Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your preference and budget, accommodation options include Outpost Lodge (Budget), Arusha Planet Lodge (Midrange), or Arusha Coffee Lodge (Luxury).
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing, exploring Arusha town, or attending a detailed pre-climb briefing with your guide.
Overnight: Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m)

After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate, where registration and park formalities are completed. Your trek begins through dense rainforest, alive with birds, blue monkeys, and towering trees.
The 8 km hike takes approximately 4–5 hours, following a well-maintained trail with gentle gradients. You arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon, where you can rest or take a short walk to the Maundi Crater for scenic views.
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Today’s trek transitions from rainforest to heath and moorland, opening up dramatic views of Mawenzi Peak and the massive slopes of Kibo. The trail becomes more open, dotted with giant lobelias and groundsels.
You will cover 12 km in about 6–8 hours, arriving at Horombo Hut, the largest hut complex on the mountain.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

This vital acclimatization day significantly improves summit success. You may take a short hike toward Zebra Rocks or the lower slopes of Mawenzi, then return to Horombo Hut to rest.
Enjoy panoramic mountain views while your body adjusts to the altitude.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4,700m)

The trail today crosses the vast “Saddle”, a stark alpine desert stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Vegetation becomes sparse as you approach the higher altitudes.
The 10 km hike takes approximately 6–8 hours, leading to Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. After dinner, you rest early to prepare for the night ascent.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Summit day begins around midnight. You ascend slowly in the cold night air toward Gilman’s Point (5,685m), reaching it after 5–6 hours. From here, the final push along the crater rim brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your achievement as the sun rises over the continent, then begin the long descent back to Horombo Hut, covering approximately 15 km.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha

Your final descent takes you back through moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate, a journey of about 20 km (5–7 hours). After signing out, you will receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificates before being transferred back to Arusha.
Relax and celebrate your successful climb at your chosen lodge.
Overnight: Arusha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Arusha depending on your flight schedule. You will then be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey home, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro achievement.
Meal Plan: Breakfast