Steps to the Roof of Africa

7 days—A breathtaking trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert to reach the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro an unforgettable journey.

$1872-3900 USD

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Safari summary

Embark on a life-changing journey along the Marangu Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s most classic paths. The trail begins in lush rainforest filled with wildlife and towering trees, then rises steadily through moorland landscapes and wide open valleys. As you ascend, the terrain changes dramatically into a high alpine desert where silence and starlight rule the night. With every step, the air grows thinner but the views grow wider.

Along the way, you’ll stay in mountain huts and form bonds with fellow trekkers and guides, sharing warm meals and stories under the African sky. The final push to Uhuru Peak begins in the stillness of midnight, where determination and heart carry you toward the summit. At the top, with glaciers at your side and the sunrise lighting the sky, you stand on the highest point in Africa filled with pride, wonder, and the joy of having achieved something truly unforgettable.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Photography safari—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Kilimanjaro

You start your climb through an ancient rainforest filled with birdsong and monkey calls. The trail winds gently under tall, mossy trees. As you reach a clearing, you catch your first clear view of Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak suddenly, the mountain feels real and close. You arrive at Mandara Hut surrounded by quiet forest, ready for the journey ahead.

Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

As you leave the rainforest behind, the world transforms. Rolling moorlands stretch before you, dotted with giant lobelias and strange plants unlike anything you've seen before. The air is thinner, cooler, and the landscape wide open. With each step, both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks grow more vivid. When you reach Horombo Hut, the sun begins to dip. You sit quietly, watching Kilimanjaro glow in golden light as clouds drift far below like you're no longer part of earth, but sky.

Horombo Hut

Acclimatization at Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

Today is unhurried, a day to breathe deeply and listen to your body. You climb slowly toward Zebra Rocks, where the black-and-white volcanic patterns look painted by nature itself. The trail is peaceful, offering wide views and time for reflection. Standing above the cloud line, feeling stronger than yesterday, you realize: you're not just walking up a mountain you're rising into yourself.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Kilimanjaro

The moorland fades behind you as you enter the high-altitude desert of the Saddle. The path feels endless, surrounded by silence, dust, and stone. It’s like walking on the surface of the moon. As the hours pass, Kibo Hut finally appears ahead, lonely at the base of the summit. That evening, as the sky turns indigo and stars appear one by one, you look up at the peak that now towers above you. The mountain feels close both beautiful and mighty and soon, it will test your heart.

Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Kilimanjaro

In the deep stillness of night, you begin the summit push. The cold bites, and your headlamp lights only your next few steps. Each breath is a challenge, each step an act of will. Hours later, the dark horizon brightens. At Gillman’s Point, the sun rises orange, gold, and wild and everything shifts. With one final effort, you reach Uhuru Peak. Africa lies beneath you, endless and shining. The wind howls, the glaciers sparkle, and joy overwhelms every ache.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Mandara Hut

Kilimanjaro

As you descend, the harsh alpine world softens into moorland again, and the oxygen-rich air lifts your spirits. Flowers return to the trail, and so does your laughter. Trees grow taller, birds reappear, and the warmth of the forest embraces you once more. Everything feels familiar but different. You've changed. You walk lighter now, with something powerful carried silently inside you.

Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate

Kilimanjaro

The final stretch leads through lush rainforest, alive with birdsong and morning mist. The trail is easier now, your steps steady and sure. When the gate finally appears, it brings more than just relief it brings pride. As your name is called and a certificate placed in your hands, you realize this was never just about the mountain. It was about discovering how far your spirit could go.

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