Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport - you will be collected by your driver guide and transfer to your accommodation. Check in at your choice of accommodation. You will meet your Kilimanjaro guide and receive a briefing on your coming climb. A great opportunity to ask any last minute questions and for you and your guide to double check your clothing and equipment
O/n Karama Lodge (D)
Morning departure to Momela gate together with your mountain guide and crew. Game drives en route through Arusha national park – continue up to Momela (top) gate where you get ready for the climb.
The first part of the trek is gradual and very rewarding as you begin to climb up through the almost magical forest with its old man’s beard (a kind of thick hanging moss), there’s an abundance of birdlife through this section and it’s great to have the shade of the thick canopy overhead, walking time is 3-4 hours to Mariakamba hut. Picnic lunch at the half way point which has some rewarding views of the low lying land - altitude is 2,514 meters.
Good opportunity to view Mount Kilimanjaro at sunset and keep a watch for Elephants as they tend to pass through this area in the late afternoon.
O/n Mariakamba Hut (B, L, D)
Rise for sunrise about 6.15 am then after breakfast, with picnic lunch boxes, proceed slowly leaving the tall forest behind as you break into low alpine scrub, the track follows small paths up along ridges with great views to the valley floor down below, take lunch at half way point. Walking time is 2-4 hours. Altitude is 3570mts. After a short rest continue up to little Meru and enjoy the views over to Kili.
O/n Saddle hut (B, L, D)
Proceed with your guide as you begin your slow climb to Mt Meru summit - this will take 5.5 hours - altitude is 4566mts. 06.15am is usual time for sun rise so if all goes well you can have 20mins before sun rise and breath in the amazing views as you watch another day begin.
In your own time descend back down to Saddle hut, have a well earned breakfast and relax. Continue down to Mariakamba hut to relax and freshen up.
O/n Mariakamba Hut (B, L, D)
After breakfast, continue to make your way down to Momela gate, the long route through the forest is a very rewarding walk this will take 4-5 hrs at a leisurely pace all downhill.
Champagne lunch at the gate and celebrations with your crew – then board the safari vehicle and return to Arusha for well deserved showers and relaxation.
O/n Karama Lodge (B, L, D)
After a good night sleep and a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departing flight. (B)
Note: O/N = Overnight, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
