Climbing Kilimanjaro

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an African Big Cats Safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access.

In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

After breakfast, you'll be driven to Marangu Gate (1,860 m / 6,102 ft). After completing registration and meeting your porters, the trek begins through the lush montane rainforest.

The trail is wide and well-maintained, passing through a canopy of beautiful trees draped with old man's beard moss. Look out for Colobus monkeys and blue monkeys! Arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700 m / 8,858 ft) - your first taste of hut accommodation on Kilimanjaro.

Today you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The landscape transforms dramatically as you climb through heather and giant lobelias. On clear days, you'll get your first spectacular views of Kibo Peak!

Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 m / 12,205 ft), the largest hut complex on the mountain. This comfortable camp has stunning views and is a great place to acclimatize.

The landscape becomes increasingly lunar as you cross the Saddle - the high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Vegetation becomes sparse, and the views are otherworldly.

Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) in the early afternoon. Rest well, hydrate, eat a hearty dinner, and try to sleep early. Your guides will brief you on the summit attempt, which begins around midnight.

The big day! You'll wake around midnight and begin the final ascent under a sky full of stars. The climb is challenging - steep switchbacks up scree slopes - but your guides will set a steady pace, encouraging you every step of the way.

First, you'll reach Gilman's Point (5,681 m / 18,638 ft) on the crater rim as the sun rises - an unforgettable moment! Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) - the Roof of Africa! You made it!

After celebrating and taking photos, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved sleep.

Final descent day! You'll walk back through the moorland and rainforest, enjoying the lush scenery with new appreciation after the barren alpine desert. Keep an eye out for monkeys and birds!

At Marangu Gate, receive your well-deserved summit certificates and say goodbye to your amazing mountain crew. Transfer back to your hotel to celebrate with a hot shower and celebratory meal!

Rest and recover at the hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax by the pool. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, or extend your stay for a safari adventure!