pick you up and drive you back to the nearby lodge.