Kilimanjaro Corporate Challenge

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a member of the LHO team will greet you and transfer you to the hotel in our private shuttle. Your LHO Team Leader will be waiting at the hotel to meet you. After settling in, we’ll conduct a gear check to ensure you’re fully prepared for the climb.

If you arrive early, feel free to explore the lively town of Moshi at the base of Kilimanjaro. Coffee and pie lovers can check out the Union Coffee Shop, with more recommendations to come from your Team Leader closer to your trip.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a team briefing and dinner at a local restaurant or hotel, depending on what suits the group. This is your first chance to meet fellow participants, your lead local guides, and ask any questions about the journey ahead.

Distance: 7.5 KM | Ascent: 817 M | Descent: 11 M | Max Altitude: 2,734 M

Our first day on the trail begins after breakfast and hotel checkout. We’ll take a private shuttle to the Marangu gate, about an hour’s drive away, where we’ll complete the check-in process. This can take around one hour, and during this time, we’ll serve a hot lunch at the gate.

The first part of the trail leads us through the lush rainforest, with opportunities to spot wildlife like monkeys. The terrain fluctuates between steeper inclines and gentler ascents. Your LHO team will help you find a comfortable pace and get into the rhythm of the climb. We aim to reach Mandara Hut (2,734 meters) around sunset, where a delicious dinner will be served.

For many, this may be their first time staying in mountain lodges. Don’t worry! We’ll provide a brief induction on lodge etiquette, bathroom locations, and where to find tea, coffee, and hot water for washing.

Distance: 11.7 KM | Ascent: 1041 M | Descent: 39 M | Max Altitude: 3,700 M

On Day 2, we start early, aiming to leave the rainforest and enter the short grass zone. The morning can feel overwhelming as we pack up, have breakfast, perform health checks, and head out for the first time. But don’t worry—you’ll adjust quickly, and your LHO Team Leader will be there to guide you.

As we hike, the landscape transitions from jungle to alpine as we ascend to 3,700 meters. The vegetation shrinks, and the views open up, revealing the summit crater and Mawenzi Peak. The trail changes from muddy to drier soil, with open vistas replacing the dense rainforest.

We’ll stop for a hot lunch at the halfway point in a designated picnic area with tables, benches, and fixed toilets. After lunch, we’ll continue our gradual ascent to Horombo Hut (3,700 meters), arriving in the mid-afternoon. The evening offers stunning sunset views before dinner.

Distance: 12.3 KM | Ascent: 895 M | Descent: 895 M | Max Altitude: 4,350 M

Day 3 is an acclimatization day, crucial for helping our bodies adjust to higher altitudes. After a late breakfast, we’ll begin our hike toward Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak. Along the way, we’ll pass Zebra Rock, a striking formation with black and white stripes.

While most expeditions stop at Zebra Rock, we’ve found that this mild altitude gain doesn’t offer sufficient acclimatization. Instead, we choose to hike all the way to Mawenzi Hut (4,350 meters), the base camp for Mawenzi Peak. This route offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak and better supports our acclimatization process.

Lunch will be served at Mawenzi Hut, after which we’ll descend back to Horombo Hut for an afternoon of rest and recovery. This approach ensures our bodies have the time they need to adjust to the altitude and better prepares us for the summit.

Distance: 7.9 KM | Ascent: 460 M | Descent: 282 KM | Max Altitude: 4,700 M

After breakfast, we begin our hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland and alpine desert. We’ll pass the Maua River, a small mountain stream that seems out of place in this dry section of the mountain. The river is surrounded by Dendrosenecio Kilimanjaro trees, which are unique to Kilimanjaro.

As we continue, the terrain flattens, and the vegetation begins to fade. Ahead, we’ll see the Kibo crater, the highest crater on Kilimanjaro, where Uhuru Peak stands. With each passing hour, the towering cone of Kibo draws closer. We’ll be flanked by two smaller peaks on either side as we cross the saddle, the section of trail between the peaks.

We’ll stop for a hot lunch at a designated picnic area on the saddle before heading east toward Kibo Hut (4,700 meters), the base camp for our summit attempt. This is our final stop before the ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Distance: 3.2 KM | Ascent: 450 M | Descent: 450 M | Max Altitude: 5,000 M

Most expeditions push for the summit the night they arrive at Kibo Hut, but we’ve found that this doesn’t allow enough time for proper acclimatization, which could be unsafe. To address this, we’ve built an extra day into our itinerary for recovery, rest, and acclimatization.

This isn’t just a rest day. We’ll take a short trek up to William’s Point at 5,000 meters, which gives us an extra opportunity to acclimatize before returning to Kibo Hut for lunch. The afternoon will be dedicated to rest and relaxation.

At lunchtime, we’ll hold a summit briefing to discuss the details of the upcoming climb and answer any questions. We’ll also enjoy an early dinner to ensure we’re well-rested before the wake-up call at midnight to begin our summit ascent.

Distance: 19.2 KM | Ascent: 1196 M | Descent: 2200 M | Max Altitude: 5,895 M

We typically begin walking between midnight and 1 am, depending on the group’s pace. Before starting, we’ll have snacks, biscuits, and hot tea to fuel up.

The trail begins with moderate inclines toward William’s Point. As we get closer to the crater rim, the trail becomes rockier with larger boulders. The toughest section is the final 100 meters to Gilman’s Point, requiring focus as we navigate over rocks. Reaching Gilman’s is a relief, as the trail flattens and the summit comes into view. The halfway point between Gilman’s and the summit is Stella Point, where all routes merge. From Stella Point, it’s a relatively easy 40-minute ascent to Uhuru Peak, with glaciers flanking us and stunning views of the plains below.

After photos and a brief celebration, we descend to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch. We then continue down to Horombo Camp for a well-earned rest and the best sleep of your life.

Distance: 19.2 KM | Ascent: 42 M | Descent: 1838 M | Max Altitude: 3,720 M

The last morning is always bittersweet. While we look forward to showers and reflecting on the journey, it’s hard to say goodbye to the people who made it possible. But there’s still one more day of trekking ahead!

Before leaving Horombo, our LHO Team will host a farewell party. Our porters, guides, chefs, and staff will give a memorable send-off, and this will be the last time you’ll see the full team. Your LHO Team Leader will guide you through the tipping process privately.

After a team photo, we’ll trek down to Mandara Hut for lunch and then continue through the rainforest to the gate. At the gate, our teams will quickly complete check-out procedures. Shortly after, we’ll head back to the hotel for a well-deserved shower.

Our journey ends with a celebratory team dinner hosted by your LHO Team Leader and guides.

The final day is dedicated to airport transfers. Breakfast is included at our hotel. Team members will be shuttled to the airport depending on flight times. Please be sure to communicate the correct flight times when you fill out your Team Details Form prior to this experience. Please make sure to communicate any changes to your LHO Team Leader as early as possible to ensure that arrangements are made.