Travel Day: Depart U.S.A. Depending on flight times and connections, travel to Arusha, Tanzania typically takes over 24 hours from the U.S. Most people either fly from London through Nairobi with a connecting flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Please make sure your arrival in Tanzania coordinates with the first day of the program.

Day Two: Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by your RMI Guide and transferred in our private vehicle to the enchanting Dik Dik Hotel near the town of Arusha. Overnight at the Dik Dik Hotel. (D)

Day Three: Following the morning team orientation meeting, we spend most of the day organizing and packing all of our gear. We will have some time in the afternoon to relax by the pool and recover from our long flights. Overnight at the Dik Dik Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day Four: Our day begins with a beautiful drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. The starting point of our trek is at the Machame Gate (5,900’) where we enter the Park. After registering with the Park Rangers, we begin hiking through the dense forest to the Machame Camp (9,800’), where we spend the first night. Hiking time is approximately 5 – 6 hours. (B, L, D)

Day Five: We continue ascending, headed towards the Shira Plateau at 12,000 feet. After leaving the forest and traveling through the “Giant Heather” zone, we set up camp on a bench overlooking the majestic Great Rift Valley and if the weather is clear enjoy spectacular views of the summit of Kilimanjaro. Hiking time is approximately 4 – 6 hours. (B, L, D)

Day Six: Our day begins with a traverse of the mountain, taking us underneath the Arrow Glacier and Western Breach Wall. We walk among the giant lobelias and groundsels, vegetation that unique to the high altitudes of East Africa. Our camp is set at the base of the great Barranco Wall, a steep canyon emerging from Kilimanjaro’s southern side (12,800’). Hiking time is approximately 5 – 6 hours. (B, L, D)

Day Seven: An early departure after breakfast allows us magnificent views as we traverse beneath the Southern Breech Wall. Our traverse takes place at elevations between 13,000 and 14,500 feet. Our camp is situated on the edge of the Karanga Valley nestled below the glaciers of Kilimanjaro. Hiking time is approximately 4 – 5 hours. (B, L, D)

Day Eight: The vegetation gradually disappears as we work our way towards high camp. We establish camp at approximately 15,000 feet near the Barafu hut. After an early dinner and a team meeting to discuss our summit attempt, we retire to our tents in preparation for our summit bid. Hiking time is approximately 4 – 5 hours. (B, L, D)

Day Nine: Summit Day on Kilimanjaro! Today we ascend to the Roof of Africa at 19,340 feet! We will get an early alpine start, planning to arrive at the crater rim by sunrise. We continue hiking along the crater rim, and in one more hour find ourselves standing on the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak. After a short summit celebration and photo session, we start the descent back to high camp. We will pack our camp and continue descending to Mweka Camp, which is located down in the lush forests at 10,000 feet. Hiking time is approximately 12 – 14 hours. (B, L, D)

Day Ten: After a much needed night’s rest the team continues the descent down through the forest, finishing our trek at the Mweka Gate. After we load up the gear, our bus takes us back to the Dik Dik Hotel to rest and celebrate. Hiking time is approximately 3 – 4 hours. (B, L, D)

Day Eleven: The day is spent enjoying the hotel grounds and relaxing by the pool. After an early dinner, we are transferred to the airport for our evening flights. (B, L, D)

Key: B, L, D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.