Trek to the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s Tallest Mountain

At 19,314 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro has the highest summit on the African continent. But if you take it slow and steady, you can make it to the top. Along the way, you'll get a full view of Tanzania's windswept savannahs, and when you finally reach Uhuru Peak, you'll look down on a sea of clouds. On this 12-day, 11-night Mount Kilimanjaro trek from Odyssey Safaris, you'll have a fleet of expert guides, porters, and cooks at your side as you make the ascent. Click here to see the full itinerary.

Days 1–2: After departing from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) (other gateways are available by request for an additional fee), you'll touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. There, Odyssey Safaris staff will pick you up in a shuttle and take you to The African Tulip hotel. Feel free to explore the town of Arusha for the day or rest up in the hotel.

Day 3: A three-hour drive brings you into Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. For the first leg of the journey, your group will be accompanied by a game ranger, who'll act as a mediator and an advisor when you encounter wild buffalo, elephants, or escaped Smokey the Bears along the trail. Guides, porters, and cooks will join the expedition as it follows the Lemosho Route, a remote trail covered in lush vegetation. Throughout the excursion, each trekker will carry only a daypack filled with personal belongings.

Days 4–5: You'll gain nearly 2,000 feet in altitude on day 4, when the group goes beyond the rainforest level of the mountain. For this stretch of trail, you'll travel through the Shira Caldera, a volcanic cone and high desert plateau. The next day provides a chance to get acclimated to the altitude; that leg of the expedition has an elevation gain of only 214 feet.

Days 6–7: The highlight of day 6 is a trek beyond the Lava Tower. Afterward, you'll spend the night at Barranco campsite, which is situated above the clouds and has excellent panoramic views. On day 7, the group reaches heights of 13,452 feet in the Karanga Valley.

Days 8–9: Nearing the home stretch, four hours of slow and steep hiking precedes the final ascent to the summit. That evening, hikers awaken in the middle of the night and forge ahead to Stella Point, located about six hours away, just in time to catch the sunrise. If you wish, you can head up to Uhuru Peak, the tallest point on the African continent at 19,341 feet. After reaching the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro, the group will make its way back down through the rainforest.

Day 10: Travelers descend the mountain and head back to Arusha, where they spend their final night at the African Tulip Hotel.

Days 11–12: The group departs from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for the overnight return flight home.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.