Day 1

Arrive Arusha -Tanzania

Arrive in Arusha through Kilimanjaro International airport and be transferred to a Legendary Lodge. It is set in lush tropical gardens on a coffee farm just outside Arusha. It features twelve beautiful garden cottages, designed with a unique blend of African arts and crafts, combined with old, colonial-style luxury. You will be checked in your room. You’ll be pleased to relax at your veranda or main house as you take in views of the farm. Later, you will be treated to a welcome dinner where you will be briefed by our head guide about how your trip will unfold.

Day 2

Begin Trek (7,000′-9,500)

After breakfast, take a short drive to the edge of Kilimanjaro’s montane forests, where trekking begins. The trail winds up through mossy jungle where colobus monkeys dangle from branches. Hike alongside local naturalists and learn about the plants and animals that inhabit this ecosystem. Your camp will be set up when we arrive, with refreshments ready for you in the dining tent. (Altitude: 7,000′-9,500′, 3-6 hours hiking)

Day 3

Shira Plateau (11,300)

Begin the day with morning tea and hot water as delivered to your tent by your guides. After breakfast, continue the hike through the forest before crossing into the sub-alpine hagenia zone. Take your time, taking in the spectacular scenery while adapting to the altitude. (Altitude: 11,300′, 6-8 hours hiking)

Day 4

Moir Camp (13,100)

After breakfast, trek across the Shira Plateau, where you will find an ancient volcanic crater, and then follow the trail up the western slope of the Kibo crater rim. Here in the upper heather zone, the snowy summit looms above your camp, glowing in the late-afternoon light. (Altitude: 13,100′, 4-6 hours hiking)

Day 5

Lava Tower (14,300)

After breakfast, resume the trek along the crater rim, hiking slowly into the alpine zone, where rocks and scree harbor only the hardiest lichens and grasses. Camp at the base of Lava Tower, a volcanic plug that juts 300 feet into the air. (Altitude: 14,300′, 5-7 hours hiking)

Day 6

Arrow Glacier (15,700)

Today hike to the foot of the Western Breach and make a camp near Arrow Glacier at 15,700 feet. Then relax at camp and take in extraordinary views of the sunset high above the clouds. (Altitude: 15,700′, 2-3 hours hiking)

Day 7

Crater Camp (18,500)

Take on one of the most challenging parts of the trek; the Western Breach, a steep wall of rock that rises to the lip of the crater. Inside the inner crater, venture to the edge of the ash pit and explore the magnificent glacier and its natural ice sculptures. Then move to our camp, set high on the crater floor. (Altitude: 18,500′, 7-10 hours hiking)

Day 8

Summit: Uhuru Peak (10,500)

Rise with the sun and head for the summit, climbing 1,000 feet and arriving by 9:00 a.m. From our lofty perch 19,340 feet above Africa, take in the extraordinary views of sky and surrounding peaks. You’ll savor the moment, and then descend steeply via the Mweka Route. Stop for a lunch break at Barafu to allow your body’s batteries to recharge, before continuing to our camp where a well-earned feast awaits you. (Summit: Altitude: 19,340′, 1-2 hours hiking. Descent: 10,500′, 8-10 hours hiking)

Day 9

Transfer to Arusha

Hike into the rain forest and down to the Mweka Gate, a rapid descent of 4,500 feet. Drive back to Arusha for a celebratory dinner at Legendary Lodge and overnight.

Day 10

Transfer to the Airport and Depart

Have a relaxed breakfast, visit the nearby coffee plantations and return to the lodge for lunch. Depending on your departure schedules, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check in.

You can extend this trip by going on a 5 days Safari to Tarangire and Serengeti or add on Uganda Mountain gorilla experience.